Child Sex Abuse Attorneys Representing Survivors Nationwide

Child Sex Abuse Attorneys

Millions Recovered for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Nationwide

The Zalkin Law Firm is a national leader in litigating civil claims of child sexual abuse. Comprised of caring, compassionate, and highly respected trial lawyers, our team has advocated for hundreds of survivors across the country, and has successfully taken on some of the nation’s most powerful institutions – from religious organizations and non-profits to universities and foster care systems.

Our child sex abuse attorneys leverage decades of experience, the support of professional experts, and unwavering determination to make victims’ voices heard, and unearth the truth.

With a record of proven results, we have demonstrated our ability to effectively guide survivors toward justice and healing,

If you or someone you love have been abused as a child, you are not alone – and you do have rights. Support for survivors has grown, affording them critical protections when levying complaints, as well as legal pathways through which they can seek justice and financial compensation for their damages. Surviving childhood sexual abuse is not something you must do alone.

In some states, new legislation has also opened the door to claims from adult survivors abused as children that were previously barred by statutes of limitations. This includes California AB 218 and the New York Child Victims Act.

We're here when you're ready. Speak with a child sexual abuse attorney today by calling 800-477-2989

It's Important To Come Forward

Giving Survivors a Voice

Helping Our Clients Get Closure

Millions Recovered on Behalf of Our Clients

Clergy Sexual Abuse
Multi-Victim $660,000,000
Irwin Zalkin was one of the lead trial lawyers and part of the trial team prepared to commence a 14 victim trial against the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles, the day a global settlement was reached in the amount of $660,000,000.
Clergy Sexual Abuse
Multi-Victim $198,500,000
Irwin Zalkin was appointed Mediation Liaison Counsel and a lead negotiator by United States Magistrate Judge Leo S. Papas on behalf of over 144 victims of childhood sexual abuse against the Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego.
Clergy Sexual Abuse
Multi-Victim $100,000,000
Irwin Zalkin was part of the team of lawyers representing clergy sexual abuse survivors in the Diocese of Orange, California who recently helped to negotiate the first $100,000,000 global settlement in the country involving childhood sexual abuse by members of the Catholic clergy.
Clergy Sexual Abuse
Multi-Victim $10,500,000
Multi-victim case against religious group home.
Clergy Sexual Abuse
Multi-Victim $8,000,000
Multi-victim case against a religious leader and institution.
Lohse v. Lakeland Village HOA (Oakland, CA) $8,000,000
An $8 Million judgment against a resort facility after a six-week jury trial for a woman who was rendered a paraplegic following a fall off of an unguarded pier.
Child Sexual Abuse
Single Victim $4,250,000
$4.25 Million paid to single sexual abuse Plaintiff.
Clergy Sexual Abuse
Multi-Victim $4,200,000
Three survivors abused as minors by priests associated with a Northern California Diocese.
Child Sexual Abuse
Single Victim $4,150,000
$4.15 Million paid to single sexual abuse Plaintiff.
Child Sexual Abuse
Single Victim $4,000,000
$4 Million paid to single sexual abuse Plaintiff.

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Helping Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Find Justice

By making civil sexual abuse and assault litigation a hallmark of our practice, The Zalkin Law Firm has become known as a leader in these complex claims.

Our sexual abuse attorneys have worked with survivors and fellow law firms on high-profile cases across the country, and have cultivated a reputation for successfully taking on some of the nation’s oldest and most powerful institutions.

The Zalkin Law Firm proudly serves abuse survivors nationwide in cases involving all types of entities and institutions, including:

Clergy Sexual Abuse

The Zalkin Law Firm has successfully represented hundreds of clergy sexual abuse survivors across the U.S. As more information comes to light about the scope of child sex abuse within the Catholic Church and other Christian institutions, more survivors who have kept silent for years have stepped forward.

