Child Sex Abuse Lawyers

Nearly $1 Billion Recovered for Survivors

Our Child Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help You Fight

According to a study published by the Journal of Adolescent Health, 1 in 9 girls (11.1%) and 1 in 20 boys (5%) under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault. Childhood sexual abuse often results in deep psychological trauma with effects that can last a lifetime, often leading survivors to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

At Kayla’s Survivors, our child sex abuse attorneys work to hold abusers accountable for their actions. Take the first step by calling (800) 509-9747 or request a free case evaluation online from our legal team – completely free and 100% confidential.

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Filing a Lawsuit for Childhood Sexual Abuse

Survivors of child sexual abuse can file a civil childhood sexual abuse lawsuit against the institution that failed to prevent or report the abuse.

These lawsuits aim to:

• Hold the abuser and negligent institutions accountable.
• Secure compensation for medical bills, therapy, pain and suffering, and long-term trauma.
• Create public awareness and prevent future abuse.

The following individuals may file a lawsuit:

• The survivor: Adults who were abused as children can file a lawsuit, even if the abuse happened years or decades ago—depending on the state’s statute of limitations.
• Parent or legal guardian (on behalf of the minor): If the survivor is still a minor, a parent or legal guardian can file a lawsuit on their behalf.
• Court-appointed representative: If a survivor is mentally or emotionally unable to represent themselves, a legal representative may be appointed to file on their behalf.

Recoverable compensation:

• Physical injuries
• Lost income and future earning potential
• Emotional pain and suffering, both past and future
• Medical, counseling, and psychiatric treatment costs, past and future
• False imprisonment
• Assault and battery
• Exploitation
• Loss of companionship or support (loss of consortium)
• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Flashbacks and intrusive memories
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Dissociation or detachment
• Substance abuse struggles
• Self-harm or suicidal ideation
• Eating and sleep disorders
• Sexual dysfunction
• Punitive damages to punish egregious conduct

Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM):

Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) refers to images, videos, or digital files that depict the sexual exploitation of children. Unlike other crimes, the harm of CSAM does not end with the initial abuse. Each time material is shared or viewed, the survivor is re-victimized, prolonging the trauma and making recovery more difficult. CSAM occurs across major social platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and even online gaming platforms like Roblox that face active and ongoing lawsuits.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) plays a critical role in fighting this crime. Through its CyberTipline, NCMEC receives reports of suspected CSAM from technology companies, law enforcement, and members of the public. These reports are investigated and referred to the proper authorities, helping to identify survivors and bring perpetrators to justice.

Those who commit child sexual abuse can be held accountable in both criminal and civil courts. In criminal court, perpetrators may face prison, jail time, probation, or other penalties. In civil court, survivors have the right to seek justice through a lawsuit for the harm they’ve endured. At Kayla’s Survivors, our attorneys advocate for survivors of childhood sex abuse to hold both abusers and the enabling institutions accountable.

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How A Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help With Your Case

At Kayla’s Survivors, our sex abuse attorneys have helped countless survivors navigate the legal process, recover compensation, and hold abusers accountable for their actions. An experienced child sex abuse attorney can:

• Evaluate eligibility based on the abuse timeline and state-specific statutes of limitations.
• Gather evidence (school records, witness statements, expert testimony).
• Handle communications with opposing parties, insurance companies, or institutions.
• File claims against individuals, churches, schools, or youth organizations.
• Negotiate settlements or take the case to trial if needed.
• Protect the survivor’s identity through confidentiality requests or filing anonymously in some states.

Common Signs of Child Sex Abuse

Child sexual abuse is a deeply serious issue that can leave lasting impacts on a child’s emotional, psychological, and physical health. Early recognition is key to protecting the child and getting them the support they need. While not every child will show the same signs, being aware of the potential red flags can help adults intervene before more harm is done.

The common signs of child sexual abuse include the following:

1. Behavioral signs:

• Sudden changes in behavior or mood (withdrawal, aggression, anxiety)
• Fear of specific people, places, or situations
• Sexual behavior or knowledge that is inappropriate for the child’s age
• Nightmares or bedwetting, especially if it begins suddenly
• Loss of interest in school or drop in performance
• Running away from home
• Self-harm or talk of suicide

2. Physical signs:

• Unexplained bruises, bleeding, or pain in genital or anal areas
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Frequent urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections
• Torn, stained, or bloody underwear

2. Emotional signs:

• Low self-esteem or excessive guilt
• Depression or emotional withdrawal
• Extreme clinginess or fear of being left alone

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a child sex abuser look like?

According to RAINN, 93% of abusers are known by the survivor in a study of child sexual abuse cases reported to law enforcement, meaning the abuser is often a friend, family member, or other person of familiarity. This includes professionals and people in positions of power:

• Priests & church members
• Doctors and healthcare professionals
• Daycare and childcare providers
• Sports coaches & school teachers
• Music teachers
• Dance instructors
• Theater instructor
• Youth group leaders

What compensation can be recovered from a child sex abuse claim?

Survivors of childhood sex abuse may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, therapy, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to hold the abuser or negligent institution accountable.

The exact amount varies based on the circumstances and impact of the abuse, but many cases settle for $250,000 to $1,000,000, however compensation varies based on many factors.

What should I do if I suspect child abuse?

If you suspect child abuse, contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement department. It is essential to understand the key signs of abuse (as detailed above), and to ensure that children feel safe, heard, and understood as they are unlikely to report the abuse on their own.

How long do I have to file a child sexual abuse claim?

The time limit to file a child sexual abuse claim—known as the statute of limitations—varies by state and may depend on when the abuse occurred or when the survivor realized the harm it caused.

Starting a case sooner increases the chances of preserving evidence, identifying witnesses, and meeting legal deadlines that could impact your right to seek justice and compensation.