At Herman Law, we know that for survivors of sexual abuse, justice isn’t always about the dollar amount on a settlement check. It’s about reclaiming power, finding peace, and finally being heard. A recent case handled by attorney Blake Woodhall is a powerful reminder of just how meaningful that journey can be.
Blake worked alongside a courageous client for four and a half years, pursuing justice in what would become a remarkable case—referred to as the DG case. The case ultimately settled for a substantial amount and included a rare direct action against the perpetrator. But the most impactful moment came during the final hours of negotiation.
As part of the agreement, the perpetrator offered to personally pay $100,000. While this might seem like a victory, our client became visibly upset—pacing the room, agitated and unsettled. When Blake asked what was wrong, the client explained: “He’s always had control over me. And now he’s deciding how much he pays? Why does he get to decide?”
It was a moment that cut to the heart of why we do this work.
Understanding the emotional weight of that power dynamic, Blake took action. He approached the mediator and said Herman Law would not accept any agreement unless the perpetrator paid $101,000—a small but symbolically powerful shift. The mediator delivered the message. The perpetrator, clearly rattled, agreed.
In that instant, everything changed. Our client, who had carried years of pain and trauma, finally felt something shift. He was calm. He was steady. The perpetrator no longer had control.
It wasn’t about the extra thousand dollars. It was about reclaiming dignity and autonomy. It was about healing.
The outcome meant so much not just to our client, but to his entire family. After the case concluded, the client’s brother—a woodworker—crafted a custom wooden cutting board bearing their family’s insignia and gifted it to Blake. “Thank you for taking care of my brother all these years,” he said.
This is the heart of what we do at Herman Law. We fight not only for compensation, but for justice, healing, and empowerment. The wounds our clients carry don’t disappear overnight—but through compassion, legal advocacy, and symbolic victories like this one, we can help them take the first steps toward reclaiming their lives.
We’re proud to have attorneys like Blake Woodhall who understand that true justice lies not only in the courtroom, but in restoring a survivor’s sense of control and self-worth.