Were you or a loved one the victim of a sexual assault in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma? Call McIntyre Law for a free consultation at (405) 917-5200. Our Oklahoma City sexual assault lawyers can help you navigate the process with the care your case demands.
Sexual assault can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If another person or party may be legally responsible for the harm you suffered, an attorney can explain your options for pursuing a civil claim and help you determine what steps to take next.
Why Choose McIntyre Law for Help if You Were Sexually Assaulted in Oklahoma City, OK?
Coming forward after a sexual assault takes incredible courage. The legal process can feel daunting on top of everything else you are dealing with, but you do not have to go through it alone. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal proceedings and gives you the ability to hold the responsible parties financially liable for what happened to you.
McIntyre Law is an award-winning personal injury law firm in Oklahoma City. We handle every sexual assault case with the sensitivity and confidentiality it requires while still pursuing aggressive results on your behalf.
Here are some reasons to consider hiring our team:
- Our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers have 165 years of combined experience across a wide range of complex cases
- We have recovered $900 million in total compensation for our clients
- Our trial-tested attorneys are not afraid to take your case to court, and insurance companies know that
- We treat every client with compassion and handle all sexual assault cases with the strictest confidentiality
Learn more about how we can help by giving us a call today to schedule a free consultation.
Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Assault in Oklahoma
Many victims of sexual assault are not aware that they can file a civil lawsuit in addition to, or even instead of, pursuing criminal charges. A civil case is fundamentally different from a criminal prosecution. In a criminal case, the government brings charges against the accused and must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, you file the claim yourself, and the burden of proof is lower. Civil liability generally must be established by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it is more likely than not that the facts supporting the claim are true.
This distinction matters for several reasons. For one, in cases where criminal charges are not filed or a conviction is not obtained, you may still have grounds for a civil claim. A successful civil lawsuit can also result in significant monetary damages, which is something the criminal justice system is not designed to provide.
Third-Party Liability in Oklahoma City Sexual Assault Cases
In many sexual assault cases, the perpetrator is not the only party who may bear legal responsibility. You might also be able to file a claim against a third party whose negligence helped create the conditions that led to the assault.
Examples of situations that may give rise to a third-party claim include:
- A property owner failed to provide adequate security measures, such as working locks
- An employer knew about prior complaints of predatory behavior and failed to act
- A school failed to protect individuals in its care
- A hotel or other venue did not take reasonable steps to ensure patron safety
- A rideshare company or transportation provider failed to screen its drivers
These types of claims can be important because third parties, such as businesses and institutions, may have applicable insurance coverage or other financial resources from which compensation can potentially be recovered.
How Valuable Is My Oklahoma City Sexual Assault Case?
The value of a sexual assault claim or potential settlement depends on the unique facts and circumstances of your situation. No two cases are identical, and several factors will influence what your case is ultimately worth.
Some of the considerations we will evaluate include:
- The severity of the physical and psychological harm you have suffered
- Whether the assault has affected your ability to work
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- Whether a third party can be held liable alongside the perpetrator
- The availability of insurance coverage or other financial resources
We would be happy to provide more detailed insight into what your case may be worth during your free consultation. Reach out today to learn more and to ask any questions you might have as well.
We’ll Fight for Compensation Based on All of Your Sexual Assault Injuries
Sexual assault can cause devastating harm that goes far beyond physical injuries. The emotional and psychological consequences are often just as severe, if not more so, and can affect every aspect of your daily life for years to come.
Our attorneys are qualified to help you recover compensation for harm such as:
- Physical injuries sustained during the assault
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty maintaining personal relationships
- Loss of sleep and chronic emotional distress
- Diminished ability to work or perform daily tasks
- Wrongful death of a loved one
No matter the exact nature of the harm you have endured, we are here to help. Get in touch with our legal team for further information about your legal options going forward.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Sexual Assault in Oklahoma City?
If you file a civil lawsuit, both economic and non-economic damages may be available. These are known as “compensatory damages” and are intended to address the full scope of the harm you have experienced. Punitive damages may also be awarded in certain cases.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, including:
- Medical treatment and therapy costs
- Counseling expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Relocation costs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages represent losses that are more personal in nature, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages may also be available in certain cases involving particularly wrongful conduct, such as reckless disregard for the rights of others or intentional and malicious conduct. While they are not available in every case, they can substantially increase the total recovery when applicable.
Common Settings Where Sexual Assault Occurs in Oklahoma City
Sexual assault can happen in any setting and to anyone.
Some of the most common locations where these incidents occur in Oklahoma City include:
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants
- Hotels and short-term rental properties
- Workplaces
- College and university campuses
- Medical facilities and therapy offices
- Places of worship
- Private homes
- Rideshare vehicles
- Retail establishments
These are just examples. If you or a loved one were victimized, contact our lawyers to discuss what legal options may be available to you. Compensation may be recoverable in more forms than you realize.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Oklahoma City?
Sexual assault civil claims may be handled on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not have to pay anything upfront, and you will not owe an hourly rate or flat fee. Your lawyer only collects attorney’s fees if they recover money for you.
You will sign a contingency fee agreement toward the beginning of your case so that you’ll know what to expect.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Sexual Assault Claim in Oklahoma?
The deadlines for filing a civil lawsuit in Oklahoma depend on the legal theory behind your claim. For personal injury claims based on negligence, such as a third-party negligent security case, you generally have two years from the date of the assault. For claims based on intentional conduct, such as assault and battery, the deadline may be as short as one year.
Oklahoma law provides separate filing rules for certain civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse. The applicable deadline can depend on the nature of the claim and the parties involved, so survivors should determine the deadline that applies to their specific case.
These deadlines are strictly enforced. We recommend reaching out to our team as soon as possible so we can help you take the right legal steps before your time runs out.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Sexual Assault Lawyers for Legal Help
Were you the victim of a sexual assault in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma? You may have options for pursuing compensation through a civil claim, and McIntyre Law can handle your case from start to finish while you focus on healing.
Our Oklahoma City sexual assault attorneys have 165 years of combined experience and have already recovered more than $900 million for our clients. We can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation that may be available.