Sexual Assault Attorney in South Carolina

Sexual Assault Attorney
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Skilled Counsel – Sexual Assault Attorney

Attorney Serving Sexual Assault Victims in South Carolina

Sexual assault attorney David L. Hood and his co-counsel legal team provide strong, tough legal help to victims of sexual assault.

Sexual assault is a serious and painful experience. Survivors often carry emotional and physical wounds for years. If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual assault in South Carolina, you are not alone.

National Association of Distinguished Counsel: Nation’s Top One Percent

My experience with this firm has been nothing short of unbelievable. Mr. Hood and Tracey, his paralegal are very professional and dependable. I would definitely use them again.

VALDENA LAWRENCE, 2022/07/10

Our experience with The Law Offices of David Hood was extremely pleasant. Mr. Hood is very knowledgeable and helpful. Tracey Weiland was very helpful and patient with our special needs. They were there during a difficult process for us. Went out of their way to explain things and walk us through the legal process. Thanks so much. Highly recommend their practice.

BRENDA DEAMER, 2022/09/06

The thing that I love most about them is that they listened to me thoroughly and didn’t try to interrupt until I was finished. Everything was related to me in layman’s terms and they made sure to ask that if I had any questions about anything. The fact that David came down from Columbia just to speak with me in person spoke VOLUMES TO ME! Peter, Ali and everyone that had a hand in case were always very professional and I always knew what was going on with anything involving my case. They took my case when a prominent firm in my city stated that they couldn’t help me so I feel very BLESSED that I had them fighting for me. A GODSENT!

MARK MCDOMICK, 2021/06/09

Table of Contents

Sexually assaulted definition

Sexual assault is a serious crime. It happens when someone forces another person into any kind of sexual activity without their permission. This includes touching, groping, or more serious acts. Sexual assault can happen to anyone—no matter their age, gender, or background.

Sexual assault is about power and control. The person who commits sexual assault is trying to take away the other person’s choice and freedom. This is never okay.

Without consent, any sexual act is assault. Consent means giving clear permission. If someone does not say “yes,” or if they are afraid, asleep, or unable to think clearly, they cannot give consent.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call The Law Offices of David L. Hood today. Our sexual assault attorney and his co-counsel legal team care and can help fight for you.

Holding sex offenders accountable

At The Law Offices of David L. Hood, we believe that those responsible for sexual assault must be held accountable. You have the right to seek justice—and not just in criminal court. In South Carolina, the criminal court system can punish offenders with prison time and other penalties.

You may also be able to file a civil lawsuit against the person who harmed you or others who were responsible. Civil lawsuits allow victims to seek financial compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Contact sexual assault attorney David Hood now. He will pursue compensation to help you or your loved one on the road to recovery.

Civil lawsuits are separate from criminal cases

Even if criminal charges are dropped or the offender is found not guilty, victims may still be able to file a civil lawsuit. The legal standards for proof are different in civil and criminal cases. Those responsible—including the offender and any party that enabled the abuse—must be held accountable.

We take these cases seriously and treat our clients with care, respect, and privacy. Call The Law Offices of David L. Hood, sexual assault attorney for your free, private consultation now!

Who can be affected by sexual assault?

Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault. It can happen at school, at work, in public, or even at home. Sometimes, the person who assaults someone is a stranger. Other times, it’s someone the victim knows and trusts.

Who can be sued in a civil sexual assault case?

No matter what someone was wearing, saying, or doing—it is never their fault if they are sexually assaulted. The blame is always on the person who committed the assault.

In South Carolina, you may be able to sue more than just the person who assaulted you. Here are some examples of who may be held responsible:

  • The attacker – This is the person who committed the sexual assault. They can be held responsible for your physical and emotional injuries.
  • Employers or businesses – If the assault happened at work or school, at a bar, hotel or restaurant, at a government institution, or on someone’s property, the company or owner may be responsible if their negligence contributed to the assault. For example, if an employer ignored repeated complaints about an employee’s misconduct, they could be held responsible. Another example is if a business failed to do a background check or did not provide enough security, they may be held liable.
  • Schools or churches – If teachers, staff, or leaders hurt students or members, the organization may be held accountable.
  • Landlords or property owners – If a landlord knew about a danger (like poor lighting or broken locks) and did nothing, they may be responsible.

