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Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Survivors of sexual abuse may have legal options against the person who caused the harm and any institution that failed to prevent it. The personal injury lawyers in Chicago at Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC offers free and confidential consultations to help you understand your civil legal options without pressure.

Call (312) 701-0090 or send us a private message online.

Confidential Guidance Centered on Your Choices

  • We listen without judgment and respect your decisions about how to proceed.
  • You receive direct attorney involvement, honest answers, and we protect your privacy and handle sensitive information with care 
  • We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if we are able to recover compensation on your behalf. 

Who May Be Held Responsible for Sexual Abuse?

A civil claim can seek accountability from the person who committed the abuse. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may also extend to an organization or business that allowed the conduct to occur or failed to respond to known warning signs. Potentially responsible parties may include:

  • The person who committed or assisted with the abuse.
  • An employer that ignored complaints or failed to supervise an employee.
  • A school, daycare, youth program, or religious organization that failed to protect a child.
  • A business that failed to investigate prior reports or take reasonable protective measures.

A civil case remains separate from a criminal prosecution. Illinois law may allow a survivor to seek damages even when authorities did not file criminal charges or obtain a conviction.

Compensation Available in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

A civil claim may include compensation for:

  • Medical care and counseling.
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
  • Physical pain and suffering.
  • Loss of normal life.
  • Relocation, security, or other related expenses.
  • Punitive damages in qualifying cases.

Compensation cannot undo the abuse, but it can provide resources for treatment, stability, and future needs while holding responsible parties accountable.

Illinois Sexual Abuse Laws 

Illinois Gender Violence Act

Under 740 ILCS 82/10, a person subjected to gender-related violence “may bring a civil action for damages, injunctive relief, or other appropriate relief” against someone who committed, encouraged, or assisted the conduct. The Act allows courts to award actual damages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and costs.

Employer Responsibility

Under 740 ILCS 82/11, an employer may face liability for workplace gender-related violence if it “failed to supervise, train, or monitor” an employee or failed to investigate reports and take corrective action. This provision can become important when an employer knew about similar conduct but failed to protect others.

Filing Deadlines

Deadlines depend on the survivor’s age, the legal claim, and the responsible parties. Many claims under the Gender Violence Act must begin within seven years, while claims against an employer under that Act generally carry a four-year deadline. For childhood sexual abuse, 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2 states that an action “may be commenced at any time.” 

Why Hiring a Lawyer Protects Your Interests

You control the decision to pursue a civil case. A lawyer can explain your options, protect confidential information, communicate with institutions and insurers, and seek records that may confirm prior complaints or failures to act. A trusted Chicago Abuse Attorney can also prepare you for each stage of the process and limit unnecessary contact with the people or organizations involved. This support allows you to make informed decisions without managing legal demands alone.

Speak With a Lawyer in Confidence

You deserve to have your experience heard and your questions answered with respect.

Call Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC at (312) 701-0090 or send us a private message online to arrange a free consultation.