Their stories reveal not only the profound pain and suffering caused by abuse, but also the systemic failures of religious institutions to adequately investigate priests and clergy, and protect victims

The following parties may potentially be held liable for clergy abuse:

Individual Clergy Members: The abusive clergy member can be held personally liable for their abusive actions. They may face criminal charges, including sexual assault or child endangerment, and may also be subject to civil lawsuits filed by the survivors of the abuse.
Religious Institutions: The religious institutions that employ the abusive clergy member can be held liable for clergy abuse by negligence, vicarious liability, or failure to report.
Religious Superiors or Bishops: In hierarchical religious organizations, such as the Catholic Church, higher-ranking clergy, including bishops or archbishops, may be held accountable for their role in transferring or reassigning abusive clergy to other parishes or failing to take appropriate action when allegations of abuse arise.
Other Members of the Religious Community: Individuals within the religious community who were aware of the abuse but failed to report it or took actions to cover it up may also face legal liability in some cases.

Find more information about clergy abuse.

Jehovah’s Witness Sex Abuse

For members of close-knit religious groups, reporting a crime is difficult if not nearly impossible. That is precisely the case for Jehovah’s Witnesses, which often insulate survivors from reporting or resolving problems outside of the church.

Highly restrictive and archaic policies within the Jehovah’s Witness serve to shield the church and its image more than survivors and victims. The “two witness” rule, for example, often keeps abuse allegations within the church by requiring that any accusation be supported by at least two witnesses.

Although DNA or scientific evidence may serve as one witness, this evidence alone is not enough to prompt reasonable action or enforcement against alleged wrongdoers, who may simply be placed under monitoring, or limited in their privileges.

Many members of the Jehovah’s Witness never report their abuse, and those who do rarely have their cases turned over to law enforcement. This not only leaves victims vulnerable, it often allows offenders to go unpunished and free to abuse again.

Find more information about Jehovah’s Witness abuse.

Boy Scout Sex Abuse

Sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts can involve adults in leadership positions, such as Scoutmasters or volunteers, who exploit their authority and trust to engage in inappropriate or illegal sexual conduct with scouts. This can include sexual molestation, harassment, or even rape.

The Boy Scouts of America has a decades-long history of unreported sexual abuse committed by boy scouts and troop leaders. A recent release of private records also revealed the organization allowed sexually abusive and suspected sexually abusive scout leaders to remain in its ranks at alarming rates.

In response to allegations and lawsuits, the BSA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2020, which allowed it to set up a compensation fund for survivors of abuse while protecting the organization from the potentially crippling financial impact of lawsuits.

Given the Boy Scouts’ persistent failure to adequately handle sexual abuse claims and protect its members, many former Boy Scouts have filed suit against the organization.

The BSA has faced calls for increased accountability and reform to ensure the safety of its members. As part of its bankruptcy proceedings, the BSA has made efforts to address past abuse claims and establish new safeguards to prevent future abuse.

Find more information about Boy Scout Abuse.

Foster Care Abuse

Foster care systems are designed to offer safety to vulnerable children. The unfortunate reality, however, is that many foster children are subjected to the trauma of sexual abuse and assault, have few options for stepping forward, and find few caring advocates they can turn to for help. A system that keeps information private only serves to give abuse an environment in which to thrive.

Child welfare agencies and authorities are responsible for monitoring the well-being of children in foster care and investigating any allegations of abuse. Child welfare agencies and authorities are responsible for monitoring the well-being of children in foster care and investigating any allegations of abuse.

Find more information about Foster Care Abuse.

How Can a Child Sex Abuse Attorneys Help You Secure Justice?

Survivors of childhood sex abuse often suffer profound and life-altering consequences that follow them well into their adult years. Studies have repeatedly shown survivors are at greater risk of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other serious physical and psychological health problems.

As child sexual abuse lawyers, our team at The Zalkin Law Firm helps victims as they venture into what can be complex and emotionally turbulent civil legal claims. Backed by experience and resources, we help victims evaluate their options and pursue the justice they deserve through the most appropriate means. This often means a civil lawsuit against wrongdoers and or the institutions which so shamefully failed to uphold their legal obligations for handling serious claims, and protecting their most vulnerable members.

