If you were the victim of a sexual assault in a New Orleans hotel, remember that you are not alone and that the law provides you with avenues to pursue justice. At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our team of experienced sexual assault lawyers is committed to standing up for survivors and ensuring that hotels and other negligent parties are held responsible for failing to protect guests. We have 7 offices nationwide, staffed by hotel rape and sexual assault lawyers who will pursue justice and compensation on your behalf.
Our team of 16 award-winning attorneys has been recognized by “Best Lawyers”® and “Best Law Firms”® by US News & World Report for the past nine years. Since opening our doors in 1971, we’ve handled over 4,000 cases and recovered more than $500 million for our clients.
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What Is Sexual Assault Under Louisiana Law?
In Louisiana, sexual assault is defined broadly to cover a range of non-consensual sexual acts. Under the Louisiana Revised Statutes and the Louisiana Code of Military Justice (Article 120), sexual assault occurs when a person engages in a sexual act with another individual without their lawful consent. Consent must be freely given, and it cannot exist where there is force, threats, intimidation, coercion, or when the victim is unable to consent due to age, intoxication, or incapacity.
Examples of conduct that may qualify as sexual assault under Louisiana law include:
- Engaging in a sexual act by threatening or placing another person in fear.
 - Making fraudulent representations that a sexual act serves a professional purpose.
 - Engaging in sexual conduct with someone who is unconscious, asleep, or otherwise incapable of consenting.
 - Committing acts of sexual battery, which involve intentional touching of intimate parts without consent.
 
Louisiana divides sexual assault offenses into categories such as rape, sexual battery, and indecent behavior with juveniles, each carrying serious criminal penalties, including lengthy prison terms and mandatory sex offender registration.
For survivors, it’s important to understand that the criminal justice system addresses punishment of offenders, but victims also have the right to pursue civil claims against perpetrators and any negligent institutions (such as hotels, cruise lines, or employers) that failed to provide adequate safety.
At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we help survivors of sexual assault in Louisiana understand their rights under both criminal and civil law, guiding them with compassion while aggressively pursuing justice and accountability.
What Right Do Victims of Sexual Assault Have in New Orleans?
Survivors of sexual assault in New Orleans should know that the law provides important protections and avenues for justice. While the criminal justice system focuses on prosecuting offenders, victims also have the right to pursue civil remedies against the individuals and institutions whose negligence contributed to the assault.
Under Louisiana law, survivors have the right to:
- File a police report and participate in the criminal process. Sexual assault and sexual abuse victims are entitled to report the crime, request updates on the investigation, and be informed of court proceedings.
 - Access medical care and forensic exams at no cost. State law ensures that survivors are not billed for medical services related to a sexual assault forensic exam.
 - Seek protective measures. Survivors may request protective orders to help ensure their safety from further harm.
 - Pursue civil claims for compensation. Beyond criminal prosecution in sexual assault cases, survivors can hold hotels, resorts, or other negligent businesses accountable through a civil lawsuit. These claims may provide compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
 - Receive privacy protections. Louisiana’s Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights includes safeguards to protect survivors’ confidentiality during the legal process.
 
At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we help survivors in New Orleans navigate both the criminal and civil systems. Our role as experienced sexual abuse lawyers is to ensure that victims understand their rights, feel supported throughout the process, and have the strongest possible case to obtain justice.
What Can be Included in a Personal Injury Case for Sexual Assault?
When a survivor of sexual assault decides to pursue justice through a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, the goal is not only to hold the perpetrator and negligent institutions accountable but also to seek compensation for the many ways the assault has impacted their life. At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we fight to ensure every sexual abuse claim fully reflects the harm suffered by our clients.
Medical bills and treatment costs: Survivors often need immediate and ongoing medical care for physical injuries sustained during the assault. These expenses can be recovered as part of the case.
Therapy and mental health care: Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other conditions stemming from the trauma. Counseling and psychiatric care are essential, and their costs may be included.
Lost income and diminished earning capacity: If the assault prevents a survivor from working, or limits their future career opportunities, they may be entitled to recover damages for lost income and reduced earning potential.
Emotional pain and suffering: Beyond the physical harm, the law recognizes the profound emotional pain survivors endure. Compensation can reflect the lasting psychological toll.
Physical pain and suffering: Any ongoing discomfort or chronic conditions caused by the assault may also be included in the damages.
Other related expenses: From relocation costs to increased security needs, survivors may be awarded damages for additional burdens tied to the assault.
Punitive damages: Survivors of sexual assault may be awarded punitive damages in addition to compensation for their losses. Unlike medical bills or lost income, this is designed to punish especially reckless or intentional misconduct and to deter hotels, employers, or other negligent parties from allowing such acts to happen again.
By pursuing a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, survivors have the opportunity to recover damages that address both their physical injuries and the long-term emotional and financial consequences of the assault. Our attorneys are committed to ensuring every sexual abuse claim is handled with compassion, strength, and determination to achieve justice.
Our Sexual Abuse Attorneys Will Hold Negligent Parties Accountable for New Orleans Sexual Assault
In the aftermath of a traumatic assault, it’s important to understand that you have legal rights and options for pursuing justice. At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our skilled attorneys are committed to holding negligent parties responsible and guiding survivors of sexual assault toward healing and recovery. Recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms”® by US News & World Report every year since 2016, our attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
With over 250 years of combined experience, we are uniquely equipped to maximize your financial compensation and demand accountability from those who either directly or indirectly caused your attack. Schedule a no-cost 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.
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