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Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

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Contact the Carlson Law Firm for Help

When do sexual abuse victims need legal help?

Survivors of church sexual abuse often live with a tremendous amount of guilt and shame that has negative effects on their mental health. In addition to physical, mental and financial damages, church abuse survivors can also suffer from spiritual damages as a result of what happened to them in the church.

It is important to contact a sexual abuse lawyer for legal advice after an assault. While we cannot undo the damage you have suffered, we can help you begin the road to recovery. Our attorneys can help you recover compensation to help pay for past, present and future medical treatment, as well as other damages.

Reclaim Your Voice Through Legal Action

The Carlson Law Firm is dedicated to raising the voices of victims silenced by their abusers. As more survivors find their voice, our country is coming to reconcile the fear and trauma suffered by survivors. If you are survivors of sexual abuse, you need a law firm on your side to help you in your recovery. Our firm has some of the leading legal advocates to elevate your voice in the courtroom. If you want a firm that embodies the compassion you need to get you through a legal battle, as well as the resources to ensure you get top-notch legal representation, you want The Carlson Law Firm.

Legal Assistance for Victims of Sexual Abuse

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, navigating the complex legal landscape can feel overwhelming and intimidating. Our team of compassionate and dedicated legal professionals is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are upheld. We specialize in providing confidential, respectful, and comprehensive legal services to help victims seek justice and healing. Our expertise includes:

  • Case Evaluation: We provide a thorough assessment of your case, discussing all available legal options and potential outcomes.
  • Legal Representation: From filing lawsuits to representing you in court, our attorneys are committed to advocating on your behalf.
  • Support and Resources: Access to counseling services and support groups to help you through your recovery journey.


Who Can Be Sued for Sexual Assaults?

  • Perpetrators: Directly responsible for the abuse.
  • Employers: If the abuse occurred in a workplace setting and the employer failed to take adequate steps to prevent such behavior.
  • Institutions: Schools, universities, religious institutions, and other organizations that failed to protect victims from abuse under their care.
  • Property Owners: Owners of properties where the assault occurred due to inadequate security or failure to address known risks.
  • Government Entities: When the abuse involves a public servant or occurs in a government-run facility, under certain conditions.


Our commitment is to provide you with the legal tools and emotional support you need to start the healing process. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your peace of mind. Schedule your free confidential consultation at 800-359-5690.

Organization Child Sexual Abuse

The Carlson Law Firm has represented hundreds of Boy Scouts of America sexual assault victims.Ā  BSA is currently paying out millions after being held legally responsible for hiding decades of child sexual abuse cases. Thousands of reports have emerged from secret Boy Scouts files showing that the organization hid a massive amount of child sexual abuse from the public for nearly a century. You are not alone.Ā 

If you were involved in an organization and were sexually abused, we can help. Contact The Carlson Law Firm to speak with a civil sexual abuse lawyer right away to discuss your legal options.

Boy scouts looking at a map in their boyscout uniforms
Sad adolescent boy sitting at the bottom of stairs with a backpack

Clergy Sexual Abuse

Survivors of church sexual abuse often live with a tremendous amount of guilt and shame that has negative effects on their mental health. In addition to physical, mental and financial damages, church abuse survivors can also suffer from spiritual damages as a result of what happened to them in the church.

It is important to contact a sexual abuse lawyer for legal advice after an assault. While we cannot undo the damage you have suffered, we can help you begin the road to recovery. Our attorneys can help you recover compensation to help pay for past, present and future medical treatment, as well as other damages.

Athlete Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in the world of sports is a critical issue that affects athletes at all levels, from local sports clubs to elite international competitions. The competitive nature and hierarchical structures of sports organizations can sometimes create environments where abuse is overlooked or unreported. We are committed to supporting survivors, promoting awareness, and advocating for safer athletic environments.

Currently, our law firm is representing victims of George Harris Jr., a former aquatics sports coach in California who allegedly assaulted dozens of students over the course of a 30-year career.Ā 

The Carlson Law Firmā€™s Los Angeles office is investigating sexual assault and abuse claims against George Harris Jr., a former water polo coach, and several schools he worked for. If you were on the water polo, swim, or other aquatic sports teams at any of the following schools between 1980-2009, or were otherwise abused by staff at these schools, call us for a free andĀ confidentialĀ consultation:Ā 

  • El Segundo High School
  • Arena Continuation High SchoolĀ 
  • Chaffey High SchoolĀ 
  • University of Southern California (USC)


If your or someone you love was sexually abused while playing sports, significant compensation may be available. Schedule a free consultation at 800-359-5690.

Take Back Control with a Qualified Victimā€™s Sexual Assault Lawyer

Accountability is making a person own responsibility for their actions. If you have been sexually assaulted, you can hold the perpetrator and an institution accountable. For example, when an institution employs a sex offender and fails to supervise them, it can be held accountable. Or, when an apartment complex fails to provide adequate security to keep its residents safe, it can be held accountable. A sexual assault lawyer from our firm can help you hold a perpetrator accountable.

If you or your loved one were assaulted in a childcare facility, place of worship, school, hospital or commercial facility, you can be confident that a Carlson Law Firm victims sexual abuse lawyer will dedicate 100 percent of its resources to fight for justice. Our team of attorneys will help you determine whether you can hold the perpetrator, landowner, employer or another party accountable for the harm you suffered.

