Chicago Sexual Abuse Attorney
PRACTICE AREAS
The Chicago sexual abuse attorney team at Curcio & Casciato has extensive experience handling civil sex abuse claims across Illinois. Many survivors suffer from physical and emotional trauma, but pursuing a lawsuit can expose perpetrators, child predators, negligent institutions, and other parties who fail to report or enable attackers. Whether the sexual abuse case involves child sexual abuse, workplace harassment, or sex abuse claims against institutions, our Chicago sexual assault attorney group is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring abusers and other negligent parties are held responsible and financially compensating our clients for their pain and suffering endured.
The Chicago sexual assault lawyer team at our law firm handles court claims on a contingency fee basis, so clients don’t owe any fees unless our legal team wins the case.
Call 312-321-1111 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a confidential, free consultation with the Chicago sex abuse team at our law firm to determine if you have a viable claim.
Difference Between Criminal and Civil Court For Sex Abuse Cases in Illinois
Many victims believe that Illinois criminal and civil court cases for sex abuse are the same. However, criminal trials and civil trials differ in purpose, burden of proof, and process outcomes.
Criminal cases punish perpetrators for violating criminal statutes. Prosecutors must prove that perpetrators are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a criminal conviction. If convicted on criminal charges, the defendant may be ordered to pay high fines, serve probation, jail time, or prison time, register as a sex offender, or face other sentences after criminal trials.
Civil lawsuits are brought by victims of sexual abuse in civil courts to recover compensation for economic damages, like medical bills related to therapy costs, and other common types of monetary damages, as well as non-economic damages, like PTSD, and effects on the victim’s life. Sexual abuse cases in civil trials require a preponderance of the evidence, meaning sex abuse victims must prove it’s more likely than not that the abuse occurred.
A Chicago sexual assault attorney can bring civil suits regardless of whether criminal charges were filed or resulted in criminal convictions.
Common Sexual Abuse and Assault Cases Our Chicago Sexual Assault Lawyer Team Handles
Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
Our Chicago sexual abuse attorney group helps victims of sexual assault and abuse in nursing homes pursue justice and compensation against nursing homes and staff members. These crimes often involve elderly nursing home residents who are afraid or unable to speak out. Family members should act quickly to hire counsel to preserve evidence, explain legal options, and bring sexual abuse claims. Illinois nursing home sex crimes are ongoing issues. Nursing homes that refuse to address staff members who sexually assault nursing home residents can be held accountable through sexual assault claims. The Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys from our law firm ensure confidentiality, helping victims of sexual abuse seek compensation without worrying about retaliation from nursing home staff.
Coach and School Teacher Sexual Misconduct
Our Chicago sexual assault attorney team advocates for support for children sexually abused by a school teacher or coach in Illinois schools, where school abuse in a sexual manner can take many forms. These sexual abuse claims often involve physical and emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other emotional damage, which leads to poor performance in school and harm for life. Pursuing personal injury claims can help sexual assault victims seek justice and ensure schools pay for negligence. A traumatic event like molestation leaves lingering emotional difficulties, and parents need to be fairly compensated to help their child move forward. A dedicated Chicago school injury attorney from our law firm keeps the first consultation confidential to help families understand their legal options for the next steps and the likelihood of success. Our legal team is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring every child’s safety and recovery, especially in cases of sexual abuse claims and ignored school reports.
Preacher, Pastor, Bishop, Priest, Clergy, and Archdiocese of Chicago Sexual Abuse
A Chicago sexual abuse lawyer from our law firm represents survivors of pastor and clergy abuse in religious institutions, including the Catholic Church and other religious organizations, like the Archdiocese of Chicago, where priests, pastors, clergies, and bishops have perpetrated acts of sexual assault and abuse on children. Religious organization sexual abuse cases often go unreported, as minors who are sexually assaulted are typically afraid to discuss or report the sexual abuse and assault to long-standing members of religious institutions. When children report being sexually assaulted, catholic churches and other parties within similar religious institutions often protect the accused instead of protecting child victims of sexual abuse, enabling the attacker. A dedicated sexual assault lawyer in Chicago can help victims obtain compensation and justice.
