If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual harassment, you do not need to face it alone. Our team of compassionate and experienced sexual assault attorneys hold those responsible accountable.

Our team of lawyers provide relentless legal representation for survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual harassment in California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Colorado.

Change the Power Dynamic with an Experienced Legal Team

Sexual misconduct thrives in institutional settings like churches, therapy centers, rehab facilities, psychologist/psychiatrist offices, hospitals, doctor’s offices, schools, and the workplace. The inherent power imbalance between church leader and member, healthcare provider and patient, teacher and student, adult and child, and manager and employee can create an environment of opportunity and even attract sexual predators.

In addition, institutional complicity—when churches and temples, hospitals, schools and universities, and corporations turn a blind eye to sexual misconduct and fail to take action—only adds to the pervasiveness of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.

Our lawyers will shift the power dynamic in your favor. Our experienced attorneys hunt down sexual predators—and the institutions that shield them—and hold them accountable.

The Law Is on Your Side and So Are We

The law specifically protects individuals against sexual misconduct by medical professionals, which may include doctors, nurses, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, teachers, and other professional providers. Laws also protect individuals from sexual predators in roles such as clergy, coaches, high school teachers, and college professors. School children are also protected against sexual abuse by teachers and other staff members. And federal and state labor laws protect against sexual harassment at work. The attorneys at Melmed Law Group P.C. know how to use these laws to protect their clients to the full extent and to help them recover what they deserve from the perpetrators and the institutions that shield them.

We Fight for Survivors of Sexual Misconduct

Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Religious leaders, including priests, pastors, rabbis, and imams are trusted advisors and respected by their faith communities. When that trust is broken by sexual assault or abuse, the attorneys of Melmed Law Group P.C. will work hard to get justice and hold your clergy accountable.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for sexual abuse by a clergy member?

Different states have different deadlines for civil lawsuits against church leaders. We serve clients in California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Colorado, having a thorough understanding of the state-specific laws and deadlines. These states each have very tight and specific deadlines to file a claim. Contact us today so we can evaluate your case right away.

What is the difference between sexual abuse and sexual assault?

Every state has its own definitions of these terms. On this website, we generally use sexual assault to refer to nonconsensual sexual acts against an adult and sexual abuse to specify a sex crime against a child. And we use the term sexual misconduct to refer generally to sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. We generally use the term sexual harassment to refer to unwanted and offensive sexual conduct in the workplace.

What if other church members may have been subject to sexual misconduct too?

If you think other members may have been abused, chances are that you’re probably right. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for an abusive religious leader to use their position of influence to target multiple people. Our firm often prosecutes sexual misconduct claims on behalf of one or more victims at a time.

When survivors join forces against a sexual predator, they corroborate each other’s testimony, which helps builds a stronger case. In addition, the costs associated with the lawsuit are divided among more people, reducing everyone’s cost. Finally, there is strength in numbers. Many survivors find great comfort and strength knowing they are not alone in the fight.

Take a Stand with a Therapist Sexual Misconduct Lawyer at Your Side

Mental-health professionals—such as psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists—are required to maintain specific boundaries when it comes to therapeutic relationships. When a therapist crosses that line, the damage to the patient can be severe. Our experienced team of attorneys will work hard to get you the financial compensation you are entitled to.

Will it cost me any money to file a sexual assault claim against my therapist or former therapist?

We handle cases on a contingency basis. This means that if we represent you, you have no out-of-pocket costs. We only get paid if we win money on your behalf.

What if my therapist says I agreed to a sexual relationship?

Ethically, a mental-health professional must never allow a relationship to develop beyond that of therapist and client. Under a number of state laws, there cannot be a consensual sexual relationship when it comes to a therapist and patient. In other words, in a number of states, a therapist cannot use consent as a defense to a sexual assault lawsuit.

Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault by Doctors

Patients and their families put enormous trust in their caregivers. You trust the doctor and other medical professionals to take care of you. Sexual abuse or assault by a healthcare provider betrays that trust and breaks the law. Our sexual assault attorneys will fight for the justice that you deserve.

How do I know if I have a case against my doctor for sexual assault?

The first step is to schedule a meeting with one of our sexual assault attorneys. An initial consultation is free and confidential. We’ll ask you some questions and help you gather the information we need to evaluate your case. Fill out the online form or give us a call to start the process today.

What if I agreed to have sex with my doctor?

Under a number of state laws, there cannot be a consensual sexual relationship when it comes to a doctor and patient. In other words, in a number of states, a doctor cannot use consent as a defense to a sexual assault lawsuit.

How can I stop this doctor from hurting other people?

Doctors owe their patients a high standard of care. In addition to representing you in the courtroom, we can guide you through the process of filing a complaint with the appropriate state licensing board.

Legal Help for Sexual Assault by Teachers and Professors

High school teachers and college professors interact with young adults on a daily basis. While students may not know what is and is not appropriate in an educational setting, faculty members do. If you or a loved one are confused by a sexual situation on campus, get the answers you need from an attorney. At Melmed Law Group P.C., we understand how much courage it takes to ask for help, and we will handle your inquiry in confidence.

What if I’m in a relationship with my professor that doesn’t feel right but I’m afraid I won’t pass my class if I break up?

