When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Myrtle Beach Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating experiences a person can endure. Survivors often carry the emotional, physical, and psychological scars of their trauma for years, sometimes a lifetime. The legal system can feel overwhelming, leaving many unsure of how to hold those responsible accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you deserve justice, support, and a legal team that will fight relentlessly on your behalf.

At Lanier Law Group, we are committed to protecting survivors’ rights, ensuring that abusers and negligent institutions are held accountable, and securing the financial compensation survivors need to rebuild their lives. We understand the strength it takes to come forward, and we provide compassionate, trauma-informed legal representation every step of the way.

What Qualifies as Sexual Assault in South Carolina?

Sexual assault in South Carolina is defined as any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior that occurs through force, coercion, or when the victim is unable to give consent. State law recognizes a range of offenses under the umbrella of sexual assault, each carrying different legal consequences.

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Sexual assault crimes in South Carolina include:

Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC): Often referred to as rape, CSC involves forced sexual intercourse or penetration. The severity of the charges depends on factors such as the use of a weapon, physical injury to the victim, or whether the victim was incapacitated.
Sexual Battery: Any form of non-consensual sexual contact, including groping, fondling, or other unwanted physical advances.
Statutory Rape: Sexual activity with a minor who is legally unable to give consent, regardless of whether force or coercion was involved.
Sexual Exploitation: Includes acts such as distributing or possessing explicit images of minors, coercing someone into sexual activity for financial gain, or using authority to pressure a victim into unwanted sexual acts.
Sexual Assault by a Person in Authority: When a teacher, coach, religious leader, employer, or another authority figure uses their position of power to engage in sexual contact with a victim.

South Carolina law also recognizes that lack of physical resistance does not mean consent. Many survivors experience a freeze response due to fear or shock, making it impossible to resist. Additionally, individuals who are intoxicated, unconscious, or mentally incapacitated are legally unable to give consent, even if they do not verbally object. If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, there are two pirmary ways you can seek justice.

Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases in South Carolina

Survivors of sexual abuse have legal options to hold those responsible accountable, but the legal system can be complex. Understanding the difference between criminal and civil cases is essential when deciding how to move forward.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state and aim to punish the offender. If found guilty, the responsible party may face prison time, fines, probation, and mandatory sex offender registration. However, criminal convictions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, making them more difficult to secure. Additionally, a criminal case does not provide financial compensation to the survivor.

Civil Lawsuits

A civil lawsuit allows survivors to seek financial compensation for the harm they have suffered. These cases can be filed not only against the individual abuser but also against any institution that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. Compensation can cover medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. Civil lawsuits have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, meaning survivors have a greater chance of securing justice through financial recovery.

Can Institutions Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse?

In many cases, sexual abuse occurs because institutions fail to protect those in their care. Schools, religious organizations, workplaces, and nursing homes have a legal and ethical duty to implement safeguards against abuse. When they fail in this responsibility, they can be held accountable in a civil lawsuit. Survivors have the right to take legal action not only against the individual responsible but also against the institution that allowed the abuse to occur.

Ignored or Covered Up Reports of Sexual Abuse

Some institutions receive reports of sexual abuse but choose to ignore them or actively cover them up to protect their reputation. Failing to act on credible allegations allows abuse to continue, putting others at risk. Institutions that suppress reports, silence victims, or fail to report abuse to law enforcement may be held legally responsible.

Failed to Conduct Proper Background Checks

Many cases of institutional abuse occur because organizations fail to properly vet employees, volunteers, or other individuals in positions of authority. Background checks help identify past misconduct, yet some institutions neglect this critical step. If an institution hired or retained an individual with a known history of abuse, it may be liable for the harm that person caused.

Did Not Have Policies in Place to Prevent Abuse

Institutions have a responsibility to establish and enforce policies designed to prevent abuse. This includes implementing clear reporting procedures, training staff on recognizing and responding to abuse, and creating safe environments for those in their care. If an organization lacks these safeguards or fails to enforce them, it may be considered negligent.

Allowed Abuse to Continue by Failing to Take Action

When an institution becomes aware of abuse but fails to intervene, it can be held accountable for the harm that occurs as a result. Whether through inaction, intimidation, or failure to remove an abuser, institutions that enable abuse can be sued for negligence. Survivors deserve justice, and those who fail to protect them must be held responsible.

