Chicago Sexual Abuse Attorney

Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse in Chicago Seek Compensation in Civil Claims

At Chicago Injury Center, our team is committed to standing up for survivors of sexual abuse throughout Chicago and across Illinois. If you’re looking for a trusted Chicago sexual abuse attorney, we offer the experience, discretion, and determination needed to hold abusers—and the institutions that protect them—accountable.

We fight for justice in civil court, helping sexual abuse victims pursue the financial compensation they deserve while pushing back against systems that allowed the abuse to happen in the first place.

Sexual Abuse Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$21,000,000 – During a work trip, Elena was assaulted in her room by a hotel desk clerk at a major chain near Millennium Park. The hotel failed to run a background check that would’ve revealed his violent criminal record. The settlement reflected her PTSD and the hotel’s gross negligence.

$15,000,000 – Jordan and several other boys were groomed and sexually abused by a respected coach at a prestigious private school in Hyde Park. Staff had received reports for years but failed to act. The civil suit centered on institutional cover-up and the boys’ lingering emotional difficulties and psychological harm.

$6,500,000 – Sixteen-year-old Layla, a Chicago resident, was raped by a staff member during a school-sponsored cruise departing from Navy Pier. The cruise line ignored prior complaints about the crew member. Her sex abuse claim included physical injuries and long-term mental health challenges, all contributing to the case’s resolution.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Survivors throughout Illinois trust Chicago Injury Center because of our proven track record and commitment to justice. Our leading sexual assault attorneys in Chicago have earned recognition from respected legal organizations, including Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. With decades of experience handling sexual abuse claims against schools, hotels, churches, and other institutions, we know what it takes to build a strong case.

Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle

At Chicago Injury Center, our top Chicago sexual abuse lawyers represent survivors across a wide range of sexual assault and abuse cases, including:

• Clergy sexual abuse, including cases involving the Catholic Church and other religious organizations
• Abuse in schools, camps, and daycare centers, often involving trusted staff or volunteers
• Workplace sexual abuse and harassment, including unwanted touching and coercive behavior
• Sexual abuse in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, frequently targeting vulnerable adults
• Abuse by medical professionals and therapists, who exploit positions of trust
• Institutional abuse in foster care and juvenile detention, where oversight is often lacking

What Are the Most Common Causes of Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

Many Chicago sex abuse claims involve the same underlying failures. A common cause is a lack of institutional oversight, where schools, religious groups, or employers ignore red flags or actively conceal abuse. Power imbalances–such as those between teachers and students or clergy and parishioners–often leave victims vulnerable.

In some cases, organizations fail to conduct background checks and hire individuals with prior misconduct. Inadequate reporting systems and a culture of silence make it harder for sexual assault victims to come forward. Fear of retaliation or disbelief often keeps survivors quiet, allowing sexual violence to continue unchecked for years.

What Are the Most Common Consequences of Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse and assault often leave deep, lasting scars–both physical and emotional. Survivors may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, sometimes for years after the abuse happened. Many victims turn to substance abuse or struggle with self-harm as a way to cope.

Some experience suicidal thoughts or persistent feelings of shame and worthlessness. Survivors experience a profound loss of trust, withdraw from relationships, and feel isolated from their communities. Physically, victims may face injuries, STDs, or ongoing medical issues. These consequences are real, and they deserve to be recognized in every sexual abuse claim.

What Damages Can Sexual Abuse Victims Recover in Illinois?

In Illinois, victims of sexual abuse have the right to seek financial compensation through a court claim against the abuser and any institution that enabled the misconduct. Recoverable damages often include:

• Medical costs for ongoing mental health treatment, including therapy and medications
• Pain and suffering, reflecting both the physical and emotional injuries experienced
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological impacts
• Lost income and reduced earning potential if the abuse affected the victim’s ability to work
• Punitive damages in cases where there was intentional cover-up, institutional neglect, or repeated misconduct

What Is the Average Sexual Abuse Payout in Chicago?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average payout for sex abuse cases in Chicago is approximately $65.5 million, with a median value of $3.55 million. Reported settlements and verdicts range from $1.2 million to $535 million, most commonly in Cook County, Illinois.

