Texas Sexual Assault & Abuse Attorneys
Relentlessly Pursuing Justice for Sex Abuse Survivors in The Lone Star State
Our compassionate lawyers understand the immense pain, trauma, and courage it takes for survivors of sexual assault and abuse to come forward and seek justice. That’s why our Texas attorneys are here to support you throughout each step of the legal process. At Matthews & Associates, we have nationwide experience advocating for victims of sexual assault and abuse.
Our dedicated team is committed to protecting your rights by ensuring liable parties are held accountable for their unforgivable actions, allowing you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. With over 25 years of experience in mass tort and personal injury lawsuits, including high-profile cases involving Boy Scouts of America and clergy abuse, clients trust our nationally acclaimed firm to prioritize their unique needs and advocate for maximum compensation.
If you were harmed by sexual assault or abuse, call (888) 923-7001 to schedule a confidential consultation with our Texas sexual assault & abuse lawyer.
Types of Sexual Abuse Lawsuits We Handle
Common sex abuse cases we handle include:
Regardless of age, sexual assault and abuse can inflict lifelong hardships on survivors
and their loved ones. That’s where our experienced advocates come in. Matthews &
Associates has decades of national experience protecting the rights of sexual abuse victims.
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Child Sex Abuse
Our determined advocates represent clients after child sex abuse. We fight for compensation on behalf of victims and their loved ones harmed by various institutions, such as The Roman Catholic Church, Baptist churches, Mormon churches, Jehovah’s Witnesses, public and private schools, public and private hospitals, daycare facilities, and group home institutions.
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Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits
Our assertive attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights against rideshare companies and employees. We work with victims of Uber sexual misconduct, including sexual battery and assault, to hold liable parties accountable for violations.
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Clergy Abuse
Our attorneys represent victims of clergy sexual misconduct, including survivors in high-profile cases against The Roman Catholic Church, Southern Baptist Convention, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other religious institutions.
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Boy Scouts of America
Our lawyers represent survivors who were sexually abused in Boy Scouts of America. Our longstanding commitment to holding organizations accountable for concealing sex abuse complaints, covering up abuse, and enabling predators makes us well-equipped to prioritize your legal needs throughout the legal intricacies of your case.
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Sexual HarassmentOur experienced team advocates for the rights of men and women who were sexually harassed in the workplace, school, and other settings
Take Action – Call Our Team Today!
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David P. Matthews Attorney"When the judge read the verdict in Martha Salazar’s case ($73 Million), and we learned the jury ordered [the medical device maker] to pay Martha, (we) knew they believed every word she said. We realized they knew the defendant was truly guilty."
Assistant Editor
What is Considered Sexual Assault & Abuse?
Sexual assault and abuse encompass a wide range of non-consensual sexual acts or behaviors. Under Texas law, these actions are both criminal offenses and grounds for civil liability.
Sexual abuse may include:
- Any unwanted sexual contact or touching
- Sexual acts performed without consent
- Abuse involving coercion, manipulation, or threats
- Sexual activity with minors, regardless of consent
- Exploitation by authority figures such as teachers, coaches, clergy, or employers
Consent must be freely given, informed, and voluntary. When force, intimidation, incapacity, or manipulation is involved, consent cannot legally exist.
Civil lawsuits for sexual abuse differ from criminal cases. While criminal prosecutions aim to punish offenders, civil claims allow survivors to seek financial compensation and hold responsible parties accountable for the harm they caused.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse can be crucial, especially for parents, caregivers, and loved ones. While each survivor may respond differently, common indicators include:
Emotional & Behavioral Signs
- Sudden withdrawal or depression
- Anxiety, fearfulness, or panic attacks
- Changes in mood or personality
- Avoidance of certain people or places
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Physical Signs
- Unexplained injuries or bruising
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Signs in Children
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge
- Regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
- Nightmares or fear of being alone
- Sudden academic or behavioral issues
If you suspect abuse, it is critical to act promptly and seek both medical and legal support.
Who is Liable?
In many sexual abuse cases, liability extends beyond the individual perpetrator. A knowledgeable Texas sexual abuse lawyer can identify all responsible parties, which may include:
The Abuser
The individual who committed the abuse is directly liable for their actions and may face both criminal and civil consequences.
