Legal Options for Sexual Assault Survivors in Las Vegas

Survivors of sexual assault in Las Vegas have the right to pursue a civil claim for the harm they have suffered, separately from any criminal case. A civil claim can hold a perpetrator and, in some cases, a negligent third party accountable, and it centers on the survivor's recovery and choices.

Can a survivor bring a civil claim?

Yes, a survivor can bring a civil claim regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or result in a conviction. The two processes are separate and can proceed independently.

A civil claim belongs to the survivor, who decides whether and how to pursue it. It seeks compensation and accountability rather than criminal punishment, and it moves forward on the survivor's terms.

How is a civil claim different from a criminal case?

A civil claim differs from a criminal case in who controls it, the standard of proof, and the outcome. A prosecutor controls a criminal case and must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while the survivor controls a civil claim, which uses a lower standard.

Because the civil standard is lower, a claim can succeed even when a criminal case does not. The result is compensation and a measure of accountability rather than jail time.

Who can be held accountable?

The perpetrator can be held accountable, and in some situations a negligent third party can be as well. Businesses, property owners, or organizations may share responsibility when their failures enabled the harm.

For example, a property owner who ignored known safety risks or an entity that failed to act on prior warnings may bear some liability. Identifying every responsible party is part of a thorough case.

What is third-party liability?

Third-party liability arises when someone other than the perpetrator had a duty to provide reasonable safety and failed to meet it. Inadequate security, negligent hiring, or ignored complaints can form the basis of such a claim.

These claims recognize that some harm is foreseeable and preventable. Holding a negligent institution accountable can also help prevent future harm to others.

Is the process private?

Survivors' privacy is taken seriously, and there are legal protections and options that can help keep a case discreet. In some circumstances, filings can be made in ways that protect a survivor's identity.

A compassionate attorney discusses these options at the outset so a survivor understands how their privacy will be handled. Confidentiality and control are central to how these cases should be approached.

What compensation is available?

Available compensation can include the cost of medical care, therapy and counseling, lost income, and pain and suffering. It recognizes both the tangible and the profound intangible effects of the harm.

Every survivor's experience is different, and a claim is valued around that individual reality. Documenting the full impact, with support from professionals, helps a claim reflect what the survivor has endured.

How much time is there to file?

Nevada law provides survivors with time to pursue a civil claim, and recent reforms have extended or removed some deadlines for these cases. Because the rules are specific and have changed, confirming the current deadline with an attorney is important.

The Nevada Revised Statutes, published by the Nevada Legislature, set out the applicable time limits. An attorney can explain exactly how they apply to a survivor's situation.

What support is available beyond legal help?

Support beyond legal help is available and important, because healing involves more than a claim. Counselors, advocates, and hotlines can provide confidential help at any time.

The national organization RAINN offers free, confidential support and resources for survivors. Legal action and personal support can proceed together, each at the survivor's pace.

How does a compassionate attorney help?

A compassionate attorney helps by handling the legal process with care, protecting the survivor's privacy, and pursuing accountability without adding to the trauma. The survivor stays in control of key decisions throughout.

Drummond Law Firm provides fierce but thoughtful representation to sex assault victims in Las Vegas, balancing determined advocacy with sensitivity. The goal is justice on the survivor's terms.

General legal information and resources are also available through Attorney Help.

How do you take the first step?

The first step is a confidential consultation, where a survivor can learn their options without any obligation to proceed. There is no pressure and no cost to simply understand what is possible.

A survivor decides whether and when to move forward. Learning your rights is a step you can take whenever you feel ready, and support is available in the meantime.