Chicago School Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Schools should be places where children feel safe, secure, and free to learn. When a child suffers sexual abuse on school grounds or at a school-related activity, it can cause significant trauma to his or her mental and emotional state. The psychological harm of a crime as heinous as child sexual abuse can last throughout the victim’s lifetime.

At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, our attorneys are passionate about giving school sexual abuse survivors a voice in the civil justice system in Chicago. We will stand up on your behalf to hold a perpetrator and educational institution accountable for the harm you or your child suffered. Contact us today for a free and 100-percent confidential case review.

Why Choose Us?

We have decades of experience representing clients in a range of personal injury claims, including school sexual abuse and assault. We will leverage our knowledge of the law to negotiate for the compensation that you deserve.
Our law firm has a long track record of securing record-breaking settlements and judgment awards. We have collected more than $500 million on behalf of our clients and are prepared to go up against any adversary, including school districts and educational institutions in Chicago.
Our Chicago school sexual abuse attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means we charge $0 upfront to take clients’ cases. We will only charge you an attorney fee if we win your case, guaranteed.

What Is School Sexual Abuse?

School sexual abuse refers to any form of unwanted or nonconsensual sexual activity or behavior that occurs in an educational setting and involves students. The perpetrator in a school sex abuse case could be a fellow student, a teacher, a sports coach, a school nurse, or another staff member.

School sexual abuse can take many forms, including:

Exposing a child to pornography
Inappropriate or lewd comments
Indecent exposure
Penetration
Performing sexual acts in front of a child
Rape or attempted rape
Sexual assault
Sexual bullying
Sexual harassment
Sexual hazing
Statutory rape
Touching a child’s private parts
Watching a child undress or use the bathroom

Victims of school sexual abuse can be of any gender or age. Students can be victimized in classrooms, locker rooms, bathrooms, school buses, on field trips, and during extracurricular activities.

Types of School Sexual Abuse Cases We Accept in Chicago

Our attorneys can handle sexual abuse cases that involve any type of school or educational system in Chicago, including:

Alternative school
Boarding school
Charter school
College and university
Magnet school
Military school
Primary school
Private school
Public school
Religiously affiliated school
Secondary school

We can go up against the Chicago Public School District and any other adversary on your behalf in the fight for justice and fair compensation.

Signs of School Sexual Abuse

It can be difficult for teachers and parents to recognize the signs of school sexual abuse, especially in a young child who may be unable to communicate his or her experience. Sexual abuse can impact a student in many ways depending on the age of the victim, the severity of the crime, and other factors.

Common indicators of sexual abuse in a school setting include:

Physical injuries to the upper thighs, genitals, or anus
Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or personality
Withdrawal or isolation from others
Decline in academic performance
Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or bedwetting
Regression (in younger children)
Fear of specific people, teachers, or places
Unexplained health problems, such as stomachaches
Signs of emotional distress, such as depression or anxiety
Sexualized play with other children or inappropriate drawings
Reluctance to get undressed or bathe
Reduced self-esteem or suicidal tendencies

While these signs may not necessarily confirm school sexual abuse, they warrant further investigation. If you suspect school sex abuse, contact law enforcement and notify school administrators right away. Get your child the help and support that he or she needs. Then, contact an attorney to discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit in Chicago.

Who Is Responsible for School Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

It is often possible to hold an educational institution, including a public school district, accountable for sexual abuse that occurs on campus or that is committed by one of its employees. Educational institutions in Chicago have a responsibility to protect their students from sexual harassment, discrimination, assault, and abuse.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires schools to address sexual abuse by implementing policies and procedures that promote awareness, ensure student safety, and provide support for victims. If a school or any of its staff members fall short of this legal obligation, the school could be held liable (financially responsible) for related sex crimes and harm suffered by victims.

Sadly, many schools in Chicago and throughout Illinois are guilty of concealing known incidents of sexual abuse and misconduct. School administrators may prefer to protect their reputations more than their students, which can lead to cover-ups and ignored complaints. Our lawyers will investigate the school involved in your case to look for evidence of negligence and wrongdoing.

Financial Compensation Available for School Sexual Abuse Survivors

Bringing a school sexual abuse lawsuit in Chicago could lead to a payout for various economic and noneconomic damages. While we know that no dollar figure could ever equate to the physical and psychological trauma endured by a school sex abuse victim, we hope that a fair financial award can make it easier to move forward.

The types of compensation available may include:

Past and future medical bills
Counseling or therapy
Prescription medications
Pain and suffering
Physical harm or injury
Emotional distress
Mental anguish and psychological trauma
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Loss of enjoyment of life
Grief or loss of consortium

When unrepresented, a school’s insurance provider may try to take advantage of you and convince you to settle your sexual abuse case for less than it is worth. With an experienced attorney representing you, however, an insurer is more likely to take your claim seriously and offer a fair amount. If not, your lawyer can take your case to trial in Chicago.

Contact a School Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago Today

If you or someone you love is a victim of school sexual abuse in Chicago or the surrounding area, help is available at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC. Our team of sexual abuse lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights of survivors. No matter how many years have passed since the incident, contact us about a potential claim. Request a free initial case consultation at (312) 321-8414.