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McGuire Law

Columbia Civil Sexual Assault Attorney

Sexual assault survivors in Columbia, South Carolina deserve more than criminal prosecution of their attackers—they deserve financial compensation for the profound trauma they've endured. Civil lawsuits empower survivors to hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable while securing the resources needed for healing and recovery.

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Available 24/7 - Compassionate, Confidential Support for Survivors

Attorney Matt McGuire

Unlike criminal cases that focus on punishing offenders, civil litigation centers on your recovery—obtaining compensation for medical treatment, therapy, lost wages, and the immeasurable pain and suffering you've experienced. Civil cases also expose institutional failures that enabled abuse, creating accountability that protects future victims.

Matthew McGuire has advocated for sexual assault survivors throughout South Carolina for over 30 years, handling these sensitive cases with the compassion, discretion, and aggressive representation they demand. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we fight relentlessly to maximize your compensation while protecting your privacy throughout the legal process.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Civil sexual assault cases demand attorneys who combine legal expertise with sensitivity to trauma, understanding both the complex liability issues and the profound personal impact these cases involve.

Medical Malpractice Representation

Experience holding healthcare providers accountable extends to cases involving sexual abuse by doctors, nurses, and therapists who violated their duty of care and professional boundaries.

Wrongful Death Claims

Compassionate representation when sexual assault results in tragic outcomes. We pursue maximum compensation for families while honoring the memory of their loved ones.

Federal Court Practice

Title IX violations and civil rights claims often proceed in federal court. Our experience with federal procedures ensures effective advocacy in these complex institutional cases.

Motion Practice Excellence

Skilled at protecting survivor privacy through protective orders and confidentiality motions while pursuing discovery that exposes institutional failures and cover-ups.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

When appropriate, we negotiate confidential settlements that provide compensation and closure without the stress of public trials, always at the survivor's direction.

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Civil Sexual Assault Cases We Handle

We pursue civil claims against both individual perpetrators and institutions that enabled abuse through negligence, inadequate supervision, or deliberate cover-ups.

Individual Perpetrator Claims

Civil lawsuits directly against attackers to recover damages for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by their criminal acts.

Institutional Liability

Claims against schools, churches, employers, and other organizations that negligently hired, supervised, or failed to protect against known predators.

Title IX Violations

Federal claims against educational institutions that failed to properly respond to sexual assault reports or created hostile environments for survivors.

Workplace Sexual Assault

Claims against employers who failed to prevent sexual assault or retaliated against employees who reported incidents.

Childhood Sexual Abuse

Civil claims for adult survivors of childhood abuse, including cases involving extended statutes of limitations for delayed discovery.

Medical Provider Abuse

Claims against doctors, therapists, and other healthcare providers who sexually abused patients under the guise of treatment.

Clergy Abuse

Civil claims against religious organizations that enabled abuse by clergy members through negligent supervision or institutional cover-ups.

Criminal Prosecution Is Not Required

Civil cases use a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. You can pursue compensation even if charges were never filed or the perpetrator was acquitted.

McGuire Law's Core Values

Sexual assault survivors deserve attorneys who combine fierce advocacy with genuine compassion, protecting both their legal rights and their emotional well-being throughout the process.

Compassionate Counsel

We understand the courage it takes to come forward after sexual assault. We provide not just legal expertise but also understanding, patience, and support throughout your healing journey.

Confidentiality Protection

Your privacy is paramount. We take extraordinary measures to protect your identity and personal information, using court procedures to shield you from unnecessary exposure.

Personal Attorney Access

You'll work directly with Matt McGuire, not paralegals or junior associates. Your case receives personal attention from experienced counsel who understands trauma-informed representation.

Thorough Case Preparation

We investigate every aspect of your case meticulously, uncovering institutional failures and patterns of abuse while building the strongest possible claim for maximum compensation.

Ethical Practice

We maintain the highest ethical standards, ensuring your case is handled with integrity, honesty, and respect for your autonomy in every decision.

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Damages Available for Survivors

South Carolina civil law allows sexual assault survivors to recover comprehensive compensation addressing both immediate needs and long-term consequences of the trauma.

Medical and Therapy Costs

Emergency medical care, ongoing treatment, and long-term therapy including PTSD treatment, counseling, and psychiatric care for trauma recovery.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

Compensation for wages lost due to trauma-related inability to work, career disruption, and diminished future earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for physical pain, emotional anguish, and the profound psychological impact of sexual assault on your quality of life.