If you were abused in a school, church, workplace, or other institution, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against both the individual responsible and the organization that failed to prevent the abuse. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence of negligence, and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Survivors

Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to significant financial compensation. While no amount of money can undo the trauma, it can provide the resources necessary for recovery. Civil lawsuits typically involve three types of damages:

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover financial losses related to the abuse, including medical expenses, therapy costs, and lost wages. Our attorneys work with financial and medical experts to calculate the full scope of damages to maximize your compensation.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological impact of abuse. Survivors may receive compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Courts recognize the lifelong effects of trauma and award compensation accordingly.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where gross negligence or institutional misconduct contributed to the abuse. These damages serve as a form of punishment against responsible parties and reinforce that such actions will not be tolerated.

Steps to Take if You’re Seeking Justice for Sexual Assault

Seeking justice for sexual assault is a personal decision that can feel overwhelming, but taking legal action can be an important step toward healing and accountability. Once you are ready to move forward, there are several key steps that can help strengthen your case and protect your rights.

Consult With a Sexual Abuse Attorney

Speaking with an experienced sexual abuse attorney is one of the most important steps in pursuing justice. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, whether through criminal charges, a civil lawsuit, or both. They will also guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the support you need to move forward.

Document Your Experience

If you feel comfortable, keeping a written record of your experience can be helpful for both legal and emotional reasons. Write down details such as dates, locations, names of those involved, and any interactions that may be relevant. If you have text messages, emails, or other forms of communication related to the abuse, saving these can also help build your case.

Identify Potential Witnesses

If there were people who may have seen or suspected the abuse, their testimony could be valuable in a legal case. Witnesses might include coworkers, classmates, family members, or others who noticed warning signs or have direct knowledge of what happened. Your attorney can help determine whether witness statements would strengthen your claim.

Consider Your Legal Options

There are multiple ways to pursue justice for sexual assault. Criminal charges can hold the abuser accountable through the legal system, while a civil lawsuit allows you to seek financial compensation for the harm you have suffered. In some cases, survivors may choose to file complaints with organizations such as workplaces, schools, or professional licensing boards. An attorney can help you decide the best course of action based on your situation.

Prepare for the Legal Process

Seeking justice through the legal system can take time, and understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared. Civil lawsuits and criminal cases involve different legal procedures, and your attorney will guide you through each step. You may need to provide testimony, attend legal proceedings, or participate in settlement discussions. Having legal representation ensures that you have an advocate fighting for your best interests at every stage.

Taking legal action is a courageous step, and you do not have to go through it alone. If you are considering seeking justice for sexual assault, our team at Lanier Law Group is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need.

Why Choose Lanier Law Group?

Lanier Law Group has a long-standing reputation as a fierce advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. We have handled more sexual abuse cases than any other firm in North Carolina, and we bring that same level of experience and commitment to survivors in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our firm takes a trauma-informed approach to legal representation, ensuring that survivors feel safe, respected, and empowered throughout the legal process.

Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Representation

We understand that coming forward about sexual abuse is a deeply personal and often difficult decision. Our attorneys have undergone extensive trauma-informed training to ensure that survivors feel supported and heard. We create a safe, judgment-free environment where you can share your story on your own terms, and we work at your pace to ensure that the legal process does not add to your trauma.

Aggressive Litigation Against Abusers and Negligent Institutions

While we treat our clients with compassion, we take an aggressive stance against those responsible for allowing abuse to occur. Whether the case involves an individual, an employer, a religious institution, a school, or another organization, we fight relentlessly to hold them accountable. We do not back down, no matter how powerful the responsible party may be.

Decades of Experience Handling Complex Sexual Abuse Cases

Sexual abuse cases require a legal team that understands the complexities of trauma, forensic evidence, and institutional liability. With decades of experience, our attorneys know how to build strong cases that maximize the chances of success. We have represented survivors in lawsuits against individuals, businesses, religious organizations, schools, and other entities that failed to protect those in their care.

Survivors Pay Nothing Upfront

We believe that financial concerns should never prevent a survivor from seeking justice. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you do not pay anything unless we recover compensation for you. Our goal is to remove any barriers that might prevent survivors from coming forward, ensuring that everyone has access to experienced legal representation.

Survivors deserve justice, accountability, and a voice. At Lanier Law Group, we are ready to fight for you and make sure your story is heard.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual abuse in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you do not have to face this battle alone. Lanier Law Group is ready to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve. We know that coming forward takes courage, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need.

Your voice matters, and justice begins with one step. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you take back your power and move forward with strength, dignity, and confidence. The road to healing can be difficult, but with the right legal team by your side, you do not have to walk it alone.

Your road to recovery starts now. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

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Lanier Law Group is Here When Results Matter Most

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*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys

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There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.

- Diane W.

"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"

I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!

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Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.

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