Why Should I File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Deciding to file a lawsuit after experiencing sexual abuse is a significant decision that offers several benefits. A lawsuit can hold the perpetrator accountable, potentially preventing them from harming others, and can also target negligent third parties, such as employers or organizations. Additionally, legal action often results in compensation for damages, which might include medical expenses, therapy costs, and lost wages, alleviating the financial burden faced by victims.

Taking legal action can also empower survivors, providing a sense of closure as they actively confront the abuse. Furthermore, filing a lawsuit increases public awareness, potentially revealing and stopping hidden patterns of abuse. This exposure can lead to broader societal changes and enhance legal protections for others in the future. Successful cases may also set important legal precedents that reinforce the rights and safety of individuals.

It is crucial for survivors to consult with legal professionals who specialize in sexual abuse to understand the process and realistic outcomes.Ā 

examples of sex abuse cases we've handled

The Carlson Law Firm is currently investigating various child sexual abuse lawsuits. Below is an overview of some of them:

Boy Scouts

In 2021, we began taking cases to help the thousands of victims of Boy Scouts of America Victims collect the money they deserve after suffering sexual abuse at the hands of abusers within the organization.

George Harris Jr.

The Carlson Law Firmā€™s Los Angeles office is investigating sexual assault and abuse claims against George Harris Jr., a former water polo coach, and several schools he worked for.

Individual Cases

Lawsuits against different institutions such as churches, hotels, individuals, and businesses such as Airbnb and Uber/Lyft occur.

FAQ: Sexual Abuse Claims

Our sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to supporting and advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. We understand that taking the first step to seek legal help can be overwhelming, and many questions may arise during this difficult time. Our goal is to provide clear, compassionate, and comprehensive answers to the most frequently asked questions about sexual abuse cases.

Most of us grew up with ā€œstranger dangerā€ embedded in our thinking. Despite popular belief, the vast majority of sexual assaults are not perpetrated by strangers. The majority of sexual assaults are carried out by individuals who are acquainted with the victim, including family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, partners, and so on. RAINN released the following statistics based on sexual abuse cases reported to law enforcement:

93% of juvenile victims knew the perpetrator.

  • Ā 59% were acquaintances
  • Ā 34% were family members
  • Ā 7% were strangers to the victim

Organizations that failed to protect children from abuse can be held liable. This includes schools, daycare centers, churches, youth organizations, sports teams, and any other institution that had a duty to safeguard children. We work to prove negligence or misconduct on the part of these organizations to hold them accountable.

Compensation in child sexual abuse cases can include medical expenses, therapy and counseling costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related damages. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation to support your child’s healing and future well-being.

Yes, protecting your child’s identity and privacy is a top priority. We take all necessary measures to maintain confidentiality and ensure that your child’s name and personal information are not disclosed publicly.

The statute of limitations for filing a child sexual abuse lawsuit varies by state. However, many states have extended or eliminated these time limits, recognizing the unique nature of these cases. It is crucial to contact our law firm as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

To start the legal process, contact our law firm for a confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain the steps involved in pursuing a claim. Our team is committed to providing the support and legal expertise you need during this challenging time.

If you suspect your child has been sexually abused, ensure their immediate safety and well-being. Contact law enforcement to report the abuse and seek medical attention for your child. Preserve any potential evidence and reach out to a counselor or therapist for emotional support. Contact our sexual abuse lawyers to discuss your legal options and how we can help hold the responsible individual or organization accountable.

Criminal Case Versus Civil Lawsuit

Sexual assault victims can pursue both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. It is important to understand that filing criminal charges after sexual abuse is different from filing a civil lawsuit. Law enforcement investigations as well as formal charges brought by the district attorney occur during a sexual abuse criminal case. On the other hand, a sexual abuse survivor brings a civil case to the court as the plaintiff against the defendant.Ā 

Sexual abuse offenders could face jail time and other criminal penalties, butĀ unfortunately, criminal proceedings do not award damages to victims.Ā A civil lawsuit is the only way a sexual abuse victim can receive monetary compensation for harm suffered.

Sexual Assault Justice in Civil Courts

Yes, criminal prosecutions are an important step to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and keep them from repeating the crime. In addition, a civil lawsuit gives the victim a different kind of justice, permitting the victim to be compensated by the perpetrator or other third parties who are also liable.Ā 

Civil courts are not required to establish the innocence or guilt of an offender. Instead, it determines who is responsible for any harm or injuries caused by the crime. Generally, civil court findings of liability result in an offender or negligible third-party paying a survivor monetary damages. It has the potential to provide victims with financial resources to rehabilitate their lives after such a traumatic experience.

If you need legal representation, it is important to find an attorney who not only has the legal expertise but also the compassion to guide you through the legal process. At The Carlson Law Firm, we have a team of compassionate attorneys who will make all the difference in the outcome of your case and your overall well-being. We not only understand the legal aspects of a case, but also take the time to understand the emotional impact it can have on our clients.Ā 

Contact a compassionate sexual abuse attorney at 800-359-5690.

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There's a CARLSON LAW FIRM Near You

With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, thereā€™s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, San Angelo, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, Wichita Falls and Corpus Christi.

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Ready to get started?

We care. We can help.

If you would like to learn more and explore your civil lawsuit options regarding sexual abuse, our compassionate team is ready to help. There is no obligation after a consultation; everything discussed will remain confidential.Ā 

Call us at 800-359-5690.