Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Philadelphia

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 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.

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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.

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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.

Pursuing Justice Beyond Compensation

At Feldman Shepherd, 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.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions Sexual Abuse

What is the difference between civil and criminal sexual abuse cases?

In a criminal case, the government prosecutes the perpetrator to seek punishment, such as prison time, which requires proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In contrast, a civil lawsuit is brought directly by you to hold your abuser or responsible institutions accountable, to secure financial compensation for your trauma and to provide the necessary resources for your recovery. Because civil cases have a lower burden of proof, you can still successfully pursue justice and financial recovery even if your abuser was never convicted or criminally charged.

Can I file a sexual abuse lawsuit anonymously in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania courts frequently allow survivors to use a pseudonym (such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe”) to protect their privacy from the general public. Our attorneys can petition the court for a protective order at the very beginning of your case, shielding your identity while we aggressively pursue justice on your behalf. It is important to know, however, that while your identity remains hidden from the public, the defendant and their legal team have the right to know your identity.

What type of compensation can I get in a civil sexual abuse lawsuit?

You can pursue financial compensation for tangible economic losses — such as medical bills, specialized trauma therapy costs, and lost wages — as well as non-economic damages for the profound psychological impact caused by sexual trauma, including PTSD and emotional distress. Depending on the details of your case, Pennsylvania law may also allow for the recovery of punitive damages, which generally penalize a wrongdoer or an institution that intentionally hid or enabled the abuse. Ultimately, these financial resources are designed to hold the perpetrator and other responsible parties accountable while providing you with the vital services needed to rebuild your life on your own terms.