Dealing with sexual assault often leaves people shaken and overwhelmed. What are your legal options? Who can be held responsible? Who can you trust with your case?
You have the right to hold the people or organizations accountable for the harm you’ve suffered. Gill Law Firm helps survivors in Arizona pursue civil claims against perpetrators, schools, religious organizations, employers, and healthcare providers. When you work with us, we’ll walk you through every aspect of the process, step by step. You’ll get practical, trauma-informed guidance and a legal team that gets results while respecting your privacy.
Reach out to Gill Law Firm today to explore what options are available in your case.
Understanding Sexual Assault Claims in Arizona
Sexual assault cases can be both criminal and civil matters. State prosecutors handle criminal cases. Whether or not the state prosecutes and convicts the perpetrators, you can still pursue a civil claim to recover compensation for your injuries, therapy, lost wages, and other losses.
Civil claims can take multiple forms, depending on your specific case. You might file a lawsuit directly against the person who assaulted you or pursue claims against institutions that failed to protect you. Whether you’re filing against an individual, schools, religious organizations, employers, or healthcare facilities, civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal charges.
Sexual assault claims often involve negligence, such as institutions failing to supervise staff, ignoring complaints, or retaining someone known to be dangerous. Arizona law and federal regulations can provide additional avenues for relief. For example, Title IX protects students from sexual misconduct in educational settings, and Title VII protects employees against sexual harassment and abuse at work.
No matter the situation, an experienced lawyer can explain your rights and help you decide what steps to take next.
Types of Sexual Assault Cases We Handle
Gill Law Firm handles a wide range of sexual assault cases, and we tailor our approach to fit each situation. Our representation includes:
Civil Litigation Against Individual Defendants
You can file a sexual abuse lawsuit directly against the person who harmed you. These cases focus on recovering compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and the emotional impact of the assault.
Institutional Abuse
Sometimes the harm comes from institutions that failed to protect you. Schools, religious organizations, employers, and care facilities can be held responsible if they knew or should have known about a threat and didn’t take action. These cases often involve claims of negligent hiring, supervision, or retention.
Medical and Healthcare-Related Abuse
Assaults by healthcare professionals or staff are particularly serious. You may have grounds for a claim against the institution if its negligence allowed the assault to happen. This can involve civil claims for medical malpractice and negligence, as well as for inadequate internal hospital or clinic policies.
Cases Involving Federal Protections or Government Institutions
We also handle cases in correctional facilities, workplaces, or against government employees. Some of these cases involve federal protections, like Title VII for workplace sexual harassment, alongside state civil claims.
If you’re unsure which kind of claim you may have, contact us for a consultation. Our team will be happy to listen to your story and explain your options.
Gill Law Firm’s Trauma-Informed Legal Approach to Sexual Assault Claims
Sexual assault can be a devastating experience. Survivors often wonder if they encouraged the misconduct or mishandled their situation for years afterward.
We know that pursuing a sexual assault case can be difficult, which is why we approach every case with care and compassion for your experience. Attorney Meghann St. Thomas has years of experience advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with a deep commitment to client-centered guidance. Since moving to Arizona, she has spent her career representing victims of sexual abuse, civil rights violations, personal injury, and institutional negligence.
Our trauma-informed legal approach means we focus on both your legal needs and your emotional well-being throughout the entire legal process. When you work with us, we will:
- Communicate clearly about every step of the process, so you understand your options and timelines.
- Handle sensitive records like medical files, therapy notes, and school or employment records with discretion.
- Respect your autonomy and involve you in every major decision about your case.
- Provide practical, straightforward guidance throughout your case.
- Reduce confusion and stress wherever possible.
- Advocate aggressively for your rights while maintaining a supportive, respectful environment.
When you work with Gill Law Firm, you can trust that your case will receive focused, considerate representation from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering a sexual assault claim, you probably have plenty of questions. Here are some of the most common questions we receive and the answers:
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: The time you have to file a civil claim depends on the type of case. For sexual assault claims involving minors, Arizona law provides extended timelines. Claims against institutions or for negligence may have different deadlines.
Q: Do I have to report the assault to law enforcement first?
A: You can pursue a civil claim even if you choose not to report the assault to law enforcement. Reporting can sometimes help gather evidence, but it isn’t required for filing a civil lawsuit.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: The vast majority of cases are resolved through negotiation or settlement, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This gives you the strongest possible position, whether the case settles or proceeds in court.
Q: What kind of compensation can I recover?
A: You may be able to recover money for medical expenses, therapy and counseling, lost wages, and pain and suffering, depending on the type of claim and the circumstances. Punitive damages may be available in rare cases.
Q: Is my information confidential?
A: Yes. Gill Law Firm treats all communications and records with strict confidentiality. Sensitive documents and your story are handled with the utmost care and respect for your situation.
Contact Gill Law Firm Today to Pursue Your Sexual Assault Claim
If you’re interested in pursuing a sexual assault claim, contact us for a confidential consultation with Meghann St. Thomas and our legal team.