Joliet Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse can take many forms. It is a profoundly traumatic experience that causes feelings of fear and hopelessness and impacts the survivor’s mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being.

No matter why or how it happens, it is never the victim’s fault they were assaulted.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers specialize in sexual assault cases (including child sexual abuse) involving institutions. We are committed to providing compassionate care to you, helping you navigate the legal process as you begin your recovery journey.

WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES INVOLVING INSTITUTIONS.

IF YOU HAVE A MATTER INVOLVING A RELATIVE OR ACQUAINTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

We are dedicated to securing the highest compensation, and we have won over $21,000,000 in settlements for sex crimes claims in civil court. Our proven track record ensures we address all medical and therapy costs, lost income, and wages to assist our clients in their financial, physical, and emotional healing.

• $21,000,000 – Hotel sexual assault case
• $15,000,000 – Coach grooming and abuse
• $6,500,000 – Cruise ship rape settlement
• $6,350,000 – Negligent security assault
• $6,000,000 – Child sexual abuse lawsuit
• $5,000,000 – Therapist sexual abuse settlement

If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual assault or child sexual abuse, our team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to helping you file a civil claim and hold abusers accountable for their sex crimes. Throughout the entire process, we will provide immediate support while we help you obtain the best possible outcome.

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience, and many victims feel confused about what happened. Some may not even be sure if they have been the victim of sex offenses.

Sexual assault, or child sexual abuse, is “sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim”. If a person does not give their consent willingly and freely to sexual activity, they have been the victim of a sex crime.

Sexual assault often occurs because of an imbalance of power, where a sex offender uses age, authority, intoxication, incapacitation, or vulnerability to exploit their victims. Sexual assault can be the result of physical force, emotional coercion, psychological abuse, manipulation, threats, or intimidation.

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault (including child sexual abuse) covers a wide range of improper sexual conduct, including:

• Physical Touch: This can mean touching, groping, fondling, or unwanted contact.
• Sexual Coercion: When a perpetrator uses manipulation to force someone into sexual activities.
• Sexual Exploitation: Where victims are taken advantage of and placed in sexually threatening situations.
• Grooming: When abusers use manipulative behaviors to establish trust or connection with a potential victim to exploit them sexually. Grooming can occur over days, months, or years as the victim is desensitized to inappropriate actions.
• Rape: Includes non-consensual sexual penetration or sexual intercourse.
• Attempted Rape: When a perpetrator attempts forced sexual intercourse with their victim.
• Forced Sexual Acts: When a victim is forced to perform sexual acts without their consent.
• Indecent Exposure: Also called flashing, indecent exposure is where someone exposes their genitals in public, often causing shock or humiliation.

Sexual assault can occur almost anywhere, especially in places where individuals are in vulnerable situations. While sexual abuse lawyers handle assaults perpetrated by individuals, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers also have immense experience dealing with these institutions around Joliet, IL:

• Workplace
• Foster care
• Daycare facilities
• Nursing homes
• Inpatient treatment facilities
• Prisons and correctional institutions
• Educational institutions
• Religious places
• Sports centers and clubs
• Military institutions
• Hotels
• Therapists
• Medical facilities

Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault

If you are, or have been, the victim of sexual offenses, here are critical steps to ensure your safety and healing:

• Make sure you are safe: Get away from harmful situations as quickly as possible. Contact your local police or law enforcement or sexual assault shelter, or find another safe place to stay.
• Document the abuse: Keep detailed records of any incidents. Be as detailed as possible and include dates, times, locations, descriptions of what happened, and anything you feel is important.
• Seek legal aid: Seek the advice of a Joliet sexual abuse lawyer who will guide you through your legal options. You will have to discuss details of your abuse that are difficult, but a qualified attorney will help you through the process.

There are many resources available to you as you begin your journey of healing, such as RAINN, the National Sexual Assault Hotline, or contact your local Guardian Angel Community Services in Joliet, IL.

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims

Victims of sex crimes will be able to receive financial compensation. Our sexual abuse lawyers in Joliet, IL (and nearby Will County) will ensure you receive the most compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Mental health treatment
• Emotional distress damages
• Lost wages

Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases

Anyone who perpetrates sexual assault should be held liable for their abusive actions. Legal action can be taken against:

• Individual Liability: The Individuals responsible are held accountable. They can be held criminally liable (and face criminal prosecution) and are also subject to civil liabilities such as financial compensation.
• Institutional Liability: Any institution can sometimes be found responsible for sexual abuse and sexual assault. This is through vicarious liability, where the assault occurred due to negligence or error on the part of the institution. This negligence can often be caused by:
  • Insufficient background checks: Hiring individuals with a history of abuse or placing people in positions of trust or authority.
  • Poor supervision: When staff or activities are not monitored and create situations where assault or abuse can occur.
  • Inadequate response to complaints: Institutions are responsible for taking complaints seriously, and failure to act can create a situation where abuse can occur, making them liable.

Proving Sexual Abuse Cases

Proving and winning a sexual assault case is a detailed and systematic process, and sexual abuse lawyers serve clients every step of the way by:

• Gathering Evidence: The first step is to collect substantial proof to build a strong case. This includes medical records, photographs, documentation indicating abuse, witness testimonies, statements from others with relevant information, and more.
• Proving Negligence or Intentional Misconduct: Sexual abuse lawyers will determine if the perpetrator acted intentionally or negligently, depending on the situation.
• Demonstrate a Link Between Abuse and the Harm Suffered: Sexual abuse lawyers will show how the abuse caused, and continues to cause, pain to the victim (including physical, emotional, or psychological).

How Our Joliet, IL Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are experts at handling sexual abuse cases in Illinois (including Will County, Grundy County, and Kendall County). While offering strong legal counsel, we prioritize your well-being throughout the entire process.

Once you bring your case to our sexual abuse lawyers, we will help you by:

• Confidential Consultation: The first step is to begin with a free consultation. Our lawyers remain confidential and compassionate from the initial meeting as they listen to victims, assess details, and formulate and explain the legal actions available to you and their potential outcomes.
• Collecting Evidence: Our sexual abuse lawyers will assist in gathering documents, including medical records, witness testimonies, and other documentation.
• Filing Your Claim: We follow all necessary paperwork and legal protocols.
• Negotiating Settlements: Many of our cases are settled out of court, and we negotiate with opposing parties to secure compensation.
• Ongoing Support: We understand the long-term effects of this trauma and provide the support victims need by referring them to counseling or other legal matters.

The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Joliet, IL

The statute of limitations refers to how long you have to file legal action. In the state of Illinois, this depends on a variety of factors, such as when the assault took place, as well as whether the victim was a child or an adult at the time. We will make sure your claims are filed on time so you receive the proper compensation.

Contact Our Joliet, IL Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today!

Whether you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse in a school, religious institution, workplace, or other setting, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help you seek justice. Our dedicated legal team understands the emotional and legal complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable. We offer a safe space for you to share your story and guide you through the legal process with sensitivity and professionalism. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and recovery.

Contact us today at 888-424-5757 or fill out the online form.

Related Practice Areas:

• Aurora Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Champaign Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Naperville Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Rockford Sexual Abuse Lawyer

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.