Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse at any age can result in severe short-term and long-term physical and emotional trauma. It can also affect your ability to work and enjoy life like before. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, you deserve justice, accountability, and compensation.
Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Content written by Samuel Meirowitz
- Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Quick Links
- What Is Sexual Abuse?
- How Can the Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg Help?
- Our Chicago Sexual Abuse Attorneys
- How Long Do I Have To File a Sexual Abuse Claim in Chicago?
- What Evidence Do You Need in a Chicago Sexual Abuse Case?
- What Compensation Is Available in a Chicago Sexual Abuse Case?
- Meirowitz & Wasserberg Can Help With Your Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Our Chicago sexual abuse lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg understand the trauma and anguish sexual abuse victims endure. We are standing by to deploy our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of Illinois law to help victims exercise their legal rights and ensure their voices are heard. Call (844) 446-9529 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual behavior. Though it can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, it is never the victim’s fault. The terms “sexual abuse” and “sexual assault” are sometimes used interchangeably, with the latter more commonly used in cases involving underage victims.
Sexual abuse includes sexual harassment, such as unwanted advances or comments. It also includes sexual assault, such as non-consensual kissing, groping, fondling, or sexual penetration. With the ever-growing presence of technology in modern life, sexual abusers have also turned to cyber-sexual harassment, including non-consensual sharing of sexual images.
Abuse and assault can be one-time acts or recurrent. Often, the same perpetrator is responsible for abuse against multiple victims over a long period of time, especially when in a position of power. Sexual abuse perpetrators can be family members, co-workers, doctors, teachers, clergy members, and strangers.
If you are a victim of any non-consensual sexual act, advance, or harassment—whether it be at home, work, school, a medical facility, a public space, or elsewhere—do not stay silent. We understand that it can be difficult for victims to come forward. Remember, you are not alone. Our skilled and compassionate Chicago sexual abuse lawyers are here to make sure you receive the high-quality legal counsel and representation you deserve.
How Can the Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg Help?
Our sexual abuse lawyers offer free, confidential case evaluations to help you determine the best course of action. If you choose to proceed with your claim, we will gather all available evidence, including by consulting with the police, holding depositions with defendants, and gathering testimony from witnesses.
We will build a strong case on your behalf and file a lawsuit before the all-important deadline passes. Depending on the specific facts of your case, we may go through several rounds of negotiations to reach a settlement that meaningfully compensates you for the harm caused by the abuse. An out-of-court settlement can also help avoid the potentially painful process of litigating in court.
However, if necessary, we are prepared to tell your story and argue your case before a judge and jury. We will deploy our honed advocacy skills to ensure they understand the full extent of the physical and emotional harm you suffered. We will protect your rights throughout the legal process and provide support resources that can ease your burden along the way.
Limited financial resources should never prevent victims of sexual abuse from exercising their right to justice. That is why our sexual abuse attorneys in Chicago take cases on a contingency basis. This means we will cover the full costs of litigating your claim, and you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Our Chicago Sexual Abuse Attorneys
The sexual abuse lawyers at our at our Chicago personal injury law firm have what it takes yo handle your case. Nathaniel Wallace and Joe Trunk have an in-depth knowledge of the laws governing sexual abuse cases in Chicago and across Illinois. They are fiercely committed to defending the rights of those harmed by others due to sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.
They will ensure your case receives the high-quality, individualized attention it deserves. You can count on us to stand by your side throughout the life of your case and address any questions or concerns you and your family may have. We will never leave you waiting for answers about your case.
How Long Do I Have To File a Sexual Abuse Claim in Chicago?
The statute of limitations for a sexual abuse civil suit in Chicago depends on the victim’s age. For most sexual assault cases involving adults, you must file your claim within two years from the date of the underlying incident. However, this does not apply if the civil suit is based on an underlying Class X felony.
By contrast, if the victim is a minor and the sexual abuse occurred before January 1, 2014, they 20 years from their 18th birthday to file a claim. For child sexual abuse that occurred after January 1, 2014, there is no statute of limitations.
It is critical that you get legal help as soon as possible after experiencing sexual abuse. The presiding judge will most likely be forced to dismiss your claim if you do not file before the correct deadline. Further, consulting with a lawyer sooner than later will also give them time to collect crucial evidence before it disappears and witness memories fade.
If it has been many years since your abuse occurred, do not lose hope. Our knowledgeable attorneys will evaluate your case to determine whether it is in your best interest to pursue a lawsuit and how to hold all liable parties accountable.
What Evidence Do You Need in a Chicago Sexual Abuse Case?
To win your civil sexual abuse claim, you must prove that your allegations are more likely true than not true. Though the burden is significantly heavier in criminal prosecutions, you can bring a civil sexual abuse lawsuit regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. Many kinds of evidence can be used to substantiate your sexual abuse claim, including:
- Text messages
- Phone records
- Photographs
- Videos
- Emails
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Psychiatric records
- DNA tests
- Past abuse complaints
Gathering evidence on your own can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a case. Our experienced attorneys know how to secure the evidence you need to prove your claim. We can also ask the presiding judge to compel defendants and their legal representatives to turn over evidence if they are not forthcoming. Sexual abusers are often in a position of power, and it is our job to make sure they do not use that power to evade justice.
What Compensation Is Available in a Chicago Sexual Abuse Case?
In a sexual abuse case, you can demand compensation directly from abusers as well as from those legally responsible for their actions. You may also seek compensation through the Illinois Crime Victim’s Compensation program.
Liable parties in a sexual abuse lawsuit could include school districts, churches, nursing homes, employers, and many other organizations and institutions responsible for preventing abuse. Compensable damages may include things like:
- Medical bills
- Therapy costs
- Lost income
- Loss of scholarships and educational opportunities
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reputational damage
- Humiliation
In many cases, you can also seek punitive damages in sexual assault lawsuits. Illinois law allows these damages in claims where “defendant’s conduct was with evil motive or with a reckless and outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm and with a conscious indifference to the rights and safety of others.” For example, a case against an employer who knew of the perpetrator’s history of sexual abuse may be eligible for punitive damages if the employer failed to protect potential victims.
Meirowitz & Wasserberg Can Help With Your Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
You deserve a law firm that truly empathizes with what you and your family are going through. Look no further. Our compassionate legal team understands that sexual abuse cases can be emotionally traumatizing and draining. We are here to support you throughout the life of your case.
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we are dedicated to seeking justice and compensation for injury victims throughout Illinois and beyond. We have secured over $360 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf. The glowing client testimonials we regularly receive reflect our dedication to providing the highest-quality legal services possible.
If you or a loved one are a victim of sexual abuse and need help understanding your legal rights and options, reach out to our skilled sexual abuse lawyers in Chicago. When you entrust us with your case, we will never treat you like just another file number. Call (844) 446-9529 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
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