A common question from survivors of sexual assault is, "Is my case a mass tort?". Our firm hears this quite a bit. We are here to tell you that survivors are not just another number in a docket.

The Pride Law Firm understands that behind every case of sexual assault lies a deeply personal story, one that deserves to be honored and recognized individually. Most sexual assault cases defy being placed in a mass tort because of their unique circumstances. 

While it’s important for sexual assault survivors to join forces for support, it’s equally important to remember that their experiences and perspectives are distinct and cannot be compared to anyone else’s. 

With nearly two decades of experience helping survivors of sexual assault, The Pride Law Firm knows that you are far more than just another case number. If you have experienced sexual assault, our team is here when you’re ready. Contact us online or call (619) 516-8166 today. 

“Sexual assault can leave a survivor feeling completely changed, losing touch with who they once were. That’s why we don’t consider survivors impersonal entries to a docket. Rather, each journey is a step toward restoring their sense of self.”
- Jessica Pride
Managing Partner at The Pride Law Firm

Understanding What Separates Your Case From a Mass Tort

While some instances of sexual assault are grouped into mass torts, not all cases of sexual assault fall under this categorization. This division occurs because many cases involve highly individualized circumstances, making them less suitable for mass tort consolidation. 

What Is a Mass Tort?

A mass tort is a legal action where multiple plaintiffs collectively sue one or more defendants. Usually, these claims are placed together because they involve similar claims arising from common harm caused by the defendant’s actions or products. 

These claims are funneled into one lawsuit known as a mass tort, but every plaintiff keeps their own case and lawyer. Mass torts help to manage large-scale litigation efficiently while addressing each person’s circumstances and injuries. 

Examples of mass torts involving claims of sexual assault or abuse include the following: 

• Clergy Sexual Abuse: Claims involving thousands of individuals who were sexually assaulted by Catholic clergy as children, resulting in severe emotional trauma in adulthood. 
• Uber Rideshare Sexual Assault: Cases accuse rideshare companies of failing to implement proper safety protocols like effective background checks, leading to thousands of riders being sexually assaulted. Uber currently faces over 200 lawsuits and counting filed in federal court. 

How Does a Mass Tort Differ From a Civil Lawsuit?

Most sexual assault lawsuits are filed as civil lawsuits. A civil lawsuit refers to a case where only one person or entity sues another to seek compensation or other legal remedies for the harm they suffered. 

As discussed above, a mass tort involves multiple plaintiffs, sometimes thousands or even tens of thousands, in contrast to a civil suit. Typically, there is one plaintiff and one defendant in a civil dispute. 

Sadly, sexual assault can occur across various settings and can target certain groups of people, such as those in prisons or mental health facilities, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ community. Given the diversity of sexual assault cases, survivors need personalized support to address their specific circumstances accurately. 

No survivor’s experience can or should be reduced to a mere statistic or case number. Sexual assault cases deserve nothing less than personalized assistance and consideration of each individual’s story. 

At The Pride Law Firm, we always provide our clients with the tailored care and attention they need to heal and recover. Contact us online or call (619) 516-8166 if you are a survivor of sexual assault looking to get justice. 

The Pride Law Firm Sees Survivors as People, Not Just Cases

The Pride Law Firm has worked closely with hundreds of survivors, taking the time to truly connect with the obstacles they have struggled with or overcome in light of their sexual assault. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach or solution to sexual assault cases, and it would be unfair to survivors to assume otherwise. Every experience is different, and each case merits our in-depth research to find the right path to justice. 

For example, The Pride Law Firm is currently representing several sexual assault survivors in cases involving the Federal Correctional Institute (FCI) in Dublin, California, an all-women’s federal correctional facility with a shocking number of onsite assaults. 

Even though there are many survivors from the FCI in Dublin, our team knows that each experience is different and deserves to be treated as such. We respect each survivor’s personal narrative by handling their case on an individual basis. 

Jessica Pride: Embracing Personalized Support for Survivors

Jessica Pride, the managing partner at The Pride Law Firm, has devoted her career to supporting survivors of sexual violence. With over 15 years of experience, she has fought tirelessly on behalf of women, children, and men who have endured sexual assault. 

Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom, as she spends much of her free time volunteering and serving on the board of local sexual assault organizations. For Jessica, this is not a job that she clocks out of. Instead, she is always thinking about how to serve and honor survivors of sexual assault. 

Having found her passion for civil litigation early in her career, she urges survivors to pursue civil lawsuits, where she ensures they are not just another number added to a docket. Contact The Pride Law Firm online or call (619) 516-8166 for a private consultation.