Finding the strength to come forward after sexual assault or abuse is never easy. Many survivors and families in the Dallas–Fort Worth area feel uncertain about where to turn or how the civil process works, especially while trying to focus on healing. Speaking with a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer can help bring clarity during an overwhelming time and start the process of holding the right parties accountable. For some cases, this may involve not only the individual who caused the harm but also an institution that failed to protect those in its care.
If you are looking for a legal team that listens, understands the sensitivity of these cases, and knows how to prepare a strong claim, the attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP are here to help.
Sexual abuse claims in civil court can involve the offender and any institution that failed to keep someone safe. These cases may stem from non-consensual contact or from an organization’s lack of supervision, inadequate security, or failure to act on warning signs. Texas Family Code Section 261.001 identifies sexual conduct that harms a child’s physical or emotional welfare as abuse, which can also support claims involving minors.
Our firm pursues cases against individuals and institutions. Proving this type of liability requires a focused investigation into policies, prior reports, and safety practices to determine where protections broke down.
Texas survivors can pursue justice through both the criminal and civil systems. Each serves a different purpose.
In the criminal system, the State of Texas decides whether to press charges. The goal is to hold the offender responsible under criminal law. Survivors may provide statements or testimony, but the state controls the progression of the case.
In the civil system, you have the ability to file a claim yourself. This process focuses on financial recovery for the harm you experienced, including medical care, therapy, lost income, and emotional suffering. Civil claims can also hold institutions responsible when poor safety practices or failures in supervision allowed the abuse to occur.
The two systems operate separately. A civil claim may still be possible even if there is no criminal case or the accused is not convicted. A Dallas sexual abuse lawyer can explain these options privately and help you decide which path best supports your healing and goals.
What Types of Sexual Abuse Cases Do Our Dallas–Fort Worth Lawyers Handle?
We represent survivors of many forms of sexual misconduct throughout Dallas–Fort Worth, handling cases involving:
Every situation is different. Some cases involve a single individual, while others reveal lapses within a school or organization that should have acted sooner to protect someone in their care. Many survivors contact us because they are unsure whether their experience falls under Texas law. In a private consultation, Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP can review what happened and explain how the law may apply to your circumstances.
Survivors may be eligible to pursue compensation for the harm caused by sexual abuse under Texas civil law, with potential forms of recovery including:
Civil compensation is designed to help survivors rebuild their lives and access the resources they deserve. A compassionate Dallas sexual abuse lawyer will help identify available damages and explain how Texas law applies to your unique situation.
Texas sets different filing deadlines for adult and childhood sexual abuse claims, and these timelines are longer than standard personal injury cases.
For adult survivors, Texas allows most civil sexual assault claims to be filed within five years of when the abuse occurred. This extended period reflects the seriousness of these offenses and the time many survivors need before they feel ready to talk about what happened.
For childhood sexual abuse, the deadline is significantly longer. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.0045, survivors may file a civil claim up to 30 years after the cause of action accrues. This extended period applies to serious offenses such as continuous sexual abuse of a young child, aggravated sexual assault of a child, and certain trafficking-related crimes.
These deadlines can vary depending on the nature of the abuse, when it was discovered, and whether an institution was involved. A Dallas sexual abuse lawyer can help determine the exact filing window that applies to your situation.
Pursuing a civil claim is a personal decision, and we protect your privacy from the moment you contact us by treating all information confidentially and guiding you through the process with as little stress as possible.
We build each case through focused work that may include reviewing records, gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and assessing whether an institution failed to provide proper safety measures. When appropriate, we also use legal tools such as protective orders to help keep sensitive information private.
By preparing every case with care, we strengthen your position in negotiations and, if needed, in court, while remaining committed to supporting you with respect and pursuing accountability from all responsible parties.
Why Choose Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP for Dallas–Fort Worth Sexual Abuse Cases?
We approach every survivor’s case with compassion, respect, and a strong focus on privacy. When you work with a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer, you deserve clear communication and steady support, and we make these priorities central to everything we do.
Our goal is to guide you through each step while holding the responsible parties accountable. As a firm, we prioritize:
Every matter we handle represents a life that has been significantly affected. We take that responsibility seriously and remain committed to standing with you as you move forward.
When you feel ready to talk about what happened, we offer private, no-obligation consultations where your information is treated with complete confidentiality. Speaking with a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights, explore the legal options available to you, and determine what type of justice or closure feels appropriate for your situation. Our team will answer your questions, explain the process in clear terms, and provide guidance at your pace.
Contact Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP at 817-920-9000 to begin a confidential conversation.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
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