Sexual Abuse

I have been rated as a top lawyer in sexual harassment. If you are the victim of any type of sexual abuse I can help. Sexual abuse claims can be raised by minors and adults. Due to the power and influence of a person’s position a consensual relationship can many times be sexual abuse.

Types of Abuse

If you were abused by clergy, a bank loan officer, or other professional I can help you. It is important that you document what is taking place. Please contact Springfield Employment Lawyer Peter LaSorsa at once to have all of your rights protected.

There may be a wave of sex abuse lawsuits in Illinois targeting abuse that occurred at medical and behavioral facilities. Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS) had a recent verdict issued requiring the company to pay $535 million in damages related to a sexual assault suit. 

CASES ON SEXUAL ABUSE

Pavilion Behavioral Health System, a subsidiary of UHS, denied any liability in a case that alleged that an underage patient was sexually assaulted by another underage patient in 2020. 

The case, which included negligence and misrepresentation claims went to trial and a jury awarded the plaintiff $60 million in compensatory damages and $475 in punitive damages.

The Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, Illinois, has been the subject of multiple federal lawsuits including one lawsuit in 2023 that resulted in $19 million in damages for the victim. A jury awarded the damages to a former female prisoner who was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her counselor for months while serving time at Logan between 2015 and 2018. The jury awarded punitive damages against prison counselor Richard Macleod, head prison investigator Todd Sexton, and warden Margaret Burke.

DAMAGES

Damages can run six, seven and eight figures depending on the circumstances and facts. It is imperative that you act quickly to protect your rights and hold those who harmed you accountable.

NEW STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

llinois law recognizes that survivors might not fully understand the impact of child sexual abuse until years later. Thus, the state has extended the deadline for filing a lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse. Adult survivors have a much stricter deadline. The civil statutes of limitations are as follows:

• Childhood sexual abuse: For any childhood sexual abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2014, there is no statute of limitations at all for civil suits. Survivors abused as kids, before 2014, have until their 38th birthday or 20 years after they discover the injury—whichever is later—to file civil claims.
• Adult sexual assault: Those assaulted as adults generally have two years from the incident to file a civil suit, though unique factors such as the Gender Violence Act can extend this.
• In 2024, refinements to this Act reaffirmed that survivors can file civil claims for “gender-related violence”, which includes sexual assault, within seven years of the incident. You should contact my office immediately to ensure your rights are protected.

These deadlines are continually changing, and some recent amendments do not apply to older cases. To determine the timeline for your case, speak with a knowledgeable sexual abuse attorney. Helping Survivors can connect you with an experienced, trauma-informed lawyer for a free consultation.

The new statute of limitations for filing a sexual harassment case at the Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR“) increased to two-years. This is great news for victims of sexual abuse or sexual harassment. Let me help you obtain and preserve the evidence you need to successfully win your case-or settle your case favorably.

Sexual abuse examples include a doctor who uses his or her power to have a sexual relationship with you. If your psychiatrist uses her or his position to have a sexual relationship with you. This would fall under the category of sexual harassment in public accommodation.

Steps to Take

I offer a free consultation to review your case. I only take these types of cases on contingency fee basis. Contingency means you own nothing up front and I only get a percentage if we settle or win the case.

The client never pays upfront or out of pocket. Contact Springfield Sexual Harassment Lawyer Peter M. LaSorsa at 312-505-5038 today to protect your rights.