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ILLINOIS SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS
Fighting for Sex Abuse Survivors Across Illinois
If you or someone you love were sexually abused in Illinois, you may have grounds to pursue a civil lawsuit against your abuser and/or the entity that failed to prevent the abuse.
In Illinois, state law protects the rights of sexual abuse survivors by providing the opportunity for them to seek justice and financial compensation in the civil court system. At Levy Konigsberg, our Illinois sexual abuse team has extensive experience litigating claims against individuals and entities across the country and is available to discuss how we can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Were you sexually abused?
Illinois Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse
In Illinois, individuals who have been sexually abused may have the right to file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for damages. Regardless of whether criminal charges were brought for the abuse, victims can bring a civil suit. Individuals have the option to initiate legal action, even if they refrained from reporting or disclosing the abuse at the time it occurred. To file a civil lawsuit, sexual abuse victims will need to willingly testify about the abuse under oath.
Sex Abuse Suits Against Illinois’ Catholic Dioceses
Legal Update: Following the release of an Illinois Attorney General report in May 2023 – which found that nearly 2,000 children were abused by 451 priests and Church members across the state since 1950 – Levy Konigsberg now represents a growing number of survivors who were sexually abused as minors by members of the Illinois Catholic Clergy.
The AG’s report revealed that Illinois’ Catholic Dioceses vastly underreported clergy child sexual abuse within their parishes for decades. It also showed how Church leadership routinely failed to protect children and hold abusers accountable, often by moving known or suspected abusers to different parishes, mishandling investigations, or turning a blind eye to complaints.
Given the findings illuminated in the report, numerous survivors across the state are stepping forward to pursue sexual abuse lawsuits against the Dioceses that failed to protect them. You may have a claim if:
- You were abused by a priest, brother, volunteer, or other member of the Catholic Church.
- The abuse took place in any of the six Illinois’ Roman Catholic Dioceses – the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Dioceses of Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield.
- The abuse occurred at any time in the past.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Illinois Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Sexual abuse lawsuits, like other claims brought by plaintiffs who seek damages for injuries, are subject to a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. When the statute of limitations expires, victims will not be able to file a claim or recover compensation.
Determining the statute of limitations in your claim can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims brought by victims who were abused as minors is generally as follows:
- Claims brought by survivors of childhood sexual abuse (abuse that occurred when the victim was under 18 years of age) may be commenced at any time for victims who were born on or after July 24, 1983.
We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.