Sexual Assault Attorney in Encino

A Safe Place To Understand Your Legal Options

Reaching the point where you even search for legal help after sexual assault takes strength. You may still be deciding what to do, or you might already know that someone failed to protect you. At Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara, our sexual assault attorney in Encino helps survivors in the area pursue accountability through civil legal action while prioritizing safety and respect.

The legal system can feel intimidating, especially when you are already coping with trauma, fear, and confusion. Our firm works to make this process more understandable and more manageable. We listen carefully, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide what feels right for you.

Our team combines compassionate guidance with trial-tested advocacy. With experience in more than 200 trials and a history of dismissals, acquittals, and substantial personal injury settlements, we are prepared to take on difficult cases and stand up to powerful individuals and institutions when the facts support it.

To speak confidentially with our Encino sexual assault attorney about your situation, call (213) 996-0529 or contact us online. 

Why Survivors Choose Our Sexual Assault Attorneys in Encino

Survivors who contact Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara are often facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Many feel alone, worried that they will not be believed, or afraid to challenge an employer, landlord, professional, or other person who still holds power over them. They choose our firm because they want an attorney who can be steady, strong, and respectful throughout the process.

Our lead trial attorney has handled over 200 trials, including more than 50 before becoming licensed. That kind of courtroom experience is unusual. It means we understand how judges and juries respond to sensitive facts, how to question witnesses effectively, and how to prepare a case so that it is ready for trial if necessary.

We also have a record that includes dismissals, acquittals, and significant personal injury settlements in serious matters. While every case is different and past results cannot predict the outcome of your case, this history shows that we have navigated high-stakes disputes and worked to pursue meaningful results for people whose lives were turned upside down.

Much of our work comes through word of mouth, not advertising. People refer friends, family members, and colleagues to us because they remember being treated as individuals and not as file numbers. Our sexual assault lawyers in Encino keep our clients informed, respond to their questions, and build strategies around their specific goals. For a sexual assault survivor, that can include careful planning around privacy, contact with the defendant, and attention to any related criminal process.

After Sexual Assault: Steps To Consider

No two survivors experience the same event in the same way. There is no single right way to respond, and there is no fixed order of steps that you must follow. What matters is your safety, your health, and your sense of control. The law can be one tool that supports those priorities, not the only one.

If you have not already done so, seeking medical care can be important both for your physical well-being and for documenting injuries. Some injuries are not immediately obvious, and a doctor or nurse can help identify and treat them. Medical records can also become part of the evidence in a future civil claim, although your health comes first.

Many survivors are unsure whether to report the assault to law enforcement. Some want to, others are not ready or do not wish to involve the criminal system at all. You can usually speak with a sexual assault lawyer from Encino to understand your civil options, whether or not a report has been made. We can also discuss how a criminal investigation might affect a civil case.

Where it is safe, saving messages, photos, emails, or other records related to the assault or to any prior complaints can help preserve your options. You do not need to organize everything before contacting a lawyer. Our firm of sexual assault attorneys in Encino can help you think through what may be relevant and how to protect that information without putting yourself at further risk.

At any stage, you may decide to contact an attorney and simply talk about what happened and what you are considering. A confidential consultation does not require you to file a lawsuit. It is an opportunity to understand how the law in California treats civil sexual assault claims and to ask questions in a private setting.

How A Sexual Assault Lawyer in Encino Helps

Many survivors are unsure what a civil sexual assault attorney actually does. They may associate the word “lawyer” only with criminal prosecutions brought by the government. In reality, a civil case is separate. It is focused on holding wrongdoers financially accountable and seeking compensation for the harm you have suffered.

In a typical civil case, our firm evaluates what happened, listens to your account, and reviews any available records. We look at who may be responsible, which can include the individual who assaulted you and any business or institution that failed to take reasonable steps to keep you safe. For an incident tied to Encino, the case may proceed in a Los Angeles County court that handles civil matters arising from this part of the San Fernando Valley.

