Los Angeles Hotel Sexual Assault Lawyer

Our Compassionate and Nationally Recognized Hotel Rape Lawyers Will Help You Hold Your Attacker Accountable

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is a distinguished law firm with a long-standing history dating back to 1971. With over five decades of dedicated service, our firm has built a reputation as a national leader in representing victims of hotel sexual assaults and other personal injury cases in Los Angeles. We focus on protecting the rights of those harmed in hotel environments, combining deep legal expertise with compassionate client advocacy.

Our firm’s commitment to justice is reflected in our impressive track record, having recovered over $500 million for clients nationwide. With 16 full-time attorneys spread across seven offices, our firm offers comprehensive legal support tailored to the unique challenges of hotel sexual assault cases. Two of the firm’s named partners, Charles Lipcon (2020) and Jason R. Margulies (2025), have been honored as “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®, underscoring the exceptional caliber of our legal team. Additionally, Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers® and Best Law Firms® by U.S. News & World Report for the past nine years, affirming our status as a trusted authority in personal injury law.

Since opening its doors, the firm has successfully handled over 4,000 cases, demonstrating unmatched experience and dedication in advocating for victims of hotel sexual assaults, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and other serious injuries. Trust our hotel rape and sexual assault lawyers to get you the justice you deserve.

Legal Definitions and Protections Relating to Sex Crimes

Sexual Assault: Under California Penal Code § 243.4, sexual assault includes non-consensual sexual contact, such as touching the intimate parts of another person without consent. It encompasses a range of offenses from unwanted touching to more serious sexual offenses.

Rape: Defined under California Penal Code § 261, rape is non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished by force, threat, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or mental disability.

Consent: California law requires affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent cannot be given if a person is asleep, unconscious, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or coerced.

Sexual Battery: California Penal Code § 243.4 specifically criminalizes sexual battery, which involves touching a person’s intimate parts against their will for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse.

Sexual Harassment and Hostile Environment: Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances or conduct that creates a hostile or abusive environment, applicable in workplaces, schools, and public accommodations.

Victim Protection Orders: Victims of sexual assault in Los Angeles can seek protective orders (restraining orders) under California Penal Code § 136.2 to prevent the alleged assailant from contacting or approaching them.

Statute of Limitations

California law has extended the statute of limitations for various sexual assault crimes. For example, felony sexual assault generally must be prosecuted within 10 years, but certain offenses involving minors or DNA evidence may have longer or no limitations. Our team can go over the specifics of your case to explain how this affects your ability to take legal action.

Mandatory Reporting

Certain professionals, including healthcare providers and educators in Los Angeles, are required by law to report suspected sexual assault or abuse of minors under California Penal Code § 11166.

Victim Compensation and Rights

California provides victims of sexual assault access to compensation through the Victim Compensation Program and grants rights such as confidentiality, victim advocacy, and the right to be informed about case developments under Marsy’s Law.

Can Sexual Assault Victims File a Civil Lawsuit?

Sexual assault victims can file a civil claim to seek justice and financial compensation beyond any criminal proceedings. A civil claim allows victims to hold perpetrators, and sometimes responsible third parties like the hotel itself, accountable for the harm caused by unlawful sexual acts. Unlike criminal cases, which focus on punishing the offender, civil claims aim to compensate the victim for the wide-ranging damages they have suffered.

Through a civil claim, victims can recover compensation for various types of losses. One of the primary categories is medical expenses, which include costs related to emergency care, ongoing physical treatment, counseling, and therapy necessary to address both physical injuries and psychological trauma resulting from the assault. These expenses can be substantial, especially if long-term care or specialized mental health services are required.

In addition to direct medical costs, victims may be entitled to recover damages for lost wages if the assault has caused them to miss work, lose income, or suffer a diminished earning capacity. This is particularly important for victims whose injuries or trauma have impacted their ability to maintain employment or advance their careers.

Another critical component of compensation in civil claims is for mental anguish and emotional distress. Sexual assault often leaves deep psychological scars, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health challenges. Courts recognize these intangible harms and may award damages to help victims cope with the lasting emotional impact of the assault.

Financial compensation obtained through a civil claim can also cover other damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases, punitive damages designed to punish particularly egregious conduct and deter future wrongdoing.

Filing a civil claim provides victims who have experienced sexual assault with a powerful legal avenue to seek justice and recovery. Our experienced attorneys can guide victims through the process, helping them understand their rights, gather evidence, and build a strong case to maximize compensation. While no amount of money can erase the trauma of sexual assault, pursuing a civil claim can be an essential step toward healing and holding perpetrators accountable.

Strategies for Pursuing Claims Against Hotels and Other Parties Involved

We take obtaining justice for sexual assault and abuse victims very seriously. By employing these strategies, our experienced lawyers can effectively hold hotels and other responsible parties accountable, helping victims obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

A critical first step is to conduct a detailed investigation of the incident. This includes collecting surveillance footage, incident reports, witness statements, and any physical evidence. Preserving evidence quickly is essential, as hotels and other parties may attempt to destroy or alter records.

Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties

Liability may extend beyond the hotel to include security companies, contractors, property managers, or even third-party vendors. A comprehensive legal strategy involves identifying every party that may share responsibility for the incident to maximize the potential for compensation.

Establishing Negligence or Liability

To succeed in a claim, it’s necessary to prove that the hotel or other parties breached their duty of care. This could involve demonstrating inadequate security measures, failure to maintain safe premises, institutional sexual abuse on behalf of their employees, or ignoring prior warnings about dangerous conditions. Expert testimony may be used to establish industry standards and how they were violated.

Navigating Complex Insurance and Legal Defenses

Hotels often have robust insurance policies and experienced legal teams defending claims. Skilled attorneys will negotiate with insurers and counter common defenses such as claims of contributory negligence or assumption of risk. Understanding the nuances of premises liability law is crucial.

Pursuing Fair Compensation Through Negotiation or Litigation

Many claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, but when necessary, pursuing litigation ensures that victims’ rights are aggressively protected. A strategic approach balances the possibility of a fair settlement with readiness to take the case to trial if needed.

Providing Compassionate Client Support

Given the sensitive nature of claims involving personal harm, our sexual assault attorneys prioritize client communication, emotional support, and confidentiality throughout the legal process, ensuring victims feel empowered and informed.

Choosing Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. ensures that those who have been the victims of sexual misconduct benefit from our decades of specialized maritime and personal injury law experience. With a national reputation and over $500 million recovered, our team offers unmatched legal expertise and resources. When you lean on our team of sexual assault and sexual abuse lawyers for representation, you gain access to our skilled negotiators and litigators who are committed to maximizing compensation and protecting your rights every step of the way.

We’ll Fight for Maximum Financial Compensation in Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse Cases

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our experienced legal team is dedicated to holding the guilty party accountable for Los Angeles sexual assaults. Recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms”® by US News & World Report every year since 2016, our sexual assault claim attorneys are well-versed in these sensitive cases, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted, we’re here to make sure the sexual abusers and other at-fault parties pay for what they did. With over 250 years of combined experience, we are uniquely equipped to maximize your financial compensation and demand accountability from those who directly or indirectly caused sexual violence. Don’t let criminal, dangerous, and irresponsible practices go unchecked. Schedule a no-cost, risk-free consultation today to start taking back control of your life. Reach us through our secure contact form or by phone at 877-233-1238 for your no-obligation case evaluation.