The value of a case often depends on several factors:

• The severity of the abuse and resulting physical and emotional trauma
• The number of victims of sexual abuse involved
• Whether the defendant was an individual or a powerful institution
• Evidence of a cover-up, conviction in criminal court, or gross negligence
• Jury perception and willingness to award punitive damages

Example Sexual Abuse Cases in Cook County

$10.8 Million Verdict – Chicago Woman Assaulted After Landlord Failed to Fix Broken Door Lock

A 54-year-old woman was physically and sexually assaulted in her North Stone Street apartment after a known lobby door lock defect allowed the attacker to enter. Despite prior tenant complaints, the lock was never repaired. The assailant was later arrested and sentenced to 72 years. The plaintiff, diagnosed with PTSD, sought damages for lifelong emotional harm and loss of normal life. The jury awarded $10.8 million, but found her 50% at fault for leaving her door unlocked, reducing her recovery to $5.4 million.

$3.2 Million Settlement – Catholic Priest Sexually Abused Student Over Two Years at Chicago School

In the early 2000s, a student at Our Lady of the Westside School (now St. Agatha Academy) was repeatedly abused by Father Daniel McCormack, a priest and teacher later convicted of felony sexual abuse. The victim sued the Archdiocese of Chicago, alleging negligent supervision and failure to report abuse to child protection authorities. An independent investigation revealed a long-standing pattern of inadequate oversight of abusive clergy. The plaintiff reported ongoing emotional harm, including paranoia, nightmares, and difficulty forming relationships. The case settled for $3.2 million shortly before trial, with $300,000 allocated for therapeutic support through escrow.

$1.8 Million Verdict – Hotel Guest Assaulted by Security Guard After Hotel Failed to Act

Karla Gress, a business traveler in her late 40s, was sexually assaulted by a hotel security guard at the Holiday Inn Chicago Northshore-Skokie. DNA evidence confirmed the attack, yet the hotel continued to employ the assailant for over a year. Gress sued the hotel for negligent hiring and supervision, highlighting poor oversight of security staff and key access. She was later diagnosed with PTSD and testified to years of emotional harm. The jury rejected claims that the encounter was consensual and awarded $1.8 million for her pain, suffering, and loss of normal life.

Why You Need a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago

Bringing a sexual assault claim in Chicago is never easy. Survivors often face retraumatization during investigations, credibility attacks in court, and pressure from institutions that want to silence them. Many are discouraged from coming forward at all–especially when the abuser is tied to a powerful employer, school, or religious group. Others run into statute of limitations issues that can complicate or block a civil suit.

At Chicago Injury Center, our sexual assault lawyers know how to handle these cases with care and determination, whether we’re filing in Cook County Circuit Court or another local jurisdiction.

How Common Is Sexual Assault and Abuse in Chicago?

Sexual violence remains a serious and underreported problem in Chicago and across Illinois. A national study on child health found that 40% of Illinois children have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, such as child sexual abuse or exposure to domestic violence. In 2017 alone, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received 7,743 reports of child sexual abuse, with only 25% of those cases officially indicated, despite broader research showing that abuse is often unreported or difficult to prove.

That same year, both child abuse and neglect reports and child sexual abuse reports rose sharply–up 16% and 12%, respectively. While these increases could be tied to changes in reporting practices, they still reflect a growing awareness of how widespread these harms are. In urban areas like Chicago, where survivors often face additional barriers tied to institutional cover-ups or fear of retaliation, the actual numbers may be even higher.

Where Do Sexual Abuse and Assault Incidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

In Chicago, incidents of sexual violence have been reported across a wide range of settings–often in places where victims should feel safe. Cases involving the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago have revealed decades of abuse by priests in city parishes and schools. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has faced repeated investigations into teacher and staff misconduct involving students. In daycare centers throughout the area, a lack of oversight has led to abuse of children too young to speak out. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities have also seen abuse, particularly of residents with memory or mobility issues. In the workplace, abuse is most common in the hospitality industry, healthcare settings, and corporate offices, where power imbalances and fear of retaliation often silence victims.

What Laws Govern Civil and Criminal Cases of Sex Abuse in Chicago?

720 ILCS 5/11-1.20 applies when a person commits sexual penetration without consent, including cases involving threats or victims unable to consent due to age or disability. It’s a felony offense and often forms the basis for both criminal charges and civil lawsuits for sexual assault victims.

720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 enhances penalties for sexual assault when certain factors are present–such as use of a weapon, infliction of injury, or if the victim is under 13. A criminal conviction under this law can also support a survivor’s claim for damages.

720 ILCS 5/11-1.50 covers non-consensual sexual conduct that may not rise to the level of penetration. It includes unwanted touching, abuse of authority, or actions involving minors. Convictions may lead to prison time and registration as a sex offender, and often lead to personal injury claims.

720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 criminalizes behavior where a person engages a child in a sexual manner, including indecent exposure or encouraging sexual conduct. It can apply in institutional abuse cases, such as schools or religious organizations, and can form the basis for both criminal and civil proceedings.

