Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse often leaves deep emotional wounds that can affect every aspect of a survivor’s life. Beyond the immediate trauma, survivors frequently struggle with lasting psychological impacts that disrupt relationships, work, and their sense of safety in the world.

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, you deserve compassionate legal support from attorneys who understand the sensitivity of your situation. An experienced sexual abuse lawyer can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and advocate for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Cooney & Conway has been advocating for injured victims for decades, and we are dedicated to holding at-fault parties financially accountable for the damages they have caused.

Schedule a free consultation with our firm. There are no upfront fees or costs to engage our services as we accept sexual abuse cases on contingency.

Call: (800) 322-5573 for a free case review today or complete our confidential online case evaluation form.

What Pathways for Civil Lawsuits Do Sexual Abuse Survivors Have?

There are several legal avenues for sexual abuse survivors seeking justice through the civil court system. Survivors can file direct lawsuits against their abusers regardless of whether criminal charges were pursued.

Beyond suing direct perpetrators, the law recognizes third-party liability claims against institutions that enabled or failed to prevent abuse. Third-party claims may be filed against:

• Schools,
• Religious organizations
• Healthcare facilities
• Employers
• Property owners

Many survivors find that these institutional claims not only provide greater financial compensation but also drive systemic changes that help prevent future abuse.

How Is a Civil Sexual Abuse Case Different From a Criminal Case?

Criminal cases and civil lawsuits serve different purposes and operate under different rules.

Civil lawsuits give survivors control over the legal process while requiring a lower standard of evidence. Civil judgments provide financial compensation that helps survivors rebuild their lives.

Criminal convictions focus on punishing the offender through incarceration.

What Types of Compensation Can Sexual Abuse Survivors Receive?

Sexual abuse survivors in can pursue various forms of compensation through the civil justice system. These financial recoveries address both tangible costs and the emotional impact of abuse.

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, ongoing treatments, STI testing, surgical procedures
• Mental Health Treatment: Therapy, trauma programs, counseling, medication costs
• Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional anguish, psychological trauma
• Loss of Normal Life: Damages for diminished quality of life and affected relationships
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation designed to punish outrageous conduct
• Institutional Accountability: Settlements from organizations that enabled abuse

What Evidence Is Needed for a Successful Sexual Abuse Civil Case?

A successful sexual abuse civil case requires evidence showing it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred. Key evidence includes:

• Survivor Testimony: Your account forms the foundation of most cases and can be sufficient when consistent and credible.
• Documentation: Police reports, institutional complaints, and medical records showing you took action strengthen your case.
• Witness Statements: People who noticed behavioral changes or can verify the perpetrator’s access to you help build credibility.
• Medical Evidence: Records documenting injuries or therapy provide crucial documentation of harm from the abuse.
• Communications: Text messages, emails, or correspondence with the perpetrator can provide compelling evidence.
• Expert Testimony: Mental health professionals and medical experts help explain trauma and its impacts to judges and juries.

Can a Sexual Abuse Survivor Maintain Privacy During a Civil Lawsuit?

Privacy concerns are often paramount for sexual abuse survivors considering legal action. Many wonder if pursuing justice means sacrificing their privacy and facing public exposure.

Generally sexual abuse survivors can maintain substantial privacy while pursuing civil lawsuits.

• Illinois courts routinely allow survivors to file under pseudonyms such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.”
• During the discovery phase, courts can issue protective orders that restrict access to sensitive documents and information.
• Most sexual abuse cases resolve through confidential settlements that include provisions prohibiting disclosure of terms, non-disclosure agreements binding all parties, and protection of sensitive personal information.

What Are Common Signs of Sexual Abuse?

Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse can help identify when someone has experienced trauma and may need intervention and support. These signs typically fall into several categories that manifest differently in adults and children.

• Physical signs may include unexplained injuries to private areas, difficulty walking or sitting comfortably, pain or bruising in private areas, recurring infections, and sexually transmitted infections.
• Behavioral changes often include sudden withdrawal from activities, abnormal bathing habits, sleep disturbances, inappropriate sexual knowledge for age, fear of specific places or people, and self-isolation.
• Emotional indicators commonly involve unexplained fear or anxiety, depression, sudden mood swings, expressions of shame, low self-esteem, and sometimes self-harming behaviors.

Children may display signs of age-inappropriate sexual knowledge, imitation of adult sexual acts with toys, developmental regression, extreme responses to gentle contact, and specific fears of adults.

Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle

Our legal team at Cooney & Conway has extensive experience representing survivors in various types of sexual abuse cases. We understand the unique challenges each case presents and develop strategies tailored to your specific situation.

We represent clients in institutional sexual abuse cases involving organizations, workplace sexual abuse in employment settings, child sexual abuse for both minor victims and adult survivors, negligent security cases holding property owners accountable, medical setting sexual abuse supporting patients, and elder sexual abuse protecting vulnerable seniors in care facilities.

Who May Be Liable for Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse liability extends beyond just the direct perpetrators. Other liable parties may include persons or organizations that enabled, facilitated, or failed to prevent the abuse. Understanding all potentially liable parties is crucial for seeking full compensation.

Liability may include:

• Perpetrators who committed the abuse
• Employers or supervisors who failed to conduct proper background checks
• Religious institutions whose leadership concealed abuse
• Educational institutions that ignored warning signs
• Healthcare providers who enabled abuse of vulnerable patients
• Property owners who failed to provide adequate security
• Youth organizations that lacked appropriate screening or supervision protocols.

What Does it Cost to Hire a Sexual Abuse Attorney?

Financial concerns should never prevent sexual abuse survivors from seeking justice, especially since most sexual abuse attorneys in Illinois work on a contingency fee basis. This approach levels the legal playing field, meaning you nothing upfront to engage legal representation.

Standard contingency fees typically range from 33 percent to 40 percent of the recovery amount, depending on case complexity and whether it goes to trial. Any attorney you consider hiring will clearly explain these costs to you.

What Should I Expect During the Sexual Abuse Civil Litigation Process?

Any litigation process can be stressful. For sexual abuse survivors especially, it can help to prepare mentally and emotionally for each stage of their legal journey. While every case is different, most follow a similar path from initial consultation to resolution.

The process typically begins with an initial consultation where your attorney evaluates your case and explains your options. If you have a case and decide to move forward, your attorney will begin building your case by investigating, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses.

After gather information about your case, your attorney will file a legal complaint outlining the abuse facts and identifying defendants. During the discovery process, both sides formally exchange evidence through written questions, document requests, and depositions.

Most cases resolve through settlement negotiations rather than trial, often involving mediation. If settlement fails, however, your case proceeds to trial, which includes testimony, cross-examination, and ultimately a verdict.

How Our Attorneys Support Sexual Abuse Survivors

The path to justice after sexual abuse is deeply personal, and survivors deserve compassionate legal guidance every step of the way. Our approach focuses on both legal excellence and supporting your wellbeing throughout the process.

At Cooney & Conway, our attorneys bring decades of experience to your claim.

We handle all legal work so you can focus on healing.

 If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, contact us to discuss your legal options.

Call Cooney & Conway today: (800) 322-5573.