We want to begin by acknowledging your courage. If you are here because you woke up feeling that something was terribly wrong, with fragmented memories and a sense of violation you can’t fully explain, we want you to know: we believe you. Taking this step to seek answers is an act of profound strength.
The experience of being drugged or sexually assaulted while incapacitated is deeply confusing and isolating. It’s common to question yourself and your memory. We want to be perfectly clear: If you were drugged, intoxicated, or otherwise unable to give consent, what happened to you was sexual assault. It was not your fault.
At The Zinn Law Firm, we understand the unique trauma of drug-facilitated sexual assault and date rape. We know that the path to healing often begins with finding your voice and holding the person who harmed you accountable. A civil lawsuit is a powerful tool to achieve this, providing a path to justice on your own terms. A dedicated San Francisco sexual assault lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases can be the ally you need, allowing you to reclaim your story and focus on your well-being.
If you are ready to explore your legal options in a safe, confidential space, we are here to listen. Contact us for a free, completely confidential consultation.
Why Choose The Zinn Law Firm for Your San Francisco Sexual Assault Claim
Choosing an attorney to handle your sexual assault claim is an intensely personal decision. You need more than just a legal technician; you need a compassionate advocate who understands the nuances of trauma and a fierce litigator who is not afraid to stand up to powerful individuals and institutions. At The Zinn Law Firm, our approach is built on a foundation of care, commitment, and a track record of winning for our clients.
Our pledge, "We Care, We Commit, We Win," is at the heart of how we handle these sensitive cases:
- We Care with Compassion: We understand that telling your story is difficult. Our team is trained to provide trauma-informed legal support. We create a safe environment where you control the pace. We listen to understand not just the facts of your case, but the full impact the assault has had on your life, your work, your relationships, and your future. You are a person, not a case file, and you will be treated with the dignity and respect you deserve.
- We Commit to Your Fight: From the moment you entrust us with your case, we shoulder the legal burden. We handle all communications, manage the complex legal procedures, and build a powerful, evidence-based claim designed to hold every responsible party accountable. We are not a settlement mill; we meticulously prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This commitment gives you maximum leverage and sends a clear message that we will not back down.
- We Win Justice for Survivors: Our legal team has the experience and tenacity to secure meaningful results. Founding attorney Carter Zinn is a respected trial lawyer known for his relentless dedication, while attorney Justin Powers brings invaluable insight from his past work defending complex cases, giving us a strategic advantage. We fight for compensation that reflects the true extent of your suffering and provides the financial resources you need for therapy, medical care, and rebuilding your life.
Your journey is your own, but you do not have to walk it alone. We are here to provide the legal strength and unwavering support you need to seek the justice you deserve.
Types of Sexual Assault Cases We Handle
Sexual assault is a profound violation that can happen in any setting, often perpetrated by someone the survivor knows or is in a position of trust. It can involve physical force, but it can also involve coercion, manipulation, or the incapacitation of a survivor through drugs or alcohol.
We want to be unequivocally clear: if you were unable to consent because you were drugged, intoxicated, or unconscious, what happened to you was sexual assault, and it was not your fault.
At The Zinn Law Firm, we are committed to holding predators and the institutions that enable them accountable. Our attorneys have the experience and sensitivity to handle a wide range of civil sexual assault claims, fighting for survivors whose trust and safety have been violated. We are prepared to handle cases involving:
- Drug-Induced Sexual Assault (DFSA) and Date Rape: This horrific violation involves an assailant using so-called date rape drugs—substances like GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine—or even excessive alcohol to impair or incapacitate a person to commit sexual assault. Survivors of DFSA often have fragmented or no memory of the event, which can lead to feelings of confusion and self-doubt. We understand the unique challenges of these cases and work with toxicologists and other experts to build a powerful claim that proves what happened, even without a clear memory. You deserve to be believed and to get justice.
- Rideshare Sexual Assault: Passengers place a significant amount of trust in rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft and their drivers. When a driver uses their position to commit sexual assault, both the driver and the corporation can be held accountable for failing to ensure passenger safety through proper background checks and safety protocols.
- Sexual Assault by Professionals in Positions of Trust: When a doctor, therapist, coach, religious leader, or another professional uses their authority to exploit and assault someone in their care, it is a devastating breach of trust and professional duty. We fight to hold these individuals and their licensing bodies or employers accountable.
- Assault in Institutional or Residential Settings: Schools, universities, workplaces, and Residential Care Facilities (RCFs) have a legal obligation to create a safe environment. We handle cases where an assault occurred due to an institution’s negligence, such as failing to respond to complaints, negligent hiring, or inadequate supervision.
- Assault Due to Negligent Security: Property owners and managers of places like apartment complexes, hotels, parking garages, and concert venues must provide reasonable security measures to protect people from foreseeable harm. If you were assaulted because of poor lighting, broken locks, or a lack of security personnel, the property owner may be liable.
- Dating App and Online-Facilitated Assault: Predators increasingly use dating apps and social media to find, isolate, and harm individuals. We are experienced in handling cases where an assault was facilitated through an online platform.
No matter the circumstances of your assault, your experience is valid. Our purpose is to provide a path to justice that holds every responsible party accountable for the harm they caused. We are here to help you take back your power.
The Impact of Sexual Assault on Survivors
The harm caused by sexual assault extends far beyond any physical injuries. It is a deep violation that can shatter a survivor’s sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. In a civil lawsuit, our job is to demonstrate the full, devastating scope of these damages so that the compensation you receive truly reflects what was taken from you.
