Pursuing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Illinois

 Posted on February 28, 2024 in Personal Injury

Lawsuits for sexual abuse are a critical way – sometimes the only way – for survivors to seek justice, providing an avenue for accountability for the perpetrator and compensation for the survivor. These legal actions are vital in many contexts, often involving religious institutions and those in education or business. A dedicated Illinois personal injury lawyer can help you navigate through this complex area of tort law.

How Do Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Help Survivors?

First, sexual abuse lawsuits let survivors voice their experiences. A lawsuit is an avenue for a survivor to seek validation for the harm they endured. Survivors often face significant barriers in coming forward to press criminal charges. Some of these barriers include disbelief, social stigma, and fear of retaliation.

Sexual abuse lawsuits allow survivors to challenge their abusers, whether the abuser was an individual or party of an institution or organization. Many of these entities failed to stop the abuse that millions of survivors experienced. By pursuing a lawsuit, the survivor takes back control of his or her story.

Moreover, sexual abuse lawsuits hold perpetrators accountable and complicit institutions responsible for their actions or negligence. In most of these cases, powerful people abuse their status. Lawsuits are a way to reveal system failures and force change. High-profile lawsuits have targeted institutions like the Catholic Church, Olympic organizations, and schools. Multiple lawsuits have revealed widespread patterns of abuse and cover-ups, leading to reforms and more scrutiny.

Financial Justice

In many cases, due to the statute of limitations and other issues, a sexual abuse lawsuit is the only way a survivor can obtain justice. Unlike the criminal justice system, where the guilty party faces penalties such as prison, probation, etc., in a civil action, the survivor is awarded financial compensation if they prevail.

Compensation may cover medical expenses and therapy costs. It also covers lost wages and punitive damages. These funds reflect the profound impact the abuse has had on the survivor. Additionally, monetary settlements can also be restitution. They acknowledge the harm to survivors and make perpetrators pay for their actions.

Sexual abuse lawsuits also raise general awareness. They also support efforts to combat sexual violence. High-profile cases often get media attention. They spark public talk and raise awareness about how common and destructive sexual abuse is. This visibility can empower other survivors. It can help them come forward. Lawsuits can challenge harmful norms. They can also advocate for policy changes to protect vulnerable groups.

Contact an Aurora, IL Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, call Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. at 630-907-0909 to speak with one of our compassionate Kane County, IL sexual abuse lawyers. We understand how challenging these legal proceedings can be for survivors and will do all we can to help you through this process.