Chicago Athlete Sexual Abuse Attorneys
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault as an athlete in Chicago, you are not alone. The attorneys at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC are here to help you understand and explore your legal options. We provide the highest level of legal representation to sexual abuse victims. Our lawyers will stand by your side every step of the way in the fight to hold perpetrators and sports organizations accountable. Contact us today at (312) 321-8414 for your free consultation.
How Can an Athlete Sexual Abuse Attorney Help Me?
An athlete sexual abuse lawyer in Chicago specializes in cases involving sexual assault, violence, and misconduct in sports. If you are considering legal action as a victim of athlete sexual abuse, a lawyer can provide valuable assistance in the form of personalized legal advice, guidance through the relevant laws and statutes that apply to your case, and aggressive advocacy during your claim.
An attorney can give you greater peace of mind during this difficult time. For example, your lawyer can protect your identity throughout your case if desired. A law firm can investigate the sports sexual abuse offense, collect and review evidence, hire experts, file a lawsuit against one or more parties, and pursue maximum financial compensation through all available legal remedies. This includes representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
What Does Athlete Sexual Abuse Look Like?
Athlete sexual abuse refers to any unwanted or non-consensual sexual behavior or activity that occurs within the context of sports. It can take various forms and may affect athletes, new recruits, players, students, volunteers, and children.
Examples of athlete sexual abuse in Chicago include:
- Child molestation
- Exposure to pornography
- Grooming
- Inappropriate touching or fondling
- Invasions of privacy
- Oral copulation
- Penetration
- Sexual assault
- Sexual exploitation
- Sexual hazing or bullying
- Sexual intercourse (rape and statutory rape)
- Sexually explicit comments or gestures
Any sexual advances that occur without the voluntary consent of an athlete or that exploit the power and influence that a coach or trainer has over an athlete constitutes sexual abuse. Under California law, no child under the age of 18 can give lawful consent to sexual activity.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Athlete Sexual Abuse in Chicago?
Sports organizations have a responsibility to protect athletes from sex crimes. Athletics within the Chicago Park District, Chicago Sport and Social Club, the YMCA, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, professional organizations, and athletic programs that exist within a school system – including Chicago colleges and universities – must have protocols in place to prevent athlete sexual abuse.
If a sports organization falls short of its legal obligation to prevent sexual violence, it can be held legally responsible (liable) for pain, suffering, psychological trauma, emotional distress, lost wages, medical bills, and other losses suffered by a victim. This includes if the organization knowingly concealed acts of sexual misconduct committed by workers. Athletic institutions can also be held vicariously liable for the acts of their employees, including coaches, trainers, and sports medicine physicians.
Contact Us Today to Seek Justice for Athlete Sexual Abuse in Chicago
Athlete sexual abuse can have long-term impacts on a victim’s emotional, psychological, and physical health. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we believe survivors deserve to have their voices heard. We are committed to holding sports organizations, school districts, and other parties accountable for cases of athlete sexual abuse and assault in Chicago.
If you or someone you know has experienced athlete sexual abuse, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more by scheduling a free, confidential consultation with one of our lawyers at (312) 321-8414 or by contacting us online. We will believe you.