WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A TEACHER OR SCHOOL STAFF?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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ST. ANN’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Abuse at St. Ann’s Elementary School in Illinois
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that children at St. Ann’s Elementary School in Illinois were allegedly sexually abused by Rev. John Keehan.
This school, which is now closed, was located on Leavitt Street, on the city’s Lower West Side, and operated under the Archdiocese of Chicago. Recent legal action stems from allegations that the archdiocese allowed a priest with a known history of abuse to oversee hundreds of children despite a documented history of grooming and sexual assault dating back to 1967. These lawsuits highlight institutional failures where the archdiocese allegedly neglected to properly supervise staff or warn the community, leading to the repeated exploitation of students and altar boys during the 1990s.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
Sex Abuse Scandals at St. Ann’s Elementary School in Illinois
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse within Catholic Illinois schools, include the following:
- In February 2025, the Archdiocese of Chicago released a list of clergy with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. The list includes individuals who served at St. Ann’s Elementary School in Illinois, including:
- Robert Craig
- John James Keehan
- In April 2024, a lawsuit was filed against the Archdiocese of Chicago for the alleged repeated sexual abuse of an altar boy by Rev. John James Keehan at St. Ann’s Elementary School and Parish between 1994 and 1997.
The archdiocese allegedly failed to properly supervise Keehan despite a known history of grooming and sexual assault dating back to 1967. At least two claims against him were substantiated.
This is the third lawsuit filed against the archdiocese by victims who were allegedly sexually abused by Keehan.
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.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a teacher or staff at a school.
- The abuse occurred at any school.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold schools accountable for their failures to stop abusive teachers and staff.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
We are investigating claims of sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by Illinois clergy and the religious institutions that failed to protect survivors.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy members. Our team is dedicated to providing legal support to survivors and holding accountable those who have committed these crimes. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that the trust placed in religious institutions is restored.
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.
Determining the statute of limitations that applies to your sexual abuse case against an Illinois school or Illinois Catholic school can be challenging, which is why it is best to bring your matter to the attention of an experienced lawyer.
We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in schools. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.
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.