Any civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault is likely to be stressful and complex. Survivors may feel especially vulnerable or even retraumatized due to the public nature of litigation. Unfortunately, complexity and stress are amplified for survivors in sexual assault cases involving high-powered executives and celebrities in Berkeley, California, and the nation as a whole. These disputes often play out in two venues: the court of law and the court of public opinion.

If your abuser is a well-known public figure, your choice of attorney is especially important. At the Law Office of Scott R. Herndon, we understand the unique challenges you are facing. We are ready to help you seek accountability and compensation while also protecting your privacy, reputation, and professional career.

Addressing Common Legal Issues And Personal Challenges In High-Profile Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Sex assault cases in Berkeley that involve celebrities and executives often highlight a major imbalance of power between abusers and survivors. This alone makes it difficult to speak up. There are likely to be other hurdles as well, including:

  • The enforceability of non-disclosure agreements
  • Long delays in coming forward, such that the criminal statute of limitations has expired
  • Fears that survivors will be blacklisted in their chosen career or labeled as “too risky” to hire
  • A lack of witnesses to the assault because it happened in spaces controlled by the abuser
  • Concerns that the abuser will destroy or tamper with evidence (emails, text messages, calendar records, etc.)
  • Worries that the abuser’s wealth and status will make it too difficult or expensive to hold them accountable

All of the above concerns are legitimate and understandable. However, they should not stop survivors from seeking justice. We understand how to combat these tactics, and we will not be deterred by a defendant’s wealth, status, or attempts to intimidate.

How Can Your Attorney Protect Your Interests In The Media?

At the Law Office of Scott R. Herndon, we understand the delicate balance between communicating with the public and protecting each client’s need for privacy. We take that responsibility seriously. Our firm’s founder is a talented litigator who previously served as a faculty member at Stanford University. He is a top-tier litigator and public speaker, and he takes the time to ensure that clients in high-profile cases are partners in a shared media strategy.

Seeking Damages In A High-Profile Sexual Assault Case

In any civil lawsuit, the available damages (compensation) will depend on the facts of the case. Damages in a high-profile sex assault case in the Berkeley area will also depend on the relationship between the abuser and the survivor.

If there was an employer-employee relationship or if the abuser otherwise had the power to damage the survivor’s career and public image, the claim may blend elements of personal injury and employment law. Damages could include compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, including ongoing therapy
  • Out-of-pocket costs, such as increased security expenses and relocation costs
  • Pain and suffering and emotional distress
  • Lost wages and income from time spent unable to work, career disruption, and lost opportunities
  • Reduced earning capacity due to denied promotions or professional blacklisting

When our law firm represents survivors in any high-profile case, we carefully assess and rigorously pursue all available damages, including those that might be overlooked by other attorneys.

Discuss Your Legal Needs With An Attorney Who Understands

Not all law firms are equipped to litigate civil sexual assault cases involving executives and celebrities in Berkeley. At the Law Office of Scott R. Herndon, however, we have the legal skill and experience you need during this difficult time. To learn more about how we can help, contact our firm to schedule your free initial consultation.