Employers & Institutions
Organizations may be held accountable if they:
- Failed to conduct proper background checks
- Ignored prior complaints or warning signs
- Failed to supervise employees adequately
- Attempted to cover up misconduct
Property Owners
In some cases, property owners may be liable if unsafe conditions contributed to the incident, such as inadequate security.
Third Parties
Other individuals or entities who enabled or facilitated the abuse may also share liability.
Holding all responsible parties accountable is essential for securing full compensation and preventing future harm.
Compensation in Sexual Abuse Claims
Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to significant compensation through a civil claim. Damages may include:
- Medical and therapy expenses
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme misconduct)
At Matthews & Associates, we work closely with survivors to evaluate the full extent of their damages and pursue maximum compensation.
We're Ready to Fight For You!
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“Matthews & Associates is one of a kind.”
Matthews & Associates is one of a kind. They treat you with respect. They support you when needed. Plus they have locations in Texas and California with wonderful customer service. Bilingual service is always available.- Sorangel T. -
“Very informative and professional.”
- Lydia C.Very informative and professional. Answer thoroughly all my questions and concerns.
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“Very professional from the beginning”
- Jeffrey E.Very professional from the beginning. always answered questions and had amazing follow through on insuring data submitted was accurate
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“They are so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable.”
I love these guys! They are so helpful, kind, knowledgeable, smart, and good with people. They answer all your questions and if they don't know the answer, it doesn't take them long to get you the answer! I wouldn't want anyone else to handle my suit. They are AWESOME!- Genie S. -
“Always available & answers questions promptly.”
I've been working with Matthews & Associates for 2 years. I am impressed that the firm is always available and answers questions promptly. I am very satisfied with the services they provide and would recommend them.- Kweli Y. -
“Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case.”
- Ron S.Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. They were always polite when they were talking to me. Very professional and polite.
Sexual Abuse FAQs
How long do I have to file a sexual abuse claim in Texas?
Texas has specific statutes of limitations that vary depending on the circumstances of the case, including the survivor’s age and the nature of the abuse. In many cases involving minors, the deadline is extended. It is best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I file a claim if the abuse happened years ago?
Yes. Texas law allows certain survivors to file claims years after the abuse occurred, especially in cases involving childhood sexual abuse. Legal options may still be available even if significant time has passed.
Will my identity remain confidential?
In many cases, courts allow survivors to proceed anonymously or take steps to protect their identity. Your attorney can explain the options available to maintain your privacy.
Do I need evidence to file a claim?
While evidence strengthens a case, you do not need to have everything before speaking with a lawyer. Testimony, witness statements, and other forms of documentation can help build your case over time.
What if the abuser was never charged criminally?
You can still pursue a civil claim even if no criminal charges were filed or if the abuser was acquitted. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases.
Contact Our Sexual Assault & Abuse Lawyer in Texas Today
Sadly, many survivors of sexual abuse go on to carry immense burdens, such as shame, grief, guilt, and secrecy, through no fault of their own. At Matthews & Associates, we believe no one deserves to bear the weight of such atrocities. That's why our firm is committed to seeking justice for survivors and their loved ones after the unimaginable pain of sexual assault and abuse.
If you were harmed by sexual assault or abuse, our firm can assist with:
- Sound legal counsel: Our team offers honest guidance and compassionate counsel to survivors of sexual assault and abuse, guiding their steps with care and integrity throughout each step of the legal proceedings to support their personal goals and protect their rights.
- Investigation and evidence: Establishing liability in sexual abuse cases can be challenging, as many large and powerful entities seek to evade such serious allegations to save face and preserve favorable reputations. Our firm can fight to hold institutions accountable by putting our clients’ needs first, gathering compelling evidence to pursue justice, and exposing the true colors of sex abuse perpetrators.
- Pursuing maximum compensation: Our Texas lawyers are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of survivors. We can aggressively pursue maximum compensation for physical, emotional, and financial damages resulting from sexual assault or abuse, such as medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Confidentiality and privacy: Our team understands the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and the importance of maintaining our clients’ privacy. Our trusted advocates can handle all personal information with the utmost confidentiality to ensure your personal details remain secure throughout the legal process.
If you were harmed by sexual abuse, we can fight to ensure your voice is heard. Contact us online to discuss your case with our Texas sexual assault & abuse attorney.
Offices in California & Texas
PROVIDING LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND GUIDANCE NATIONWIDE
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