If you have experienced assault by an employee, a person in a position of power, or on property owned by a major company, it can feel difficult to know where to start. Berkeley assault lawyer Scott R. Herndon is here to explain your rights and the civil options available to you under state law.
Legal representation helps ensure that sensitive matters are handled with care and professionalism. At The Law Office of Scott R. Herndon, we have experience managing evidence collection, securing witness statements, and coordinating with trauma-informed experts. We guide survivors through complex legal procedures and protect their privacy throughout the process.
Assault cases involving large companies or wealthy individuals often require more than a simple review of what happened. Under state law, survivors can file civil claims for assault and battery within two years of the incident under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. In cases of sexual assault, the statute of limitations is longer—up to 10 years from the last act or three years from discovery of the injury under § 340.16. For childhood sexual assault, California now allows survivors to bring claims even decades later under § 340.1.
In high-profile cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. A company can face claims for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention if it failed to screen or discipline a known risk. Property owners can also be held accountable if their lack of security contributed to the attack, as recognized under Civil Code § 1714. Employers might also be responsible for actions taken by their employees during work-related activities.
Our assault attorney in Berkeley is experienced with these types of claims and understands how to investigate company records and identify those legally responsible. We could work with security and corporate experts to build a comprehensive picture of how the assault occurred and what could have been prevented. In cases like these, we often help survivors with:
These steps are especially important if the assailant is a high-profile individual or if media attention becomes part of the case. We know how to help survivors keep control over their story while pursuing accountability.
Assaults that occur at hotels, concert venues, universities, or transportation hubs raise additional questions about safety and security. State law holds property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions. If an organization ignores known risks—such as inadequate lighting, a lack of security personnel, or poor crowd control—it may face civil liability.
In these cases, our Berkeley assault attorneys evaluate whether proper precautions were in place and whether the incident could have been foreseen. We review surveillance footage, security logs, and prior reports of violence on the property. We also examine corporate safety protocols and employee training. The goal is to determine whether the assault was preventable through basic and reasonable measures.
Every survivor deserves support that respects their experience. Scott R. Herndon, an experienced Berkeley assault lawyer, is prepared to review what happened, explain your rights, and help you take measured steps toward accountability.
Careful legal guidance can help you take control of your situation and begin rebuilding your sense of safety. If you are ready to talk, reach out today for a confidential consultation.
