Sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual harassment inflict traumatic injuries on the victim and leave lifelong emotional scars. While no amount of money can remove those scars, the victim is entitled to justice. If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse as a young child or as a college student, you might be able to recover financial compensation from those who are responsible. At Robenalt Law, our Ohio sexual abuse lawyer has experience helping victims recover through a civil action for sexual abuse, even if the abuser was not convicted of a crime.

At Robenalt Law, we prosecute civil cases against schools, churches, universities and employers that have failed to take measures to protect people from sexual abuse. In many instances where perpetrators abuse their position of power, these institutions turn a blind eye to that behavior. We handle these claims throughout the nation, helping victims of abuse pursue justice.

The Staggering Impact Of Child Sexual Abuse

The statistics on sexual abuse of young children and minors are staggering and grim. Studies say that one in five girls and one in ten boys are victims of child sexual abuse. Children between the ages of seven and 13 are the most vulnerable; nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults occur against children age 17 and under.

Sadly, the vast majority of child victims are abused by someone they know well. Often the abuser is someone in a position of authority or trust, like a teacher, professor, coach, pastor or employer. Other individuals may also be responsible if their conduct gave rise to conditions that allowed the behavior to occur, such as when a university or school knows about abuse by an employee and allows it to continue.

Can Victims Pursue A Claim If The Abuser Was Not Convicted Of A Crime?

Often, victims can bring a civil action even when no criminal charge was filed or when the abuser was found not guilty in a criminal case. Victims of sexual abuse can pursue justice through civil claims for monetary damages and the criminal justice system.

The differences between civil and criminal proceedings are significant. In a civil action, the burden of proof is less than in a criminal case.

Each case will depend on the specific circumstances. The only way to determine with certainty if you have the basis for a civil action is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who has helped clients with childhood sexual abuse civil claims.

Ohio Recognizes A Civil Cause Of Action For Money Damages For Victims Of Sexual Abuse

The State of Ohio recognizes sexual abuse of young children and minors as a civil cause of action in Ohio Revised Code, Section 2305.111(C). Sexual conduct against a victim under 18 years old is sufficient to support a civil action for childhood sexual abuse.

Under Ohio law, the victim of a sexual assault while under 18 can file a civil action anytime up to age 30. Robenalt Law just obtained a significant Court of Appeals opinion in Franklin County where the Court found that this statute of limitations until age 30 applied against the perpetrator of the offense and all other responsible parties, for example, a private school that employed the perpetrator and which should have prevented the abuse. The time limit can be even longer in cases where facts are fraudulently concealed. Notably, President Biden signed a bill in September 2022 that eliminates the statute of limitations for federal claims for those who were sexually abused as children to take civil legal action. We can advise if a time constraint could apply in your case and the next steps to take to pursue legal action.

What Compensation Might Be Available For Victims

Victims can seek various types of financial compensation in a civil suit for childhood sexual abuse depending on the circumstances. This compensation may include:

• Cost of medical and therapy treatment
• Damage to family relationships
• Lost wages
• Psychological damage
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

At Robenalt Law, we know how difficult it can be to pursue a claim against someone who harmed you and caused you so much emotional pain by sexually abusing you or a loved one. Financial compensation can never make up for what happened, but it can help pay for treatment, compensate for damage to your family relationships and more.

What Can Parents Do To Support Their Child If They Suspect Abuse?

Children and minors who experience sexual abuse suffer greatly – both short- and long-term – from the abuse. In addition to the extreme anxiety they experience, victims often develop low self-esteem, feel worthless, and become withdrawn and mistrustful of adults. Some victims can become very aggressive. Child sexual abuse can also cause the victims to become suicidal.

For loved ones, these changes in a child’s behavior can be significant cause for concern. Thankfully, parents who notice concerning signs in their child’s behavior can take steps to protect their child. Taking action as soon as possible can also help parents prevent future mistreatment, limiting the impact of abuse on their own child and potentially protecting other children in the process.

Reaching out for experienced legal guidance can help parents explore options and pursue compensation to support their children as they heal. An attorney can help parents make informed decisions and pursue options like video testimony to protect victims from further harm during this challenging process.

Time Constraints To File Civil Claims

Often, the victim of child sexual abuse cannot admit or confront the abuse until they are much older and become adults. Fortunately, in many states, the time period for a victim to file a civil action against the person who committed the abuse – called the Statute of Limitations – is longer than for many other types of civil actions.

Under Ohio law, the victim of a sexual assault while under 18 can file a civil action anytime up to age 30. Robenalt Law just obtained a significant Court of Appeals opinion in Franklin County where the Court found that this statute of limitations until age 30 applied against the perpetrator of the offense and all other responsible parties, for example, a private school that employed the perpetrator and which should have prevented the abuse. The time limit can be even longer in cases where facts are fraudulently concealed. Notably, President Biden signed a bill in September 2022 that eliminates the statute of limitations for federal claims for those who were sexually abused as children to take civil legal action. We can advise if a time constraint could apply in your case and the next steps to take to pursue legal action.

Your Consultation With Our Sexual Abuse Lawyer Is Free – And There Is No Fee Unless We Win

If you or a loved one were sexually abused as a child or student, or if you have a loved one who suffered from childhood sexual abuse or sexual abuse or harassment as a college student, we want to help you recover from the person or persons responsible for harming you. You can put that burden on us and let us use our experience in fighting for our clients to recover what you are owed.

For a free consultation, call 216-223-7535, email trobenalt@robenaltlaw.com or use our online form.

Our Sexual Abuse Lawyer team represents clients in the Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Akron, as well as throughout Ohio. In most cases, there is no fee unless we win.