Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Philadelphia

Sexual Abuse in the U.S.

Every 74 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. At least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse. An estimated 423,000 people aged 12 or older are raped or sexually assaulted 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

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

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 allowable period of 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.

Seeking Justice Through Civil Action

A civil lawsuit can be a powerful way for survivors to seek justice and gain financial stability after the trauma of sexual abuse. Victims who pursue a civil claim may be entitled to significant compensation to cover the deep and lasting harm they have endured. This recovery often includes damages for profound emotional distress, ongoing pain and suffering, the extensive costs of therapy and medical treatment, and compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity. In cases of extreme misconduct, punitive damages may also be granted to punish wrongdoers, including institutions that failed to act on warning signs, neglected to conduct thorough background checks, or actively covered up abuse to protect their reputations.

How Our Sexual Abuse Lawyers Fight for Sexual Abuse Survivors

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 were among the largest 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.