Once we understand the facts, we may gather further evidence, such as documents, video, or communications, when those exist and can be lawfully obtained. Our sexual assault attorneys in Encino communicate with insurance companies and defense counsel, and we work to protect you from unnecessary direct contact with the opposing side. If there is a related criminal case, we take that into account as we plan timing and strategy.

Our extensive trial background is especially important in sexual assault cases. Defendants sometimes assume that survivors will avoid trial at all costs. They may use that assumption to offer unfair settlements. Because we have taken hundreds of cases into court, we prepare each sexual abuse case as if it could be heard by a jury and negotiate from that position.

Throughout the process, we focus on communication. We explain each step, from the initial claim to written discovery, to possible depositions, to mediation or trial. We talk through options before important decisions and respect your boundaries about participation whenever the law allows for flexibility. Our goal is to give you clear information and strong representation so that you can decide what is right for you.

Liability & Compensation In These Cases

When someone sexually assaults you, the person who committed the act is responsible for that conduct. Civil law also recognizes that others can be accountable when their choices created or allowed dangerous conditions. Understanding who may be liable is an important part of building a case about what happened to you in or around Encino.

Depending on the situation, liability may extend to employers who ignored complaints about harassment or past misconduct, property owners who failed to provide reasonable security, or organizations that turned a blind eye to warning signs. For example, incidents can occur in apartment complexes near Ventura Boulevard, in office buildings, in professional relationships, and in other settings where those in charge are expected to exercise care.

The compensation available in a civil case varies with the facts, the severity of harm, and the parties involved. Survivors often pursue damages for medical treatment, therapy, and medication. Claims can also include lost income, reduced earning capacity, and the profound emotional and psychological impact of the assault. In some cases, California law permits punitive damages that are intended to punish especially wrongful conduct.

Civil sexual assault claims are subject to statutes of limitation and other rules. Some claims must be brought by certain deadlines that are measured from the date of the assault or from the time the survivor reasonably discovered the injury. Legislative changes have also affected time limits in some situations. Speaking with a sexual assault attorney from Encino can help you understand which time limits may apply in your circumstances.

At Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara, our sexual assault attorneys in Encino evaluate each case individually. We look at how the assault has affected your daily life, your relationships, and your plans for the future. We then work to design a strategy that aligns with your goals, whether that means pursuing a discreet settlement or preparing the case for trial when appropriate.

At Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara, we draw on extensive trial experience, a history of word-of-mouth referrals, and a hands on approach to guide survivors through complex and sensitive cases. You set the pace, and we work to protect your rights and future while keeping you informed at each step. Call us at (213) 996-0529.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will My Information Stay Confidential if I Call You?

Yes, when you contact our firm, your information is treated as confidential. We listen to what you share, explain how attorney-client confidentiality works, and discuss any situations where information may need to be disclosed. You can ask questions anonymously at first if that feels safer for you.

Do I Need a Criminal Case Before I File Civil?

No, a criminal case is not required before a civil claim. Civil cases focus on financial accountability, and they follow different rules and burdens of proof. We can review your situation, whether or not law enforcement has become involved, and explain how any criminal investigation might interact with a lawsuit.

How Will Your Firm Keep Me Updated?

Our sexual assault attorneys in Encino work to keep you informed at every significant stage of your case. Our team explains upcoming steps, answers questions, and responds to your concerns as they arise. You can expect clear communication about major developments and options so that you remain involved in important decisions.

What Does it Cost to Hire Your Attorney?

In many civil sexual assault cases, fees are handled on a contingency basis, which generally means legal fees are collected only if there is a recovery. We can explain the specific fee structure and any costs during your consultation so you understand the financial aspects before deciding how to proceed.

Will I Have to Testify in an Encino Courtroom?

Some cases do settle before trial, while others require testimony in court. Whether you testify depends on factors such as how the defense responds and what the judge orders. We prepare you carefully if testimony is needed and discuss options to reduce unnecessary stress when possible.

If you are considering civil action after a sexual assault connected to Encino, you do not have to figure everything out alone. A confidential conversation with our attorney can help you understand your options, possible timelines, and what a lawsuit might look like in your situation. Reach out to us.