Sexual Assault Attorney: Class Action Lawsuits & Civil Claims
Updated: 2 days ago
Sexual assault is a traumatic and life-altering experience, but when it happens within the
walls of trusted institutions—such as universities, religious organizations, sports
associations, or other institutions—the betrayal cuts even deeper. Institutions that are
meant to protect individuals often prioritize their reputation over the safety and well-being
of survivors. That is where a sexual assault class action lawsuit can make all the difference: uniting survivors under one legal claim to hold powerful institutions accountable.
This failure to act, to protect, or to address allegations of sexual misconduct can have
devastating consequences, not only for the individuals directly impacted but for
countless others who remain vulnerable.
At The G Law Group, we understand the courage it takes to come forward and seek
justice. We are committed to holding powerful institutions accountable through class
action lawsuits, giving survivors a platform to enact systemic change and secure
compensation for the harm they’ve endured.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit allows multiple survivors of sexual assault to pursue a single legal action against the responsible institution or individual. These lawsuits are especially powerful when systemic negligence, misconduct, or deliberate cover-ups are involved. Under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.220, a class action may be certified when the group shares common legal questions, the claims are typical of the class, and a collective action is the most effective means of securing justice.
Rather than filing separate claims, survivors unite to strengthen their case and expose
the institution’s failure to protect its members. Class actions also serve a broader
purpose: they shine a light on institutional wrongdoing and push for long overdue reforms.
Florida Law: Pursuing Civil Claims for Sexual Assault
Florida law recognises that survivors of sexual assault have the right to pursue civil claims independently of, or alongside, any criminal proceedings. Civil liability may fall on the individual perpetrator, the institution that employed them, or both.
Institutional Liability
Under Florida’s negligence framework, institutions may be held liable when they knew or should have known about misconduct and failed to act. This includes negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and negligent retention of staff who pose a danger to others.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for civil sexual assault claims in Florida varies by circumstance. Under Florida Statutes §95.11(7), survivors of childhood sexual abuse may have until age 25, or up to seven years from discovering the connection between their injuries and the abuse, to file a civil claim.
For adult survivors, the standard four-year period under §95.11(3) typically applies when make a claim directly against the abuser, though delayed discovery rules may extend this. If you are making a negligence claim against the institutions that turned a blind eye to the abuser, then you only have a two-year period within which to file a lawsuit. Our attorneys can assess your timeline during a free, confidential consultation.
Compensation Available
Survivors who successfully pursue civil claims may be entitled to recover:
Medical and psychological treatment costs
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Pain and suffering and emotional distress
Punitive damages, where the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious
High-Profile Class Actions: Exposing Institutional Abuse
Several high-profile cases have demonstrated the power of class action lawsuits in
addressing institutional sexual abuse:
The University of Michigan faced a class action lawsuit after hundreds of survivors
came forward with allegations of sexual abuse by Dr. Robert Anderson, a former
university physician. Survivors accused the university of failing to investigate
complaints and enabling decades of abuse.
Larry Nassar, a former doctor for the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team, was convicted of
sexually abusing hundreds of athletes under the guise of medical treatment. The class
action lawsuit against USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee highlighted
the institutions’ failure to protect young athletes, leading to significant settlements and
systemic changes.
Decades of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church have led to numerous lawsuits
across the globe. These lawsuits have exposed widespread cover-ups and institutional
misconduct, forcing the Church to implement safeguards, hold priests accountable, and
provide compensation to survivors.
How G Law Can Help Survivors Seek Justice
At The G Law Group, we have dedicated our practice to standing beside survivors of sexual assault in Miami and across Florida. We believe that survivors deserve justice, accountability, and support.
Our sexual assault attorneys provide:
Confidential consultations: We handle every matter with absolute discretion. Your privacy is paramount from the first call to the resolution of your case.
Thorough investigation: We gather evidence, identify all liable parties and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Class action expertise: When multiple survivors share a common abuser or institution, we can coordinate a class action to amplify your collective voice and maximise the accountability of those responsible.
Maximum compensation: We fight to recover every dollar you are entitled to, including economic losses, non-economic damages for pain and suffering, and punitive damages where warranted.
Advocacy for systemic change: Our work does not end with a settlement. We push for institutional policy reforms that help protect future victims.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
No survivor should have to face this alone. Whether you are considering joining an existing class action or exploring an individual civil claim, The G Law Group is ready to listen, advise, and fight for you. Our consultations are completely confidential, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Call us today at (305) 709-8877 or complete our online form to arrange your free case evaluation.
References
Norris, M. (2022, January 19). University of Michigan reaches $490 million settlement over sexual abuse by sports doctor. *NPR*.https://www.npr.org/2022/01/19/1074071024/university-michigan-sexual-abuse-sports-doctor
Levinson, E. (2018, May 17). Larry Nassar victim settlement costs Michigan State $500 million. *CNN*.https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/16/us/larry-nassar-michigan-state-settlement/index.html
Lauer C. & Hoyer M. (2019, October 4) Almost 1,700 priests and clergy accused of sex are unsupervised. *Associated Press via NBC News*.https://www.nbcnews.com/news/religion/nearly-1-700-priests-clergy-accused-sex-abuse-are-unsupervised-n1062396
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