Child Sex Abuse Lawyer
Were You a Victim of Child Sexual Abuse?
As children, we are taught to trust the adults around us ─ teachers, caregivers, religious leaders, coaches, youth group leaders. When adults take advantage of that trust and sexually abuse children, victims are often left with feelings of shame, blame, and secrecy. Many survivors keep these memories and feelings buried away, even as they grow into adulthood.
Talking about childhood sexual abuse and the long-lasting effects it has had on your life takes a brave person. As an adult, you have a voice that should be heard, and you have the power to demand justice. Even if criminal charges were not filed at the time, you may have legal rights to hold your abuser liable and demand financial compensation through a civil claim.
At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., our compassionate Philadelphia child abuse attorneys have a long track record of handling sensitive cases like these. We can meet with you in person or just talk over the phone about your situation and your legal options. This consultation is free and confidential, and it is a safe starting point for you to understand your rights and get answers to your questions.
Child Sexual Abuse Cases Our Firm Handles
Sadly, in many cases of childhood sexual abuse, we find that the individual abuser did not act in a vacuum. Adults who are in a position of power are often kept in those positions by the organizations they work for. Abuse may be ignored or covered up. Thus, it becomes a pattern, and the abusers are allowed to continue victimizing children over many years.
At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., our lawyers have the experience and the extensive resources necessary to hold large organizations and religious institutions responsible for the unimaginable harm they have caused. Our firm has successfully taken on high-profile cases involving the Catholic Church the LDS Church, and the Boy Scouts, holding abusive leaders and those who supported them accountable.
Some of the types of child abuse cases our respected trial attorneys take on include:
- Clergy abuse
- Abuse in the Boy Scouts
- Abuse at Glen Mills
- Abuse at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
- Sexual abuse at schools and day care facilities
- Abuse by coaches or at sports facilities
- Sexual abuse by doctors, mental health care professionals, or other health care workers
- Abuse at physical therapy or massage therapy facilities
- Abuse at foster homes and residential care facilities
Our attorneys believe in using every resource possible to investigate and litigate child sexual abuse cases. As a result, we not only help you pursue compensation but also connect you with experienced professionals. Child abuse is a life-altering event. As such, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of survivors and helping them get the comprehensive support they need.
Contact us today to talk with a knowledgeable attorney in a free and confidential consultation.
Why Choose Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C.?
Our law firm is prepared and equipped to devote the extra time, resources, and effort that are required in these complex cases. Our respected trial attorneys have:
- Successfully represented survivors of clergy abuse that took place in the 1950s and 1960s, holding the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia and former priests accountable
- Successfully advocated for survivors of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of Scoutmasters, holding the Boy Scouts of America and the Church of Latter-Day Saints (which sponsored some of the activities) accountable
What Is Considered Child Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania?
The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) defines child sexual abuse as when a perpetrator intentionally harms a minor physically, psychologically, sexually, or through acts of neglect. Child sexual abuse is defined as child abuse that involves sexual activity with a minor. Additionally, child sexual abuse does not necessarily have to include physical contact between the perpetrator and child. Examples of child sexual abuse may include:
- Exhibitionism (exposing one’s self to a minor), fondling, or intercourse
- Masturbation in the presence of a minor, or forcing a minor to masturbate
- Obscene phone calls, text messages, or digital interaction of any kind
- Producing, owning, or sharing pornographic movies or images of children
- Sex of any kind with a minor
- Engaging in sexual trafficking
- Any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare
Pennsylvania law states that child sexual abuse can also occur because of neglect. If someone fails to prevent known sexual abuse, then he or she can also be charged and held responsible. For further information, consult with our Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawyers.
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C.
1634 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Phone: (215) 585-2814
Email: info@erlegal.com
How Are Child Sexual Abuse Claims Handled?
