Sexual Abuse / Sexual Assault

Sexual Abuse and Assault Legal Cases

Expert Mass Tort Representation for Survivors

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Cases

Sexual abuse and sexual assault cases represent some of the most serious and sensitive legal matters in our justice system. These cases involve harm to victims who deserve justice, compensation, and the chance to rebuild their lives. Our law firm specializes in mass tort litigation, which means we handle cases where many people have been harmed by the same defendant or group of defendants.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual abuse or assault, it’s important to understand your legal rights. These cases can be complex, but with the right legal team, victims can seek justice and hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions.

The Difference Between Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault

While these terms are often used together, there are important legal differences between sexual abuse and sexual assault.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a broader term that covers sexual assault but also includes other harmful sexual behaviors:

Sexual harassment and intimidation
Exposing someone to unwanted sexual content
Sexual exploitation, especially of minors
Creating, distributing, or possessing illegal sexual images

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault typically refers to any unwanted sexual contact that happens without consent. This includes:

Rape and attempted rape
Unwanted touching of intimate body parts
Forcing someone to perform sexual acts
Sexual contact with someone who cannot give consent (due to age, mental capacity, or intoxication)

Important Note: Both sexual abuse and sexual assault are serious crimes and civil wrongs. Victims have the right to seek justice through both criminal courts (where the government prosecutes the offender) and civil courts (where victims can sue for damages).

Common Defendants in Sexual Abuse and Assault Cases

Common defendants include:

Schools and Universities — Public and private educational institutions that failed to protect students
Religious Organizations — Churches, dioceses, and religious institutions where abuse occurred
Youth Organizations — Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, sports leagues, and camps
Healthcare Facilities — Hospitals, clinics, and medical practices where patients were abused
Correctional Facilities — Prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers

Individual Defendants

Individual defendants include:

Direct perpetrators of abuse
Supervisors who knew about abuse but failed to stop it
Officials who covered up abuse or failed to report it
Anyone who enabled or facilitated the abuse

Corporate Defendants

Corporate defendants include:

Companies that employed abusers
Businesses that failed to conduct proper background checks
Corporations that created environments where abuse could occur

Recent Verdicts and Settlements

Sexual abuse and assault cases have resulted in significant verdicts and settlements across the country. These cases show that courts and juries take these matters seriously and are willing to award substantial compensation to victims:

Institutional Cases — Major universities have paid millions in settlements to victims of sexual assault by staff and students
Religious Organization Cases — Catholic dioceses have paid billions in settlements to abuse survivors
Youth Organization Cases — The Boy Scouts of America established a $2.46 billion settlement fund for abuse survivors
Sports Organization Cases — USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University paid $500 million to survivors of abuse
Healthcare Cases — Hospitals and medical practices have paid substantial settlements for patient abuse cases

These verdicts and settlements demonstrate that institutions and individuals can be held accountable for sexual abuse and assault. They also show that victims can receive compensation for their suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Why Choose Andover Law for Your Sexual Abuse or Sexual Assault Case

Sexual abuse and assault cases require special expertise, sensitivity, and resources. Andover Law is uniquely qualified to represent victims in these complex cases:

We specialize in mass tort litigation, which means we have experience handling cases involving many victims and multiple defendants. This experience is crucial in sexual abuse cases.
We know how to investigate large institutions and uncover patterns of abuse
We have the resources to take on powerful defendants
We can coordinate with other victims to build stronger cases
We understand how to navigate complex legal procedures

Sensitivity and Compassion

We understand that sexual abuse and assault cases are deeply personal and traumatic. Our team is trained to handle these sensitive matters with:

Compassion and understanding for what victims have endured
Respect for privacy and confidentiality
Patience as victims heal and work through the legal process
Connection to counseling and support resources

Proven Track Record

Our attorneys have successfully represented victims in various types of sexual abuse and assault cases, including:

Cases against educational institutions
Cases against religious organizations
Cases against healthcare providers
Cases against youth organizations
Cases against employers and corporations

No Upfront Costs

We handle sexual abuse and assault cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:

You don’t pay attorney fees unless and until we win your case.
We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
You can focus on healing while we handle the legal work.
There’s no financial risk to you in pursuing your case.

Resources and Expertise

These cases often require extensive investigation and expert testimony. Our firm has:

Experienced investigators who can uncover evidence of abuse
Relationships with medical and psychological experts
The financial resources to pursue cases against large institutions
Knowledge of statute of limitations laws and how they apply to abuse cases

Your Rights as a Victim

If you are a victim of sexual abuse or assault, you have important legal rights:

Right to Seek Justice — You can pursue both criminal and civil cases
Right to Compensation — You may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Right to Privacy — Your identity can often be protected during legal proceedings
Right to Support — You have the right to legal representation and support throughout the process
Right to Be Heard — Your voice and experience matter in seeking justice

Time Limits: Many states have extended or eliminated statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, especially those involving minors. However, it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Get the Legal Help You Deserve

If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual abuse or assault, you don’t have to face this alone. Our experienced legal team is here to help you seek justice and hold wrongdoers accountable.

Contact us today at (917) 526-2673 for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen sympathetically, explain your rights, and help you understand your legal options.