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Most people meet safely through Hinge. But when a meeting leads to harm — an assault, or an injury caused by someone else's negligence — survivors are often left with medical bills, trauma, and hard questions about what to do next. At Kaiser Romanello Accident & Injury Attorneys, we help people in Florida understand their legal options after a dating-app encounter goes wrong, at no cost and with no pressure to move faster than you're ready to.
This page explains, honestly, who can and cannot be held responsible in these cases, what compensation may be available, and how much time Florida law gives you to act. If you're not sure whether you have a case, a confidential conversation costs nothing.
Who Can Actually Be Held Responsible
The honest answer is that the strongest claims are usually not against the app itself. Depending on what happened, one or more of the following may be responsible:
The person who caused the harm
A survivor can bring a civil claim directly against the individual who assaulted or injured them — separate from any criminal case. Civil claims for assault, battery, or sexual battery seek compensation for the harm done, and they move on your timeline and your terms.
A business that failed to keep you reasonably safe
If the harm happened at or around a business that didn't provide reasonable security — a bar or nightclub, a hotel or short-term rental, an apartment complex, or a parking garage — that business may be liable under Florida's negligent security (premises liability) law. This is often the most viable path to meaningful compensation, and it's an area our firm handles; our results include a $5 million negligent-security recovery (see our case results). Whether it applies depends on where the incident occurred and what the property owner knew or should have done.
The dating app — the candid picture
Can you sue Hinge or Match Group?
Usually not for a user's conduct. Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act broadly shields online platforms from liability for what their users do, and courts have generally dismissed claims that a dating app "failed to screen users," "failed to warn," or is responsible for an assault a user arranged. There is a narrow and still-developing area of litigation about alleged addictive or defective app design (currently being pursued against Match Group), but that is different from holding an app responsible for an assault, and it is highly fact-specific. We will give you a straight answer about whether any claim against the platform is realistic in your situation — rather than promise one the law may not support.
Compensation That May Be Available
Where there is a viable claim, Florida law allows a survivor to seek compensation for the real costs of what happened:
- Medical treatment, both immediate and ongoing
- Counseling and mental-health care for trauma
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- In the most tragic cases, wrongful death damages for a family that has lost a loved one
Every case is different, and we don't make promises about amounts — what we can do is evaluate your situation honestly and pursue the full, fair value of a claim that has merit.
How Long You Have to Act in Florida
Time limits depend on the type of claim, and they are not all the same:
- A negligence claim — such as negligent security against a business — generally must be filed within two years, under Florida law as amended by HB 837 in 2023.
- A claim for an intentional act like assault or battery generally has a longer window — typically four years.
- Civil claims for sexual battery can carry longer, fact-specific deadlines, and claims involving victims who were minors may be extended further.
Because the right deadline depends on who is responsible and the specific facts, it's best to speak with an attorney promptly rather than assume. This is general information, not advice about your particular deadline — we can tell you which limits apply to your case.
How Kaiser Romanello Helps
We approach these cases with care and discretion. When you reach out, we listen first, explain your options in plain language, and never pressure you. If there is a viable claim, we handle the legal work — identifying every responsible party, gathering and preserving evidence such as messages and venue records, and dealing with insurers — so you can focus on healing.
We work on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis. There is no cost to have your case reviewed, and you owe nothing unless we recover for you.
Steps That Protect You and Any Future Claim
- Take care of your safety and health first. Get medical attention when you're ready; a medical or forensic exam also helps preserve evidence.
- Reach out for support. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) is free and confidential, any time.
- Report if and when you choose. A police report can support a later civil claim, but you can pursue a civil claim whether or not you report, and the choice is yours.
- Preserve what you can. Save the Hinge conversation and profile, screenshots, texts, photos, and the names of any witnesses or the venue where the incident occurred.
- Talk to a lawyer about your options and deadlines. A confidential review is free and comes with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue Hinge or Match Group for an assault by someone I met on the app?
Usually not for the other person's conduct. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act broadly protects dating apps from liability for what their users do, and "failure to screen or warn" claims are generally dismissed. A narrow, developing area involves alleged defective app design, but it's fact-specific. We'll tell you honestly whether any claim against the platform is realistic in your case.
Then who can I hold responsible?
Most often the individual who caused the harm, and — when the incident happened at or around a business that failed to provide reasonable security — that business, under Florida's negligent-security law. Identifying every responsible party is a core part of what we do.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
It depends on the claim. Negligence claims (like negligent security) are generally two years under HB 837 (2023); intentional-tort claims such as assault and battery are generally four years; and civil sexual-battery claims can be longer and fact-specific. Because the deadline turns on the facts, speak with an attorney promptly so you don't risk your rights.
What compensation might I be able to recover?
Depending on the claim, medical care, counseling, lost wages, and pain and suffering — and wrongful-death damages for a family in the most tragic cases. Every case is different, and we evaluate yours honestly.
What evidence helps?
Keep the Hinge conversation and profile, screenshots, texts, medical records, any police report, and the names of witnesses or the venue. We can help you gather and preserve what's needed.
Do I have to have gone to the police to talk to you?
No. You can have a confidential conversation with us whether or not you have reported to law enforcement, and whether or not you decide to. There's no cost and no obligation.
Talk With Us, Confidentially
If something happened after a Hinge meeting, we can help you understand your options in Florida — free, confidential, and at your pace. You can also explore our Florida dating-app injury overview.
(844) 877-8679 Request a Free, Confidential ReviewThis page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice; it does not create an attorney-client relationship, and it does not guarantee any result. Whether a claim exists, who may be liable, and what deadline applies all depend on the specific facts of your situation. Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future outcomes. If you are in crisis, call 911 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). Kaiser Romanello, P.A., 11555 Heron Bay Boulevard, Suite 200, Parkland, FL 33076.
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