Justice for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Filing a Civil Lawsuit as an Adult

You Are Not Alone—And It’s Not Too Late to Seek Justice

Many survivors of child sexual abuse carry their trauma in silence for decades. It’s not uncommon to bury the pain, deny the memories, or feel too afraid or ashamed to come forward. But over time, something shifts—a need to be heard, to hold your abuser accountable, and to reclaim your voice.

At GetCompensation.law, we help adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse take that first brave step toward justice. We connect you with compassionate, highly skilled attorneys who understand the unique legal and emotional challenges of these cases. Whether the abuse occurred in a school, religious institution, foster home, or elsewhere, you have rights—and you may still have time to file a claim.

Understanding Civil Lawsuits for Childhood Sexual Abuse

While criminal charges must usually be filed soon after the abuse occurs, civil lawsuits offer more flexibility. Many states have extended or eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, recognizing that survivors often don’t come forward until much later in life.

Even if the abuse happened 10, 20, or 30 years ago, you may still be eligible to file a civil claim.

Civil lawsuits can:

• Provide financial compensation for the harm you endured
• Hold individuals and institutions accountable
• Uncover patterns of abuse and concealment
• Help prevent future harm to others
• Offer validation and a sense of closure

You don’t need to have pressed criminal charges to file a civil claim. And your case can still be strong even if the abuser is deceased or no longer in your life.

Who Can Be Sued in Child Sexual Abuse Cases?

A civil lawsuit can be filed against:

• The individual who abused you
• Institutions that enabled or concealed the abuse, such as:
  • Churches, religious orders, or dioceses
  • Public and private schools
  • Daycare centers or foster care agencies
  • Youth organizations like the Boy Scouts or sports leagues
  • Medical facilities and therapists
  • Camps or after-school programs
• Supervisors, teachers, or clergy who failed to act on complaints
• Insurance companies that covered organizations or the abuser

Attorneys in our network specialize in identifying all potentially liable parties and gathering evidence that supports your case.

Common Barriers Survivors Face—And Why We’re Here to Help

Coming forward isn’t easy. Survivors often face emotional, psychological, and social hurdles that make legal action feel impossible. At GetCompensation.law, we acknowledge those fears and provide support through every stage of the process.

Common concerns include:

• “I don’t remember everything.”
  Many survivors have fragmented memories. A skilled attorney can still build a case using available records, witness testimony, and expert evaluations.
• “No one will believe me.”
  You are not alone. Courts today understand how trauma affects memory and behavior. Credible legal teams know how to present your story clearly and compassionately.
• “The abuse happened so long ago.”
  Many states now allow lawsuits to proceed years—or even decades—after the abuse occurred. Some offer “look-back windows” specifically for older claims.
• “My abuser is dead or can’t pay.”
  The lawsuit can also target institutions that allowed the abuse to happen. These entities often have insurance coverage or assets that can fund a settlement.

What Compensation Is Available?

Civil lawsuits aim to provide financial relief for the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of childhood sexual abuse. Survivors may be awarded compensation for:

• Medical and psychological treatment (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost income or reduced earning potential
• Punitive damages, when misconduct is especially egregious

No amount of money can erase the past—but a successful lawsuit can help cover the cost of recovery and validate your experience.

Your Legal Journey, Your Terms

When you contact GetCompensation.law, everything starts with you. Our partner attorneys offer confidential consultations with no pressure to file unless you’re ready. Your privacy is protected from the first phone call through the final verdict or settlement.

You’ll be guided through:

1. Confidential Consultation
   Speak with an attorney who understands the sensitivity of your experience and listens with compassion.
2. Case Review
   Your attorney will review facts, timelines, documents, and relevant laws in your state.
3. Evidence Gathering
   Legal teams will gather school records, organizational logs, witness accounts, expert reports, and any documents needed to support your claim.
4. Filing and Litigation
   If your case moves forward, your attorney will handle the entire legal process—negotiating on your behalf and preparing for trial if needed.

You remain in control every step of the way.

Why GetCompensation.law Is Different

We’re not a law firm—we’re a legal matching platform dedicated to one mission: connecting people with the best attorneys for their personal injury claims, especially in complex and sensitive cases like childhood sexual abuse.

Our nationwide network gives you access to:

• Attorneys with decades of experience in child abuse litigation
• Firms that have secured billions in verdicts and settlements
• Trauma-informed advocates who respect your healing process
• Confidential, no-cost consultations
• Contingency-based representation—you pay nothing unless you win

We believe survivors deserve power, privacy, and justice. And we’re here to help you take the first step—whenever you're ready.

Reach Out Today—Your Story Deserves to Be Heard

If you were sexually abused as a child, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You have survived. And now, you may have a path to justice.

Contact GetCompensation.law today to speak with an attorney who will listen, believe you, and fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve.

You are not alone. You are not forgotten. And it’s not too late to seek justice.