Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that can leave victims with physical, emotional and psychological injuries that last a lifetime. At Feldman Shepherd, we understand the courage it takes for victims of sexual abuse to come forward and demand justice against their abusers and the institutions that enabled or protected them, or turned a blind eye. That is why we have a dedicated team of sexual abuse attorneys who handle each case with the individualized attention and compassionate, but resolute, advocacy that every survivor deserves. 

Every 68 seconds someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. About 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse. On average, there are 463,634 victims (age 12 or older) of rape and sexual assault each year in the United States, and more than 63,000 children experience sexual abuse. 

Sexual abuse can occur in many settings, including: 

• Schools and universities 
• Religious institutions 
• Youth organizations and sports 
• Hospitals, doctors’ offices and other medical facilities 
• Nursing homes 
• Childcare 
• Foster care 

For many victims, it can take years to come to terms with the trauma of sexual abuse and to feel ready to seek legal help. The average age at which victims report childhood sexual abuse is 52 years, if they report it at all. 

Fortunately, many states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have recognized that delayed disclosure of child sexual abuse is common, and they have extended the specified time, called the statute of limitations, for victims to file a civil lawsuit. If you are a victim, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your lawsuit is filed within the applicable statute of limitations and that your legal rights are protected. 

We are proud of the reputation our Feldman Shepherd attorneys have earned for handling sexual abuse cases. Attorney Paul A. Lauricella, a former prosecutor, successfully represented 12 of the victims in the Penn State/Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal and achieved confidential settlements for several clients that placed in the top monetary category of the claims against Penn State. In another highly publicized case, Lauricella achieved a confidential settlement for a sexually abused client identified by the pseudonym “Billy Doe” in a lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for covering up and enabling child molesters to gain access to Catholic school students. 

Adults also fall victim to sexual abuse. In a case that sent a clear message to law enforcement that inaction is never acceptable when faced with misconduct in their ranks, attorney Mark W. Tanner secured a substantial settlement against Pennsylvania State Police on behalf of a 45-year-old woman who was sexually preyed upon by a trooper whose commanders turned a blind eye as he amassed a shocking litany of sexual misconduct complaints from multiple victims and a damning trail of circumstantial evidence. 

Tanner and attorney Bethany R. Nikitenko secured a $15 million recovery for a university student who was sexually assaulted by her coach. 

We have secured numerous other substantial settlements and awards that are bound by confidentiality. 

We understand that for many survivors, sexual abuse cases are about more than obtaining financial compensation. Many of our clients are motivated to come forward by a desire to change the power dynamic, to demand accountability and transparency from individuals and institutions that failed them, to keep others safe, and to open a path toward healing. 

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to tirelessly advocating for true justice — in all its forms — for sexual abuse survivors, so that they may look to the future with strength and optimism.