Claims filed in the civil justice system are not criminal charges. They do not concern criminal guilt or innocence, do not use the same burden of proof, and do not have to be filed against an individual abuser – some can be filed against the responsible institutions, especially if perpetrators are deceased. Criminal cases, as well as administrative proceedings for that matter, also offer little in terms of compensating victims for their pain and suffering than civil claims.

What civil child sex abuse lawsuits accomplish can be vast. They can help reveal inexcusable conduct committed by private individuals or individuals who hold a position of trust within an organization, and they can expose unforgiveable practices within organizations that have failed to protect children, or willfully chose to protect the accused instead.

This alone can be invaluable in raising red flags that bring others forward, and help prompt needed changes to protect others from becoming victims in the future.

Civil sex abuse claims also allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages. This includes both the economic and non-economic damages arising from their abuse, including their pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and expenses for medical or psychological treatment.

As advocates, sex abuse attorneys protect victims’ rights and confidentiality as they navigate the civil justice system. They can provide the resources needed to heal, and the insight to investigate and gather evidence that supports their claims. Skilled attorneys can also advocate to ensure at-fault parties do not prevail in their attempts to evade liability or pay victims less than they deserve.

Speak Confidentially With a Lawyer

At The Zalkin Law Firm, we know it takes tremendous courage to step forward as a survivor – and are grateful for the trust so many survivors, families, and fellow lawyers have placed in our firm by choosing our team to guide them through these challenging cases.

With numerous million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for survivors, The Zalkin Law Firm has helped clients prevail in child sex abuse claims against Catholic Dioceses, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, foreign exchange programs, and entities that who childhood sexual abuse within their organizations and allowed it to continue over a period of years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Sex Abuse Lawsuits

What Is Child Sex Abuse?

Child sex abuse can take many forms, and occur in many different settings. It may involve no physical contact at all, such as indecent exposure or exposure to pornography, or may involve nearly any type of unlawful contact, including inappropriate touching, molestation, sexual assault, and rape.

Whether abuse involved a single isolated incident or occurred multiple times, victims have the right to seek justice, hold wrongdoers accountable, and seek compensation from individuals and entities in positions of power that failed to properly handle allegations and keep victims safe, or took steps to willfully shield and conceal the accused.

The Zalkin Law Firm handles all types of cases involving child sexual abuse, including, among others:

Common Signs of Child Sex Abuse

Child sexual abuse is a sensitive and serious issue that can have profound and lasting effects on a child's physical and emotional well-being. Recognizing the signs of child sexual abuse is crucial in order to protect the child and provide them with the support and help they need. It's important to remember that these signs can vary widely from one child to another, and not all abused children will exhibit the same behaviors.

However, common signs of child sexual abuse can include:

Behavioral Changes

Sudden and significant changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, aggression, mood swings, or regression to earlier developmental stages.
Unusual fear or discomfort around a specific person, especially an adult.
Sleep disturbances, nightmares, or night terrors.

Sexual Knowledge & Behavior

Age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual acts or explicit language.
Engaging in sexual play with toys, peers, or younger children that is beyond their developmental stage.
Demonstrating sexual behaviors or precocious sexual interest.

Emotional Signs

Sudden and unexplained mood swings or emotional instability.
Depression, anxiety, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
Emotional numbness or dissociation.

Changes in Relationships

Difficulty forming or maintaining relationships, particularly with adults.
Avoidance of physical contact, such as hugging or being touched, even by trusted individuals.

Regression

Reverting to younger behaviors, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking, which they had previously outgrown.

Aggressive or Self-Destructive Behavior

Displaying aggression towards themselves or others.
Engaging in self-harming behaviors, like cutting or burning.

Changes in Academic Performance

A sudden decline in school performance or a loss of interest in academic activities.

Physical Symptoms

Unexplained pain, bleeding, or discomfort in the genital or anal areas.
Frequent urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections.