Sexual Assault in Mental Hospitals, Behavioral Health Centers, and Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
Sexual violence in mental hospitals, behavioral health centers, and substance abuse facilities often goes unreported, leaving the vast majority of sexual abuse victims without recourse. Victims struggling with self-harm, drugs, or alcohol may be sexually abused during treatments by staff members or other abusers, with confidential incidents hidden in medical records or incomplete documents. These violent acts can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, lasting mental trauma, and serious financial costs for families trying to protect loved ones. Sexual abuse cases are part of a broader pattern of negligent national networks. Whether you need an advocate to help file a Timberline Knolls lawsuit in Chicago or if you need a Chicago psychiatric malpractice lawyer to ensure your story is heard, a sexual abuse lawyer in Chicago ensures abusers are held liable and face the consequences of sexual abuse and other forms of negligence.
Sexual Assault in Juvenile Detention Centers
The Chicago sex abuse lawyers at our law firm understand how sexual violence in juvenile detention centers leaves physical and emotional trauma for minors and their families. Whether the sex abuse was perpetrated by staff members or other parties, the resulting emotional wounds, physical injuries, and life pain leave sex abuse victims with post-traumatic stress disorder and financial burdens. The juvenile criminal court system often protects the staff members accused of sexual violence, making it overwhelming for sexual abuse victims to find a sense of justice. The suffering and financial impact on families is devastating. Survivors of sex abuse in juvenile detention centers deserve support and counsel that proves the matter was taken seriously. Sexual abuse cases at such facilities require actual consequences for abusers. A Chicago juvenile detention sexual abuse lawyer can investigate to determine what happened and ensure victims of sexual abuse obtain compensation for common damages in these cases.
Sexual Abuse in Foster Care and DCFS-Contracted Facilities
Sexually assaulted children in foster care often face repeated attacks, leaving young sexual abuse victims with emotional damage and PTSD. Child sexual assault victims in the foster care system are often denied justice or recourse, allowing abusers to harm other children with no consequences. A Chicago sexual abuse attorney can help family members pursue sexual assault and abuse lawsuits, gather documents, and work with police to build a strong case. Clients, whether children or above the age of 18, deserve compassion, support, and resources that prioritize healing. We handle many types of abuse cases, and they all matter. We understand that settlements can provide money for a lifetime of trauma suffered. Our Chicago sexual assault attorney group fights relentlessly, helps clients focus on recovering, and speaks for those too hurt to defend themselves. We understand that justice for one child helps protect the entire community.
Daycare Sexual Abuse
Our Chicago sexual assault attorney group understands how devastating it is when children who are sexually assaulted endure physical and emotional trauma in daycare settings. Young sexual assault victims often suffer nightmares, fear, and lasting emotional damage. Pursuing sex abuse claims against negligent businesses and abusers not only holds criminals accountable but also helps families seek compensation for the aftermath. Our Chicago daycare injury attorneys provide trusted legal services, offering legal guidance in helping identify the abuser responsible and pursue sexual abuse lawsuits on the child’s behalf in a sensitive manner when suspicions emerge. When sexual abuse happens, the evidence warrants a lawsuit, and families decide to sue, a sexual assault lawyer in Chicago can assist in verifying the identity of the abuser, providing counsel during insurance negotiations, and bringing the civil claim to trial if needed to ensure the client is fairly compensated.
After-School Program and Camp Sexual Assault
Our sexual abuse lawyers in Chicago assist clients whose children are sex abuse victims attacked at after-school programs or summer camps. These environments are often targets for sexual violence, sexual abuse, and assaults, where unsuspecting perpetrators take advantage of children under the guise of leading them. Many victims face depression, suicide attempts, and a lifetime of pain and suffering. Parents may struggle with financial costs, including lost wages, therapy expenses, and the toll of watching their children lose interest in normal activities and poor performance in school. Our Chicago sexual abuse lawyer can evaluate the details of your case, establish an abuse of power, and maximize the value of the settlement to ensure the perpetrator is held accountable.