A student-teacher relationship represents a huge power imbalance. Feeling “trapped” in a relationship out of fear is a hallmark of an unhealthy and potentially abusive situation. Reach out to Melmed Law Group P.C. today for a free and confidential consultation. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

I’ve never talked to an attorney before. What should I expect?

When you choose Melmed Law Group P.C., you can expect to be heard. We will listen to you with respect and empathy. We’ll ask a few questions to help you determine your best course of action. And we’ll take the time to answer all your questions thoroughly. While we’re evaluating your case, you should evaluate us. We are confident you will find our office to be a warm and professional environment and our attorneys to be both knowledgeable and empathic. Your first meeting is confidential and free.

Attorney to Fight Sexual Abuse at Daycare and School

School children must be kept safe from sexual abuse. We fight relentlessly to hold the trusted adults at your child’s daycare or school—such as teachers, administrators, and staff—accountable for sexual abuse. The classroom should be a safe place where children can learn and grow. If you suspect your child is being sexually abused at school, get help right away.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse generally refers to any sexual acts against a child. A sexual act is the unlawful touching of an intimate part of another person for the purposes of sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse and can occur either directly on the skin or through clothing.

What if I was abused at school when I was a child, but I didn’t remember until recently?

It’s common for abuse survivors to repress or “forget” traumatic events—it’s a survival mechanism. Each state has its own time limit (the statute of limitations)—and calculation methods—for filing a childhood sexual abuse claim. Some states no longer set a time limit for filing a civil lawsuit against a sexual abuser. Other states take a hybrid approach to the time limit based on factors like the survivor’s age and the time of discovery. Our sexual abuse attorneys will help you navigate your state’s statute of limitations. If you or your child was sexually abused at school or daycare, contact Melmed Law Group P.C. today.

Stop Sexual Harassment at Work in Its Tracks

If you are experiencing any kind of offensive sexual behavior at work—by anyone, including a manager, a supervisor, your boss, or a co-worker—contact Melmed Law Group P.C. today. Federal and state laws protect employees against sexual harassment. Our seasoned employment law attorneys represent workers who are subject to the toxicity of a sexually hostile work environment.

Can a man experience workplace sexual harassment?

Absolutely. Sexual harassment is not dependent on gender. Just like the harasser can be male or female, the victim can also be male or female. In other words, workplace sexual harassment happens to men, women, and people who are non-binary. If you’ve experienced unwanted sexual harassment at work, call Melmed Law Group P.C. Get a free consultation with an employment attorney to learn more about your rights and options.

What if my employer fires me for reporting the sexual harassment?

All too often, employees who are sexually harassed at the workplace are afraid to report it for fear of being fired. This is called employer retaliation, and it is prohibited under both federal and state laws.

How long do I have to file a claim for sexual harassment at work?

Every state has different time limits and processes to file a claim. If you’ve experienced workplace harassment in California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, or Colorado, don’t wait. For legal help, contact an experienced sexual harassment attorney at Melmed Law Group P.C. today.

Experienced Attorneys on Your Side

As a law firm working aggressively to vanquish sexual misconduct, we are committed to helping survivors raise their voices and hold perpetrators and predators accountable. We fight for survivors of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual assault throughout California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Colorado.

Empathetic in the Office – Aggressive in the Courtroom

Our office is a safe space. We create a compassionate and supportive environment where you can share your story. Our team of professionals understands and appreciates that seeking help for sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual harassment is a difficult first step to take. At Melmed Law Group P.C., we respect your courage to reach out and we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

But make no mistake. When we enter the courtroom to take on the abuser’s defense attorneys, we are relentless.

Victims are silent. Survivors make noise.

The #MeToo movement launched a revolution against sexual harassment and sexual abuse. Abusers thrive in the veil of shame and embarrassment that once isolated and silenced survivors. But now—more than ever—survivors of sexual misconduct are rallying together, raising a powerful and united voice against their abusers. Don’t let fear or uncertainty stop you from seeking the justice you deserve. Melmed Law Group P.C. is here to guide you through the process. Time may be limited to file your lawsuit, so contact us today. The path to justice begins with one phone call. Reach out now to speak with a dedicated attorney and take your first step toward reclaiming your power.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Get the financial compensation you deserve and stop systemic abuse in its tracks. Melmed Law Group P.C. represents survivors of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual assault throughout California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Colorado.

Schedule your free consultation with an attorney at Melmed Law Group P.C. Call us at 310-824-3828 or fill out the form. Take back your power today!

Frequently Asked Questions:

I’m really uncomfortable talking about my experience but I want to know if I have a case. Can you help?

It’s not easy. We understand. You’ve been betrayed by someone you trusted. At Melmed Law Group P.C., we’ll work hard to earn your trust. And keep it. We are here to get you the compensation you deserve and to hold perpetrators and predators accountable.

What does the legal process look like?

The legal process starts with a phone call or, if it’s more comfortable for you, filling out our online form. An experienced intake attorney will carefully gather your information. Be assured, we will treat you with respect and dignity every step of the way.

What kind of compensation can I receive for my case?

We will investigate your case thoroughly, secure expert witnesses, and fight aggressively on your behalf. Our attorneys will fight for the maximum financial recovery possible. Potential compensation may include:

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
• Punitive damages

What’s important to remember is that we work on a contingency basis. This means you don’t pay us unless we reach a settlement or verdict on your behalf.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

Our law firm takes cases on a contingency basis. This means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.