Fear or Avoidance of Certain Places or Activities

Fear of being left alone with specific individuals or reluctance to attend certain locations or events.

Eating Disturbances

Changes in eating habits, such as overeating or under-eating.
Significant weight loss or gain.

It's important to note that while these signs can indicate child sexual abuse, they can also be associated with other issues or challenges a child may face. If you suspect a child may be a victim of sexual abuse, it is crucial to approach the situation with sensitivity and caution. Contacting the appropriate authorities and professionals, such as child protective services or law enforcement, is essential for ensuring the child's safety and well-being. Additionally, supportive and therapeutic resources should be made available to help the child and their family cope with the trauma.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences for Victims of Childhood Sex Abuse?

The consequences of childhood sexual abuse are wide-ranging.

Health & Behavioral Problems

Surviving such abuse brings an increased risk of health and behavioral problems. Research conducted by the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in conjunctions with the Centers for Disease Control has proven that children who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences, such as sexual abuse, have an increased risk of developing adverse health issues later in life, including the onset of cancer in adult years.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse report more symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder than those who have not been abused and are more likely to experience major depressive disorder as adults. Many different forms of addiction can also accompany the survival of childhood sexual abuse.

Challenges in Adulthood & Finanical Difficulties

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse frequently have difficulty in the transition to adulthood, are more likely to suffer financial failure, and are at risk to fail in other areas of life due to problem behaviors and outcomes of the trauma. They often develop meaningful problems in dealing with authority figures.

Extended Consequences to Friends & Family

The effects of childhood sexual abuse extend beyond individual problems as well. The health and behavioral problems faced by survivors have negative consequences within the family and workplace. This downstream effect of the abuse leads to emotional, physical, and financial losses to third-parties involved in the survivor’s life, years, and decades after the abuse. Often public health programs, including Medicaid, the last level of resort in the social safety net, are accessed by the survivor as they struggle in adult life to respond to the impact of what was done to them as children.

What are the Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit for Childhood Sexual Abuse?

The time limits for filing a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit vary by state and are known as statutes of limitations. Many jurisdictions have extended or eliminated these time limits for cases involving childhood sexual abuse, recognizing that survivors may need time to process their experiences before coming forward. In some states, the clock may start when the survivor reaches a certain age or when they realize the abuse's impact on their life. It's crucial for survivors to consult with a qualified attorney to understand the specific laws in their state and determine their options.

Who Can be Held Liable in a Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

In a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit, liability can extend beyond the abuser to include individuals or entities that may have had a duty to protect the child. This can include parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, or organizations such as schools and churches. If these parties were negligent in preventing the abuse or failed to take appropriate action upon learning of it, they may be held accountable. Additionally, organizations that foster environments where abuse can occur, or that inadequately investigate or respond to allegations, can also face liability in civil suits.

What Kind of Compensation Can Survivors Receive?

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be entitled to various forms of compensation through a civil lawsuit. This can include damages for medical expenses, psychological counseling, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the perpetrator and deter similar conduct in the future. The amount of compensation awarded depends on the specific circumstances of the case, the severity of the abuse, and the lasting impact on the survivor's life. Each case is unique, and a knowledgeable attorney can help survivors assess their potential compensation.

What Should a Survivor Do If They Want to Pursue Legal Action?

If a survivor of childhood sexual abuse is considering legal action, the first step is to seek legal counsel from an attorney experienced in handling such cases. An attorney can provide guidance on the legal process, help gather evidence, and determine the best course of action based on the specifics of the case. It's also important for survivors to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being during this time. Many survivors find it beneficial to seek support from therapists or support groups, which can aid in the healing process and provide a safe space to discuss their experiences.

Helping You Rebuild & Move Forward

For decades, our team at The Zalkin Law Firm has been representing survivors of sexual abuse throughout the country. Even if abuse had happened decades ago, we can help you get the justice and closure that you deserve. To get started, please reach out to our team today.

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