1
Sexual abuse cases are serious matters, but those involving child victims are especially troubling. Young boys and girls put their trust in their Boy Scout leaders, religious leaders, youth organization role models, teachers, daycare providers, coaches, supervisors, and family members. Unfortunately, there are life-changing consequences when this trust is violated by any adult.
2
For this reason, child sexual abuse claims are handled with care and compassion, but also putting the victim first. Often, the perpetrator faces criminal charges and jail time. However, you may also be entitled to pursue a civil claim against the individual or institution that allowed the abuse to happen.
3
Generally, multiple entities and individuals are involved in child sexual abuse lawsuits in civil court. As a result, these claims can be lengthy and expensive. A child sexual abuse lawyer can help you move forward confidently by limiting the risks associated with your claim.
4
Our Philadelphia injury attorneys understand that you may be hesitant to file a civil lawsuit. However, sexual abuse victims are not awarded compensation based upon the outcome of a criminal trial. Rather, survivors are awarded compensation by filing a successful civil personal injury lawsuit. This is an important step to help you obtain funds to pay for medical care and therapy. Failure to file a personal injury claim may cause you to miss out on compensation that could be used for your recovery. It may be in your best interest to bring the responsible parties to justice in a civil court.
How Can A Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Help Me?
Abuse during childhood can leave lasting physical, mental, and emotional scars on survivors. Many times, survivors also find themselves facing financial hurdles as they struggle to cope with what they have been through. That could mean compounding medical bills, counseling, treatment programs, and time off work.
While a personal injury lawsuit will not turn back the clock, it can help you move forward. Our law firm can pursue a child sexual abuse claim that seeks monetary compensation for bills and pain and suffering. As a result, you can have your burden lessened. Instead of worrying about how to pay for treatment, you can focus on your path to healing.
However, our Philadelphia child sexual abuse attorneys will do more than help you pursue a lawsuit. In addition, we can help by connecting you with healthcare professionals who specialize in this type of trauma. Our recommended experts are handpicked and selected from over four decades of experience. For this reason, professionals we recommend can help you learn to:
Pursue Goals:
Preparing for the future can be difficult when you are haunted by what happened in the past. We can recommend counselors who can help you work through past trauma and set goals for the life you want to have.
Build Relationships:
Child abuse, especially sexual abuse of a minor, can make relationship building difficult. Many survivors have difficulty forming relationships into adulthood. We connect you with experts who can help you learn to build healthy relationships.
Reduce Personal Problems:
As a rule, our attorneys will recommend counseling to reduce the personal problems that many survivors struggle with as a mechanism for coping with trauma.
You Are Not Alone
“Every nine minutes, child protective services substantiates, or finds evidence for, a claim of child sexual abuse,” RAINN reports. Many more cases go unreported, as the victims are too young or too scared to come forward themselves.
RAINN states that 93% of sexual abuse victims under the age of 18 know their abuser. Often times, the perpetrator holds a position of authority over the victim, making the child’s sexual abuse a violation of trust and authority as well as a physical violation.
If you experienced sexual abuse as a child, even if it was years ago, you have the power to come forward now. Our attorneys are here to support you during this difficult time and walk you through your next steps.
Child Sexual Abuse Legal Questions? Contact a Philadelphia Child Sex Abuse Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Did someone close to you or in a position of authority betray your trust as a child? Are you concerned about how to move forward with a child sexual abuse claim? Do you have questions about your legal rights? Understandably, sexual abuse of a minor is hard to discuss and can be even more difficult to relive. At our office, you will find a safe, secure, calm, helpful, and welcoming atmosphere. Our Philadelphia child sexual abuse attorneys’ record of success in representing survivors of sexual abuse comes from our compassion and experience.
Our lawyers firmly believe that you are entitled to seek compensation and demand justice. We will work together to help you manage your situation and obtain the care and support you need. Contact Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., online or call (215) 546-6636. Our law firm has offices in Philadelphia, PA, and Cherry Hill, NJ. With a free and confidential initial consultation, we can review the details of your child sexual abuse case at no cost and help you decide how you want to proceed.
