Reno Sexual Assault and Abuse Attorneys
20 years of accomplished representation for personal injury victims in Nevada
Sexual assault generally includes any nonconsensual touching or contact of a sexual nature – these attacks are a violation of the victim’s humanity. An adult or child who is a sexual assault or abuse victim is likely to suffer depression, anger, social anxiety, loss of trust, and many other types of psychological trauma in addition to the physical trauma of sexually transmitted diseases, bruises, and other injuries. Rape can result in an unwanted pregnancy.
At Claggett & Sykes, our lawyers are experienced in handling the toughest sexual abuse cases and understand just how devastating sexual assaults are. We help victims hold the assailant and any person or organization who should have prevented the assault or abuse accountable. We have a compassionate team of attorneys who are ready to listen to your story and work to get you justice.
$485 Million
Claggett & Sykes trial team secured a $485M verdict against Acadia Healthcare, Inc., for its involvement in placing children in a foster care home with a known child predator. We believe this is the largest single-plaintiff sexual abuse verdict ever.
How can we help?
- What types of sexual assault and abuse claims does Claggett & Sykes handle in Reno?
- What is civil liability for sexual assault?
- How does Nevada define sexual assault?
- What should victims of sexual assault do immediately after the assault?
- What’s the value of my Reno sexual assault or abuse claim?
- What is the time limit for filing a sexual assault claim in Nevada?
- Do you have a Reno sexual assault lawyer near me?
Our Reno sexual assault attorneys represent victims of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations. We file claims against responsible people and organizations, including treatment centers, schools, universities, and youth organizations – as well as churches and other religious organizations. Our lawyers also file claims against any person in an authority position, such as a teacher, administrator, or clergy member, who should have protected you or your child. We also file personal injury claims if a sexual assault is due to the negligent security of a property owner.
When the assailant works for an organization like a treatment center, school, or church, there are frequently many victims. At Claggett & Skyes, we’ve handled cases involving multiple victims and know what to look for to hold the assailant and the organizations responsible for the sexual assaults or abuse. Our personal injury lawyers work with rape and sexual assault professionals (doctors, forensic specialists, rape counselors, and others) who help treat a victim’s physical injuries, help preserve evidence of the assault, and counsel victims about the emotional trauma of a sexual assault.
Our Reno sexual assault lawyers file civil lawsuits against the perpetrator and others who allowed the perpetrator to commit the sexual abuse. Civil complaints differ from criminal complaints. Nevada has specific criminal laws that define sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual seduction.
You don’t have to file a criminal complaint to file a civil complaint. Unlike most criminal charges, defendants such as schools and churches can be civilly liable because their negligence contributed to the sexual assault. Organizations generally have a duty to protect their members from sexual assault and abuse by employees, volunteers, and other people with access to the organization’s facilities. Negligence includes failing to conduct background checks, implement safety protocols, respond to complaints, and take other protective measures.
Sexual assault
The crime of sexual assault occurs if a:
- Subjects another person to sexual penetration, or forces another person to make a sexual penetration on themselves or another, or on a beast,
- Against the will of the victim or under conditions in which the perpetrator knows or should know that the victim is mentally or physically incapable of resisting or understanding the nature of the perpetrator’s conduct or
- Commits sexual penetration upon a child under the age of 14 years or causes a child under the age of 14 years to make a sexual penetration on themselves or another, or on a beast.
In Nevada, spouses can be charged with sexual assault if an assault is committed by force or by the threat of force.
Sexual abuse
Nevada defines sexual abuse as:
- Acts upon a child constituting:
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- Incest under NRS 201.180;
- Lewdness with a child under NRS 201.230;
- Sado-masochistic abuse under NRS 201.262;
- Sexual assault under NRS 200.366;
- Statutory sexual seduction under NRS 200.368;
- Open or gross lewdness under NRS 201.210; and
- Mutilation of the genitalia of a female child, aiding, abetting, encouraging or participating in the mutilation of the genitalia of a female child, or removal of a female child from this State for the purpose of mutilating the genitalia of the child under NRS 200.5083.
