When trust is broken through sexual assault or civil rights are violated, survivors face immense challenges in seeking justice. These cases require attorneys who understand the sensitive nature of trauma while possessing the legal expertise to hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. At Sue Miami Law Group, we provide compassionate representation to survivors throughout Miami-Dade County while aggressively pursuing maximum compensation from those responsible.
From sexual assault cases involving institutional negligence to civil rights violations by employers or government entities, we understand the courage it takes to come forward and the importance of securing both justice and financial recovery for survivors.
Some cases require exceptional sensitivity and discretion. Our compassionate Miami legal team provides trauma-informed representation for survivors of sexual assault.
These sensitive cases demand attorneys who combine legal expertise with genuine empathy for survivors’ experiences. Our team understands the unique challenges survivors face in Miami’s diverse community and works with specialized experts, trauma counselors, and investigators to build compelling cases while protecting our clients’ dignity throughout the process.
Florida has significantly strengthened protections for sexual assault survivors in recent years. The state eliminated the statute of limitations for civil claims involving sexual assault of minors, allowing survivors to file at any time. For adult victims, survivors generally have up to seven years from the date of assault or four years from discovering the injury, whichever is later. These expanded timeframes recognize that trauma often prevents immediate reporting and that healing takes time.
We understand the complex interplay between criminal and civil cases. Survivors can pursue civil compensation even if criminal charges aren’t filed or don’t result in conviction. The burden of proof in civil cases, preponderance of evidence rather than beyond reasonable doubt often allows survivors to achieve justice in civil court when criminal prosecution falls short.
Many sexual assault cases involve negligent institutions that failed to protect survivors. We routinely pursue claims against schools, churches, employers, nursing homes, and other organizations for negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, negligent security, and premises liability. Recent settlements demonstrate the significant accountability these institutions face, from $14 million for university sexual harassment cases to $5 million for individual harassment victims.
Employment discrimination and civil rights violations require understanding of both federal and state protections. Under the Florida Civil Rights Act, victims can recover compensatory damages including mental anguish and loss of dignity, plus punitive damages capped at $100,000 for private employers. Federal civil rights cases often result in substantial settlements, with recent examples including $1.6 million for racial harassment and $1.25 million for workplace discrimination.
Miami’s diverse population requires cultural sensitivity and multilingual support. We work closely with local advocacy organizations, trauma counselors, and medical professionals who understand the unique needs of survivors from different cultural backgrounds. Our team connects clients with appropriate support services while zealously protecting their legal rights.
Florida law provides extended timeframes for sexual assault survivors that recognize the complex nature of trauma. If you were under 16 when the assault occurred, there is no statute of limitations, you can file at any time. For those aged 16-18 at the time of assault, you have seven years after reaching age 18 (until age 25) to file. Adult victims generally have four years from the assault or four years from discovering the connection between their injury and the abuse, whichever is later. For claims against negligent third parties like employers or institutions, the deadline is typically two years from the incident. These deadlines are complex, so immediate legal consultation ensures your rights are protected.
Absolutely. Civil lawsuits operate independently of criminal proceedings and have different standards of proof. Many survivors achieve justice through civil courts even when criminal prosecution is unsuccessful. Civil cases require proof by “preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not) rather than the criminal standard of “beyond reasonable doubt.” You can file civil claims against both the perpetrator and any institutions whose negligence enabled the assault, such as employers who failed to conduct background checks or schools that ignored warning signs.
Florida sexual assault survivors can recover both economic and non-economic damages without statutory caps. Economic damages include medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and future treatment needs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. Recent settlements demonstrate substantial recovery potential, individual cases have resulted in $5 million settlements, while institutional cases have reached $14 million. Cases involving particularly egregious institutional conduct may also include punitive damages designed to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Civil rights violations in Florida can include employment discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics, sexual harassment in the workplace, wrongful termination for reporting violations, police misconduct and excessive force, and denial of equal access to services or accommodations. Compensation varies widely based on circumstances, with workplace discrimination cases ranging from thousands to millions of dollars. Recent notable settlements include $3.2 million for racial discrimination at an automotive company and $27 million for the George Floyd family’s civil rights case. Florida law caps punitive damages at $100,000 for private employers under the Florida Civil Rights Act.
We understand that privacy and confidentiality are paramount in sexual assault and civil rights cases. Court filings can often use initials rather than full names, and many cases settle confidentially without public disclosure of details. We work to limit depositions and discovery to what’s legally necessary, coordinate with victim advocates and counselors throughout the process, and handle all media inquiries to protect your privacy. Our goal is achieving justice while minimizing additional trauma from the legal process. We also connect clients with appropriate counseling and support services to help throughout the legal proceedings.
Sexual assault and civil rights violations involve strict legal deadlines and require immediate preservation of evidence. Institutional cover-ups, destroyed records, and transferred personnel can all compromise cases if action isn’t taken quickly. Florida’s expanded protections for survivors recognize the courage it takes to come forward, but legal deadlines still apply.
These cases require specialized expertise that combines legal skill with genuine understanding of trauma’s impact. Insurance companies and institutional defendants often employ aggressive tactics designed to discourage survivors from pursuing justice. You need experienced advocates who won’t be intimidated by powerful defendants.
Whether you’re a survivor of sexual assault, workplace harassment, civil rights violations, or institutional negligence, you deserve justice and compensation for what you’ve endured. No survivor should face the legal system alone.
Our attorneys are available 24/7 to evaluate your case for free.
JD
“Victor is hands down one of the best, if not the best personal attorney in Miami. No matter what you’re dealing with, this man is honest, relentless, confident, and worth every penny.”
8660 West Flagler Street, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33144