Punitive Damages

Additional damages to punish particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior, often available in cases involving institutional cover-ups.

Loss of Consortium

Damages for spouses or partners affected by changes in the relationship caused by the survivor's trauma and recovery process.

Future Care Costs

Projected expenses for ongoing therapy, medical treatment, and support services needed throughout the survivor's lifetime.

The McGuire Law Difference

Sexual assault cases require attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the human impact of trauma. We provide fierce advocacy while ensuring survivors feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout the process.

Personal Attention, Not Assembly Line Service

At McGuire Law, you're not just a case number. You're a survivor facing one of life's most difficult challenges, and you deserve an attorney who treats your case with the urgency, sensitivity, and personal attention it demands.

Always Accessible

When you need us, we're there. We understand that trauma doesn't follow business hours, and we're responsive, available, and committed to supporting you throughout your case.

Clear Communication, No Legal Jargon

We explain complex legal matters in plain language so you can make informed decisions with confidence. You'll always understand your options and what to expect.

Proven Expertise You Can Trust

Over 30 years of experience handling sensitive cases gives you confidence that your matter is being handled by an attorney who has successfully represented countless survivors.

Same-Day Response Guarantee

When you're ready to take action, every hour counts. We guarantee same-day response to all inquiries—even on weekends—because we understand the courage it takes to reach out.

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Understanding Statutes of Limitations

Time limits for filing civil sexual assault claims vary based on circumstances. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.

Adult Survivors

  • Standard statute of limitations for adult sexual assault claims in South Carolina
  • Time begins running from the date of the assault or discovery of injury
  • Institutional claims may have different deadlines than individual perpetrator claims
  • Federal Title IX claims have separate filing requirements and deadlines

Childhood Abuse Survivors

  • Extended deadlines recognize delayed recognition of abuse and its impact
  • Discovery rule may toll limitations until survivor connects abuse to current harm
  • Special provisions for abuse by authority figures in positions of trust
  • Contact McGuire Law at (888) 499-5738 to evaluate your specific timeline

Don't Delay—Deadlines Are Strict

Courts rarely grant extensions for missed filing deadlines. Contact us immediately to ensure your claim is preserved while evidence and witnesses are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Civil sexual assault cases involve unique legal and personal considerations. Here are answers to help you understand your options for seeking justice and recovery.

What's the difference between civil and criminal sexual assault cases?

Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state to punish offenders and require proof beyond reasonable doubt. Civil cases are filed by survivors to recover compensation and use a lower "preponderance of evidence" standard. You can pursue both simultaneously.

Can I sue if the criminal case was dropped or ended in acquittal?

Yes. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof. Many successful civil verdicts have occurred even when criminal charges weren't filed or resulted in acquittal. O.J. Simpson was famously found liable civilly after criminal acquittal.

Will I have to testify publicly?

We work aggressively to protect your privacy through protective orders and confidential settlements. If testimony becomes necessary, we prepare you thoroughly and can often arrange private proceedings.

Can I sue the institution where the assault occurred?

Yes, if the institution was negligent in hiring, supervision, or security—or if they knew about prior complaints and failed to act. Institutional defendants often have substantial insurance and assets for recovery.

How long will my case take?

Cases typically resolve in 12-24 months depending on complexity, but some institutional cases take longer. We balance the need for thorough preparation against the desire for closure, always at your direction.

What if I can't afford an attorney?

We handle civil sexual assault cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all investigation and litigation costs. Our fee comes from your recovery, not your pocket.

Will my name become public?

We take extraordinary measures to protect survivor privacy, including filing as "Jane Doe" where appropriate and seeking protective orders for sensitive information. Your confidentiality is our priority.

What should I do to preserve my case?

Document everything you remember, preserve any evidence, keep records of medical treatment and therapy, and contact us immediately. The sooner we're involved, the better we can protect your claim.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Attorney

With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.

McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.

Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.

Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.

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Get Started Today

Taking legal action after sexual assault requires tremendous courage—you deserve an attorney who honors that courage with compassionate, aggressive representation.

You don't have to face this alone. Civil litigation can provide the resources for healing while holding perpetrators and institutions accountable. Call McGuire Law now for a confidential consultation about your options for justice and recovery.

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Columbia Office

2001 Assembly Street, Suite 102-B
Columbia, SC 29201

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Every survivor's story matters. Every survivor deserves justice. Matthew McGuire is ready to listen, believe you, and fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve.

Available 24/7/365 - Confidential, Compassionate Support

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." – Theodore Roosevelt