Sexual seduction
Statutory sexual seduction occurs when an adult engages in “sexual intercourse, anal intercourse or sexual penetration,” involving a victim “who is 14 or 15 years of age and who is at least 4 years younger than the perpetrator.”
Sexual harassment
The Nevada Bar Association defines sexual harassment as “a form of discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It occurs when someone is treated differently because of his or her gender.” Sexual harassment can result in criminal charges if the harassment involves any of the following:
- Assault
- Coercion
- Extortion
- Indecent exposure
- Lewdness with a child
- Open or gross lewdness
- Rape
- Sexual acts in public
- Sexual assault
- Statutory sexual seduction or rape
- Stalking
Sexual abuse and domestic violence are other types of improper sexual conduct.
Nobody should suffer a sexual assault. Victims have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable:
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) recommends that victims understand that there are good people and organizations who have the training and experience to help. “What happened was not your fault. Something happened to you that you didn’t want to happen—and that’s not OK.”
RAINN recommends the following steps after any sexual assault:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
- Contact someone or some organization you trust to provide a safe space. The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services has many resources for victims of sexual assault in Reno and Washoe County. Hospitals and medical centers work with advocates who can connect you with resources. Sexual assault victims can also call RAINN directly. They’ll direct you to people in Reno who can discuss your needs and provide assistance.
- Seek medical help. Most hospitals have the facilities and personnel to help sexual assault victims with their physical needs (pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, etc.), psychological harm, and the preservation of DNA and other types of sexual assault evidence. Sexual assault medical providers should have a “rape kit” to help secure this medical evidence which can be critical in civil and criminal trials.
- Report the sexual assault. If you feel confident enough, you should report a sexual assault to local law enforcement. Many victims lack that confidence. If you’re afraid to speak with someone in a position of authority like the local police, then consider calling the RAINN. The call should be confidential. Local Reno medical centers and RAINN can also discuss other issues, such as your immediate safety.
- Contact our Reno sexual assault lawyers. We’re here to explain your rights, answer your questions, discuss your concerns and anxieties, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You have the right to restore your physical and mental health to the ways they were before the sexual assault. Claggett & Sykes has the experience (20 years of advocacy for personal injury victims) and resources to help you obtain justice.
We understand that money probably isn’t the first thing on someone’s mind after being sexually abused or assaulted. But our civil justice system works by allowing juries to hold parties accountable through monetary verdicts at trial. Because of this, figuring out your damages is a key part of working up your case and getting full justice at trial. Our Reno sexual assault lawyers work with your doctors (including psychologists) to verify the scope and severity of your physical and emotional injuries. Damages in sexual assault and abuse cases include:
- Your physical pain and emotional suffering. Physical pain and emotional suffering, including lack of trust, inability to develop relationships, and other types of trauma, are the biggest impact sexual abuse has on a person. That’s why these are usually the largest part of damages in a sexual abuse case.
- Your medical bills. These expenses include ER care, forensic care, hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitative care, mental health care, medications, and any other expenses.
- Other damages. These include the loss of consortium (enjoyment of marital relations) and the inability to enjoy life’s pleasures.
Generally, adults can file a sexual assault claim at any time after the assault (NRS 11.217). There are exceptions and additional considerations, so it’s important to contact an attorney sooner rather than later. We can explain how the statute of limitations may apply in your or your child’s sexual assault or abuse case.
Do you have a Reno sexual assault lawyer near me?
Yes. At Claggett & Sykes, our lawyers meet clients at our Reno office located at 100 N Sierra St, Suite 220. We can also make alternate arrangements, including meeting you somewhere besides our office or phone and online video consultations if you don’t feel comfortable meeting at our office.
Our lawyers work with sexual assault counselors who can help you gain the confidence and support to pursue your rights.
Speak with an experienced Reno sexual assault lawyer now
At Claggett & Sykes, we understand how devastating sexual assaults are. Your fundamental right to human decency and respect was crushed. Our personal injuries team has 20 years of experience advocating for people who have catastrophic, permanent, and serious injuries due to conduct that should have been prevented. We have the experience and resources to hold personal assailants and the people and organizations who should have protected you accountable.
Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent sexual assault and abuse victims on a contingency fee basis.