The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/) requires certain professionals–like teachers, doctors, and social workers–to report suspected child abuse, including sexual. Failure to report can result in liability. It’s frequently cited in Chicago sexual abuse claims involving schools, daycare centers, or foster care facilities.

The Human Rights Ordinance (6-10-040) of Chicago’s Municipal Code prohibits sexual harassment and abuse in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Survivors can file complaints through the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, and it often complements civil state and federal claims against employers or landlords.

Title IX (20 U.S.C. § 1681) of the Chicago Municipal Code protects students in federally funded schools from sexual acts and harassment. Schools that ignore or mishandle reports may be held legally accountable. Survivors can file civil claims to pursue compensation and institutional reform.

The Clery Act (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)) requires colleges and universities to publicly report sexual assault data and implement safety protocols. Noncompliance can support civil cases when schools fail to protect students or respond adequately to known threats of sexual violence.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA,34 U.S.C. § 12291 et seq.) provides federal resources and protections for survivors of sexual violence, including funding for legal services and shelters. It also allows victims to pursue civil remedies, enforce protection orders, and access support while their criminal trial proceeds.

How Long After the Abuse Happened Can I Take Legal Action in Criminal and Civil Court?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2, a person who experienced childhood sexual abuse may file a civil claim at any age, provided it is within 20 years of discovering the abuse and its lasting effects.

Illinois has no statute of limitations on felony sex abuse claims, meaning prosecutors can pursue a case against abusers regardless of how much time has passed.

Who Is Legally Liable for Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

In Chicago sex abuse cases, liability extends beyond the individual abuser. Survivors can bring civil suits against powerful institutions that enabled or ignored misconduct. This includes the Archdiocese of Chicago in clergy abuse cases, CPS and private schools, employers that dismiss complaints, and medical providers or hospitals that fail to protect patients. Foster care agencies and even government entities may also be held accountable. Our sexual abuse lawyers pursue every viable claim to ensure survivors can seek justice.

Common Defenses in Chicago Sexual Abuse Claims

Defendants in sexual abuse cases often raise several arguments to avoid liability. Some argue the statute of limitations has expired, though Illinois law offers survivors an extended time to act in civil court. Others claim consent, even in cases where it’s legally impossible, such as with minors. Many abusers outright deny the allegations or insist there isn’t enough evidence. Institutions like schools, churches, or employers may argue they lacked knowledge of prior misconduct.

At Chicago Injury Center, our dedicated legal team challenges these defenses by gathering medical records, witness statements, and prior complaints, as well as relying on expert testimony to explain emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. We ensure survivors’ voices are heard and fight to keep their identity confidential.

How to Strengthen Your Sexual Abuse Case in Chicago

Taking the proper steps after sexual assault can make a difference in both criminal and civil court. Survivors should file a sexual misconduct report with police, and if the victim is a child, with DCFS as well. Keep any texts, emails, or other communications that document the sexual act or cover-up.

Seeking immediate medical and psychological care documents both physical and emotional harm, like PTSD. Finally, reaching out quickly to a sexual assault attorney ensures your rights are protected and that evidence is preserved for a strong claim.

How Our Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

At Chicago Injury Center, our top-rated Chicago sexual abuse lawyers provide confidential, compassionate support to survivors from the first call to the final resolution. We handle filing civil cases in Cook County Circuit Court and other local courts, working alongside prosecutors when a criminal case is pending.

Our team pursues compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost income, and emotional distress, whether through negotiated settlements or trial verdicts. Beyond the courtroom, we connect clients with trusted advocacy groups and resources, ensuring survivors never feel alone. Our mission is to help survivors pursue justice while protecting their dignity.

FAQs

How much does a sexual abuse attorney cost in Chicago?

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. This allows sexual assault victims to pursue a claim without worrying about legal fees.

Can I file a lawsuit even if the abuser was never criminally convicted?

Yes. A civil case is entirely separate from a criminal trial. Because the burden of proof in civil cases is lower, survivors can often seek justice through a sexual abuse claim even when prosecutors do not secure a criminal conviction against the abuser.

Who can file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Chicago?

Sexual assault victims can file a civil lawsuit on their own. For minors, parents or legal guardians may bring the claim on their behalf.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or a family member has been abused or assaulted in Chicago, don’t wait to learn your rights. The sooner you speak with a sexual assault attorney, the stronger your case may be. At Chicago Injury Center, we offer a free, confidential consultation where your story will be heard and protected. Contact our Chicago personal injury team today and begin the process of holding abusers and institutions accountable.