Justice for Victims of Hotel Sexual Assaults in Westchester County

According to some estimates, a sexual assault occurs roughly every 68 seconds in the United States. Survivors may experience lifelong trauma including PTSD and depression from a rape, attempted rape, or any other form of sexual violence or nonconsensual sexual contact. While these heinous crimes can happen anywhere, it is not uncommon for sexual assaults to occur at hotels.

If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted at a hotel in Westchester County, you deserve to have your voice heard. You deserve justice. And you deserve compensation.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is here to help and offers completely free and confidential case evaluations for victims of a sexual assault that occurs on the property of a hotel, motel, resort, hostel, or Airbnb.

To schedule your free consultation:

Our office is located in Westchester County in Ardsley, which is in between White Plains, Yonkers, and Tarrytown. The office offers a calm, quiet, and welcoming environment in a building mostly occupied by therapists and medical professionals. There is free parking as well, so that your experience is always hassle free.

A Compassionate Personal Injury Lawyer Who Cares

Michael J. McConnell is a personal injury lawyer in Westchester County who opened his own law firm for the very purpose of helping those who need help the most – including survivors of sexual assault. He is a former Manhattan prosecutor who understands the importance of balancing strong advocacy in court with a calm, clear, and compassionate approach that makes victims feel safe and informed throughout the legal process.

At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, there are three core values that embody a commitment to putting the client’s needs first:

  1. Consistent contact with the client throughout the case. Clients should never feel left in the dark. They deserve to know what is going on with their case at all times.
  2.  Clear and direct communication. It is our philosophy that clients should always get a crystal-clear explanation about what to expect.
  3. Compassionate legal representation. A strong case is often built by having good rapport that allows a client to feel safe opening up. It is therefore top priority to provide compassionate listening, empathy, and nonjudgment to clients when they share their stories.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In general, the perpetrator of a rape or sexual assault at a hotel can of course be held responsible, but so too can other individuals or entities – including the hotel itself. It is important to first understand the difference between criminal and civil liability. Once that is understood, the next step is to determine who might be held liable in a civil lawsuit that seeks compensation for the trauma of a sexual assault while staying at a hotel.

Criminal Prosecutions and Civil Lawsuits: Knowing the Difference is Key

Rape and other sexual offenses that occur at motels can result in an arrest and criminal prosecution through the criminal justice system.

In the criminal justice system, a prosecutor with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office may seek criminal punishment for the rapist. If they are successful by getting a guilty plea or a conviction at trial, a judge may sentence the rapist to prison as punishment.

In contrast, a civil lawsuit is focused on getting compensation for the victim in the form of money damages. Thus, in the civil justice system, a lawyer hired by the victim will file a lawsuit to get the victim money that compensates them for things like medical bills, therapy sessions, time missed from work, and pain and suffering.

In many cases of sexual assault, a criminal prosecution and civil lawsuit can be brought at the same time since they serve different purposes. In fact, even if the perpetrator is never arrested or prosecuted, a civil lawsuit can still be brought. Additionally, even if a criminal prosecution is brought but the defendant is found “not guilty” or has the charges dropped at some point, a crime victim’s civil lawsuit can still proceed.

The Importance of Figuring Out Who to Sue for a Sexual Assault at a Hotel

In general, victims of crime can sue for financial compensation for the harm they suffered. However, it is critical for survivors of sexual assault at a hotel in Westchester to know that more than one person or entity can be legally at fault in a civil lawsuit.

Certainly the perpetrator can be sued, but so too can the hotel be sued as well as others such as a security company hired by the hotel. Lawsuits against a hotel are usually brought as a “negligent security” type of case, so the key there is often to show that the hotel’s negligence in some way was a valid legal cause of the sexual assault.

Here are some ways that a hotel or a contracted security company hired by the hotel can be liable for a rape on its premises:

  • Inadequate security
  • Faulty door locks
  • Failing to properly vet employees with background checks
  • Ignoring reports, complaints, or obvious signs of sex trafficking
  • Negligently allowing access (e.g., hotel staff giving a key card to someone they shouldn’t)

There are countless other ways hotels can be liable, but the above are some of the most common examples. It is critical for an attorney to do a thorough investigation of the root cause of any sexual assault at a hotel in order to properly identify all individuals and entities that can be held liable.

Types of Compensation Available Through a Civil Lawsuit Against a Hotel

After a sexual assault at a hotel, you may be able to get money for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Therapy or counseling
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional Harm

Each case is truly unique, so the types of compensation and overall amount that someone can get will vary based on the facts of the case. A personal injury lawyer for survivors of sexual assault in Westchester County can take a look at all of the facts, conduct a thorough investigation, and help their client understand the potential financial value of the case.  

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you are a survivor of sexual violence at a hotel in Westchester County, you do not have to go through this alone. A lawyer can calmly and compassionately guide you through the legal process. Here are some of the key things a lawyer can do:

  • Complete a detailed investigation and obtain critical evidence such as video footage from the hotel, maintenance records, and witness statements
  • File a lawsuit timely within the statute of limitations
  • Write a strong settlement demand letter to the hotel, their insurance company, and their lawyers
  • Handle all aspects of litigation in an effort to get you the money that you deserve
  • Take the case to trial if the hotel doesn’t offer a fair settlement

Call Us Today

If you were a victim of a rape, sexual assault, or sex trafficking at a hotel, you can talk to attorney Michael J. McConnell for free in a completely private, safe, and confidential setting. He will calmly and clearly explain your rights and how he can help.

Always remember that you are not alone and that the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is here for you when you are ready to talk. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Page last updated 5/19/25.