Hospital or Doctor Rape Cases
Our Chicago sex abuse lawyer group understands that many victims of sexual assault in medical settings don’t report sexual abusers. We represent plaintiffs in sexual assault cases where hospital staff use positions of power to perpetrate sex abuse on patients. Hospitals often protect abusers and conceal reports brought in confidentiality to mitigate the risk of police involvement and safeguard their staff’s reputations and licenses, leaving many victims of sexual assault without any sense of justice or recourse. A Chicago hospital negligence attorney from our law office can provide legal services to ensure such abusers are held responsible by pursuing sexual assault lawsuits, negotiating fair settlements that cover financial costs of PTSD therapy and other related expenses. This helps survivors secure support and ensures abusers in the medical community pay for the harm they’ve caused.
Lyft and Uber Sexual Assault
Our sexual abuse and assault lawyers in Chicago help survivors of rideshare sex abuse navigate complex sexual abuse cases. Physical or sexual assaults during Uber or Lyft rides can occur in a moment. These sex abuse cases happen often without witnesses, making proof and confidential sexual abuse reporting critical for recourse. Sexual abuse victims face difficulty deciding whether to talk, how to hire the best counsel, and when to pursue settlements. Each scenario is sensitive, but the legal idea is that when sexual assault and abuse happen, defendants must be held liable. The course of recovery includes understanding your rights and securing compensation for the financial costs associated with the case. A Chicago rideshare injury lawyer can help guide this process.
Date Rape Cases
When a person uses drugs to perpetrate sex abuse or sexual violence, victims often wake up feeling afraid and struggling to remember what happened. If you were drugged and assaulted on a date, a sexual assault lawyer in Chicago can gather evidence and bring a lawsuit against the other party to recover settlements for PTSD and physical injury care costs.
Hotel Rape and Sexual Assaults
Chicago sexual abuse attorneys understand the devastating impact of hotel assaults on sexual abuse victims and their families. These personal injury claims often arise when business owners fail to provide adequate security, leaving guests vulnerable to suffering PTSD, depression, anxiety, and physical injuries. Our sexual assault lawyers in Chicago represent plaintiffs in civil trials, helping them fight for the compensation they deserve while keeping sensitive details as confidential as possible. The sexual abuse case’s circumstances must be carefully documented and presented to support healing and secure settlements for the person harmed. Speak with a Chicago hotel injury attorney to determine your legal options.
Bar and Night Club Sexual Assault
Our sexual assault attorneys in Chicago represent victims of sexual abuse harmed in bars and nightclubs, where alcohol, drugs, and negligent security create conditions for assault. The abuse attorneys at our law firm file sexual assault claims on behalf of sex abuse survivors, seeking settlements to ensure abusers and negligent business owners financially compensate our clients. Many types of sex abuse cases involve known offenders or staff members, so confidential guidance is critical in helping assault victims fight for justice and protecting their identities. Speak with a Chicago nightclub injury lawyer to tell your story and discuss the rest of the civil claims process.
Employer or Workplace Abuse
Chicago sexual abuse lawyers represent workers who have been sexually assaulted by employers or other parties in their workplace, including cases involving unwanted touching, harassment, and other forms of sexual abuse. Many victims feel unable to report sexual abuse due to power and authority dynamics with abusers. When sexual abuse occurs at work, our Chicago civil sexual abuse law firm group gathers evidence, like medical bills related to treatment and work schedules, and brings lawsuits to hold workplace abusers accountable. Speak with a Chicago workplace personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.
Illinois Sexual Harassment Law
Statute of Limitations Sexual Assault Illinois: Adult and Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Victims of sexual abuse have 2 years from the wrongful act to file a civil lawsuit. When sex abuse victims discover harm later, Illinois law recognizes delayed discovery. This deadline begins when victims discover harm. When abusers or entities commit fraud or conceal sexual abuse claims to protect abusers, the statute of limitations is paused.
Child sexual abuse victims have until the age of 38 to file a lawsuit in civil court. If a victim of sexual abuse recovers memories later in life related to direct abuse or institutional negligence, they can sue within 20 years, regardless of age.
Illinois Sexual Exploitation By Professionals Act
Illinois sexual assault law provides civil suit remedies for sexual abuse by therapists, counselors, clergies, priests, or other professionals. It also limits the defenses these perpetrators can raise.
Negligent Entrustment and Premises Liability
Organization and property owners can be held liable in Illinois for failing to protect victims of sexual abuse from foreseeable harm.