Survivors of sexual abuse and assault often experience a wide range of long-term consequences, including:
- Psychological and Emotional Trauma
- Physical Health Issues
- Financial and Professional Costs
- Damaged Relationships
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Your pain is real, valid, and legally recognizable. We work with a network of respected psychologists, medical experts, and economists to document the true impact of the assault and build a case that honors the full extent of your experience.
Criminal Charges vs. Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuits
It is crucial for survivors to understand that the criminal justice system and the civil justice system are two separate and independent paths. One does not depend on the other, and you have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit regardless of what happens—or doesn't happen—in the criminal system.
Here are the key differences:
- The Goal: The goal of a criminal case is to punish the offender. A prosecutor, representing the state, files charges to seek a conviction that can result in probation, fines paid to the state, or jail time. The goal of a civil lawsuit is to provide compensation and a sense of justice for the survivor. You, the survivor, are in control of the case, and the outcome is a monetary award (damages) paid by the abuser or a responsible institution to you.
- Who Brings the Case: A government prosecutor (e.g., the District Attorney) brings a criminal case. The survivor, represented by their own attorney, brings a civil case.
- Burden of Proof: This is one of the most significant differences. In a criminal case, the prosecutor must prove the defendant’s guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt." This is a very high standard. In a civil case, your attorney only needs to prove the defendant’s liability by a "preponderance of the evidence." This means we only need to show that it is more likely than not (e.g., 50.1% likely) that the assault occurred.
This lower burden of proof means you can win your civil lawsuit even if the prosecutor declined to file criminal charges, a jury found the abuser "not guilty" in a criminal trial, or the abuser was never even identified or arrested. Your civil case provides a separate and often more accessible path to justice and accountability.
How Our Sexual Abuse and Assault Lawyers Can Help You
Dealing with the legal system after a trauma can be stressful. Our role is to lift that burden from your shoulders and serve as your dedicated guide, advocate, and protector throughout the entire process. We empower you by taking control of the legal fight.
Here is how our attorneys can help:
- Provide a Safe and Confidential Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation space for you to share as much or as little of your story as you are comfortable with. We will answer your questions and explain your legal options clearly.
- Conduct a Thorough, Trauma-Informed Investigation: We will discreetly gather all available evidence, which may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and internal documents from institutions to build the strongest possible case.
- Identify All Liable Parties: We look beyond the individual abuser to determine if any institution, such as a school, church, employer, or property owner, can be held financially responsible for their negligence.
- Handle All Communications: You will never have to speak to the abuser’s attorneys or insurance adjusters. We handle all communications, protecting you from intrusive questions and intimidation tactics.
- Hire Leading Experts: We work with a network of highly qualified psychologists, medical doctors, and economic experts who can provide powerful testimony about the extent of your trauma and financial losses.
- Navigate the Legal Process: We manage all deadlines, file all necessary court documents, and handle every aspect of the litigation so you can focus on your healing.
- Fight for Maximum Compensation: Whether through aggressive settlement negotiations or by taking your case to trial before a jury, we will not stop fighting until we have secured the best possible outcome for you.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can assist you in your pursuit of justice and compensation.
San Francisco Sexual Assault FAQs
We know you have many questions, and we are here to provide answers. Below are some frequently asked questions from survivors considering a civil lawsuit.
What if I don't remember all the details of the assault?
This is extremely common and completely understandable. Trauma has a significant impact on memory, causing details to be fragmented, blurred, or suppressed. This does not invalidate your claim. Our experienced attorneys and the experts we work with understand the neurology of trauma. We can work with the details you do remember and use other forms of evidence to build a strong case. A hazy memory is not a barrier to justice.
Will my name and story become public if I file a lawsuit?
This is a primary concern for many survivors, and we take your privacy and confidentiality extremely seriously. In California, survivors of sexual assault have the right to file a lawsuit using a pseudonym (e.g., "Jane Doe" or "John Doe"). This allows you to pursue your case through the court system while protecting your identity from being revealed in public records. We will take every legal step available to safeguard your privacy.
What does it cost to hire The Zinn Law Firm for my case?
We handle all sexual assault cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We advance all the costs of litigation, from filing fees to expert witness costs. We only get paid if and when we win a financial recovery for you, either through a settlement or a trial verdict. If we don't win your case, you owe us nothing. This allows every survivor to access high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
What if my abuser has no money or assets? Can I still file a case?
Yes. This is a critical reason to work with an experienced institutional abuse lawyer. Even if the individual abuser has no ability to pay, there is often a third party who is also legally and financially responsible. This could be an employer, a school, a church, a property owner, or another organization that had a duty to keep you safe. These institutions typically have substantial insurance policies or assets that can be used to provide the compensation you deserve. Our investigation will focus on identifying every potential source of recovery.
Contact Our Trusted San Francisco Sexual Assault Lawyers at The Zinn Law Firm
You have already taken the most difficult step by seeking help. You have survived, and now you have the right to seek justice. At The Zinn Law Firm, we are here to stand with you, amplify your voice, and fight for the accountability and resources you need to heal and build a new future. Our commitment to you is unwavering: we will provide the compassionate support you need, the dedicated legal strategy you deserve, and the tenacious advocacy required to win.
Your fight is our fight. Let us help you take the next step on your own terms.
For a free, completely confidential, and compassionate consultation with our experienced sexual assault lawyer in San Francisco, please contact us today at 415-292-4100 or through our online form. We are here to listen.