Battle Born Injury Lawyers | May 21, 2024 | Sexual Assault
More than a dozen women have accused David Copperfield, an internationally renowned magician and MGM Grand regular, of sexual misconduct in an exposé by The Guardian. Over half of the accusers claim they were under the age of 18 at the time of the misconduct. Three women claim he drugged them before sexually assaulting them.
In four other cases, women claimed that Copperfield groped them during live stage performances. Three of the women were teenagers at the time of the incidents.
The claims against Copperfield date back to the 1980s. Copperfield was previously accused of sexual misconduct in 2018 by one of the current accusers, Brittany Lewis, who claimed he drugged and assaulted her twenty years prior. Several women alleged that Copperfield promised to help them with their careers in modeling or entertainment before engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships with them.
Copperfield and his attorneys deny the allegations, claiming the accusations are “entirely implausible.”
What Rights Do The Alleged Sexual Assault Survivors Have?
Sexual assault is a criminal offense under Nevada law. A person who commits rape or sexual assault could face years in prison, sex offender registration requirements, and a category A felony conviction.
Sex crimes are also intentional torts. Sexual assault survivors have the right to file a civil lawsuit against their alleged attacker to recover compensation for damages related to the assault. The standard of proof in civil cases (“a preponderance of the evidence”) is lower than in criminal cases (“beyond a reasonable doubt).” Assault survivors can win a personal injury case against their attacker even if they are never convicted of a crime.
A sexual assault survivor may also have a personal injury claim against any party that facilitated the assault or negligently prevented it from occurring. For example, survivors may have a premises liability claim against the establishment where the assault occurred, including:
- Hotels
- Casinos
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Nightclubs
Legally speaking, business owners in Nevada have a duty to provide adequate security for guests. If a lack of proper security or oversight contributed to an attack, a survivor may have a claim.
What Compensation Can Survivors of Sexual Assault Recover?
In Nevada, survivors have the right to seek compensation for their economic damages and non-economic damages related to sexual assault.
Such survivors may be entitled to monetary compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Therapy/Counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium and damage to relationships
Punitive damages, which punish a defendant for extreme and malicious conduct, may also be available.
How Long Do Survivors Have to File A Sexual Assault Claim?
Nevada recently removed the statute of limitations for adults to file a civil lawsuit against individuals who sexually assaulted them. Anyone who was sexually abused or assaulted at the age of 18 or older can file a personal injury lawsuit against their attacker at any time after the incident(s) occurred.
A person who was assaulted while under the age of 18 generally has twenty years from the date they reach 18 to file a civil lawsuit against their attacker.
Personal injury claims against businesses or business owners that contributed to the assault are typically subject to Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations for negligence claims.
Contact the Las Vegas Sexual Assault Attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers To Get Justice Today
The trauma of sexual assault can last a lifetime. If you were sexually assaulted, you deserve compensation from your attacker — and anyone who allowed the assault to occur.
You deserve justice. You deserve to tell your story. You deserve a Las Vegas sexual assault attorney who will battle for your rights. At Battle Born Injury Lawyers, your battle is our fight. We’ve recovered over $100 million for injured clients.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our top-rated Las Vegas sexual assault attorneys. We’re ready to put our experience, resources, and commitment to justice behind your case.
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Las Vegas, NV 89101
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Las Vegas, NV 89135
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Henderson, NV 89123
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