Vicarious Liability for Employers or Institutions
In Illinois, organizations can be held responsible when employees or agents sexually assault victims within the scope of employment or when the organization fails to act on known perpetrators.
Is Coercion Sexual Assault in Illinois?
Yes, coercion can constitute sexual assault in Illinois, depending on the circumstances.
A person must consent before sexual contact in Illinois. If someone engages in unwanted sexual contact because of manipulation, power or authority imbalance, or threats, the sexual act is a crime punishable by law under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20.
Illinois sexual assault laws recognize various forms:
- Threats of harm (physical, financial, reputational)
- Abuse of authority
- Vulnerable population coercion (minors, the elderly, or those with mental health conditions)
- Misuse of power in schools, therapy relationships, etc.
If sex abuse victims only consent to sexual acts under duress, under Illinois sexual assault laws, perpetrators can face criminal charges in criminal court as well as civil claims filed against them that involve non-economic damages, economic damages, and punitive damages, meant to punish the defendant.
How to Report Sexual Abuse in Illinois
Survivors of sexual abuse in Illinois have various resources.
- Those afraid for immediate safety should call 911.
- To report child sexual abuse, contact the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services at 1-800-25-ABUSE.
- For adults (including victims with mental disabilities), call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-866-800-1409.
- Visit the police department for evidence collection (or a hospital if you haven’t decided on filing a criminal case or pursuing a lawsuit yet)
Victims can also contact local resource services:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE or visit rainn.org for confidential guidance.
- Chicago Crisis Hotline: 1-888-293-2080 for 24/7 help in Chicago.
Additionally, specific professionals, such as school teachers and healthcare providers, are mandated reporters and are legally required to report suspected sexual abuse.
What is Considered Sexual Assault in Illinois?
In Illinois, sexual assault includes any non-consensual sexual penetration, whether by force, coercion, or when the sex abuse victim is unable to consent due to age, disability, severe intoxication, or unconsciousness.
Key circumstances that qualify as sexual assault in Illinois include:
- Use or threat of force to engage
- Child sexual abuse of a person under the age of 18 when the perpetrator is a family member or holds a position of authority
- The abuser’s victim is unable to agree due to alcohol, drugs, unconsciousness, or mental incapacity.
- Unwanted touching in sexual areas or sexual acts without permission
- Abuse of authority (e.g., police, school staff, clergy, etc.) to compel submission
- Use of deception or coercion to obtain sexual access
Sexual Harassment vs Sexual Assault in Illinois
Under Illinois civil law, the primary differences between sexual harassment and sexual assault are as follows:
Harassment involves any unwanted sexual contact and creates a hostile environment. In civil claims, harassment doesn’t require physical contact and falls under the Illinois Human Rights Act.
In contrast, sexual assault in Illinois involves non-consensual physical contact or penetration, including sexual acts committed through force, coercion, or when the victim of sexual abuse cannot provide permission. In Illinois, civil sexual assault claims are typically filed under tort theories like battery or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
So, in Illinois, harassment involves misconduct and environment, while assaults involve physical violations.
How a Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawyer From Our Law Firm Can Help
The Chicago sexual assault lawyers from our law firm help children and adult victims bring civil suits against religious institutions, schools, hospitals, owners, and other abusers after sex abuse or sexual contact. Our law firm collects evidence and works closely with victims, experts, and witnesses to determine whether a viable claim exists.
Many survivors of sexual assault face difficulty, suffering, and physical injuries. Our sexual abuse lawyers in Chicago fight to ensure clients don’t worry about the other side’s power or the attacker’s reputation.
At first consultations, we’ll discuss confidential options, protect your interests, and explain the next steps. We understand that victims of sexual abuse deserve to feel comfortable while securing settlements and justice to help them move forward. We handle many forms of abuse, and most clients leave court that day feeling empowered.
Contact a Chicago Sexual Assault Attorney From Our Law Office For a Free Consultation
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), every 68 seconds, a person in America is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. In Illinois, 66% of abused children are between the ages of 12 and 17.
An experienced Chicago sexual assault lawyer can help you pursue justice if you’ve suffered sexual violence or physical injuries. All conversations remain confidential, and your legal fees are deducted straight from your settlement or jury award, never paid upfront. Call 312-321-1111 or use our online contact form for your free consultation.