Each case is different. A sexual assault attorney can help you find out who may be legally responsible in your situation. Contact The Law Offices of David L. Hood today!

What can you get from a civil sexual assault case?

A civil case can help you get money for what you’ve been through. This is called compensation or “damages.” While no amount of money can undo the damage, holding offenders financially responsible can help prevent future harm. Compensation can cover things like:

  • Medical bills – Doctor visits, therapy, medications, hospital stays, or future care.
  • Lost income – If you had to miss work or lost your job because of the assault.
  • Pain and suffering – This includes emotional trauma, fear, anxiety, depression, and other hardships.
  • Loss of enjoyment – If you can no longer enjoy life the way you used to.
  • Punitive damages – In some cases, the court may award extra money to punish the wrongdoer and help prevent future harm.

These cases are not just about money. They are also about telling your story, being heard, and standing up for yourself.  

What should you do after a sexual assault?

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, there is help. You should:

  • Call 911 if you are in danger
  • Get medical care right away
  • Report the assault to the police
  • Talk to a trusted adult, friend, or counselor
  • Contact a sexual assault attorney who can help protect your rights

Sexual assault hotline information for South Carolina:

The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA)

How can a lawyer help?

A sexual assault attorney can help you take civil action against the person who hurt you. This means you can sue them for money to help with medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other damages. A lawyer can also help keep your information private and guide you through the legal process.

Why choose sexual assault attorney David Hood?

The Law Offices of David L. Hood knows how difficult it can be to come forward after sexual assault. Many survivors feel scared, ashamed, or worried that no one will believe them. We want you to know this: We believe you. We are here for you.

Here’s what sets our firm and our co-counsel legal team apart:

  • We treat you with respect and care. Your story is important. We listen without judgment and protect your privacy.
  • We fight for justice. We are not afraid to stand up to big companies, schools, or anyone else who may be responsible.
  • We explain everything clearly. Legal terms can be confusing. We break it down so you understand your rights and options.
  • We handle the hard parts. You’ve already been through enough. Let us take care of the legal work while you focus on healing.

What to expect during a sexual assault case

It can feel scary to think about going to court. But knowing what to expect can help ease your mind. Here’s a general idea of what happens in a civil sexual assault case:

Free consultation: You talk to a sexual assault attorney about what happened. We ask some questions and explain what we can do. Everything you say is private. There is no pressure, and it does not cost anything.

Investigation: If you decide to move forward, we gather evidence. This might include medical records, police reports, witness statements, or security footage. We may also talk to experts, such as doctors or therapists.

Filing the lawsuit: A sexual assault attorney will file legal papers to start your case. These papers go to the court and the people or companies you are suing.

Discovery: This is the part where both sides exchange information. Each side can ask questions, request documents, and take depositions (interviews under oath).

Settlement talks: Many cases are settled before going to trial. That means the other side agrees to pay a certain amount of money. You get to decide whether to accept the offer or keep going.

Trial (if needed): If your case goes to trial, we will be by your side the whole time. You do not have to face anyone alone. We present your story and fight for your rights in court.

Frequently Asked Questions:

We work on a “contingency fee” basis. You don’t pay us anything upfront. We only get paid if we win money for you.

You can still file a civil case even if you did not report the assault to police.

In South Carolina, there is a time limit called the "statute of limitations." For civil sexual assault cases, the statute of limitations is usually 3 years from the time of discovery of the injury,. In some cases, this can be extended, especially if the survivor was a child at the time of the assault. We can help you figure out if you still have time to file.

The Law Offices of David L. Hood, Sexual Assault Attorney in South Carolina

You deserve justice. You deserve support. And you deserve to be heard.

If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual assault in South Carolina, don’t wait to get help. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit and hold those responsible accountable for what they did.

The Law Offices of David L. Hood is here for you. With 18 locations across South Carolina, our firm works with a dedicated co-counsel legal team to fight for justice. We offer free, private consultations. You can talk to us without fear and without pressure.

Many cases settle before trial, but we and our legal team are always prepared to go to court. If you or a loved one is a sexual assault victim, call us at 843-491-6025 for a free, confidential consultation.

You can also contact us 24/7 by email, text or chat. If your injuries prevent you from coming to our office, we can come to you.

Let us stand beside you and fight for your rights! Your path to justice starts here!

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