Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Assault, Harassment: Top 10 Cases and Questions

If there is anything positive to be taken from the horrific Harvey Weinstein revelations, it's that more victims of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment -- both male and female -- are coming forward with their stories. And as more stories are told, more lawsuits will follow.

And that will leave many people wondering whether you can sue for sexual assault or harassment, and who, other than the perpetrator, might be responsible. Here's a look:

1. Can a Victim of Rape Sue for Money Damages?

Generally speaking, rapes and sexual assaults are prosecuted (hopefully) in criminal courts. And sexual harassment claims are handled by workplace policies. But civil lawsuits based on rape and assault claims are still available.

2. Can You Sue a Doctor for Molestation or Sexual Assault?

Medical professionals and personnel, as well as the hospitals, clinics, and other care providers that employ them, can be found liable for sexual assault.

3. Ex-Tinder VP Sues Over Sexual Harassment

Sadly, sexual harassment in the workplace is not confined to a single industry, and is as common in new-school tech startups as in old-school offices.

4. Woman Sues Airbnb After Host Sexually Assaults Her

And tech companies and app makers have been targeted by customers who've been the victims of assault and rape.

5. Uber Driver Sued for Sexually Assaulting Teen

And lawsuits can target both the app maker and the perpetrator.

6. When Can You Sue a Church Leader for Sexual Assault?

As with workplace harassment and assault, there has been a rise in reporting crimes by church leaders and the clergy.

7. NJ State Trooper Alleges Sexual Assault & Harassment

Even the toughest among us -- our police and first responders -- can be victims of harassment and assault. And accusations against public employees may be more complicated than private individuals.

8. Pitt. Prison Guards Sexually Abused Inmates?

Given the stereotype of the average convict, you may not think of prison inmates as being a vulnerable population. But confinement and the imbalance of power behind bars can leave many inmates susceptible to abuse.

9. Stanford Sued for 'Systematic Negligence' for Failing to Stop Sexual Predator

With the spike in on-campus sexual assault reports, schools are put in the position of investigator, judge, jury, and protector -- one that we're finding they are ill-equipped to handle.

10. Man Convicted of Sexual Assault Sued Victim for Calling Him a Rapist on Facebook

And with the increase in accusations of sexual assault, there is bound to be a backlash of lawsuits claiming defamation based on those allegations.

Related Resources:

• Find Personal Injury Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
• Lawsuit: Mississippi Hospital Liable for Sex Assault by Paramedic (FindLaw's Injured)
• Georgia Hospital Settles Rape Lawsuit Involving Nurse's Aide (FindLaw's Injured)
• Calif. Clinic Sued Over Alleged Sexual Assaults by Nurse (FindLaw's Injured)