Illinois Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Few crimes are more traumatic and damaging than sexual abuse. Sexual violence, abuse, and assault are intimate crimes that can inflict mental and emotional scars on survivors for life. Holding the sexual abuser accountable with a civil lawsuit in Illinois can be an important step in the victim’s recovery. A claim can lead to justice, accountability, and financial compensation that allows the victim to move forward.

At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, our Illinois sexual abuse lawyers can help if you or a loved one is a victim of this heinous crime. We can pursue the best possible case results on your behalf while always putting your needs first. Our team of attorneys provides a shield and a voice to victims who otherwise would not pursue their cases. Contact us today for a free and 100-percent confidential consultation.

Why Clients Choose Us

• We pride ourselves on our dedication to our clients. Your lawyer will work closely with you through each step of your sexual abuse case. We can keep your identity anonymous if desired.
• The lawyers on our team have decades of combined legal experience. We understand the nuanced Illinois laws that will apply to your sexual abuse case and how to overcome challenges that may arise.
• Our sexual abuse attorneys in Illinois have a track record of achieving record-breaking settlements and jury verdicts. We have secured over $500 million on behalf of our clients.
• Our law firm represents people, not insurance companies or corporations. We are committed to obtaining justice for sexual abuse and assault survivors through every possible legal outlet.

Why Hire an Illinois Sexual Abuse Lawyer?

You have been through enough as a survivor of sexual abuse or assault in Illinois. You do not have to go through a civil claim alone. Hiring a sexual abuse attorney can allow you to focus on your well-being and future while an experienced and dedicated legal representative handles legal matters for you.

Your lawyer can navigate complex legal issues and intricate laws, help you understand your rights and options, investigate your case and gather evidence, and represent your best interests during settlement negotiations or a sexual abuse trial. You can have greater peace of mind with a lawyer taking care of a claim on your behalf.

Criminal vs. Civil Action for Sexual Abuse

Under Illinois Compiled Statutes Section 11-1.50, criminal sexual abuse means to commit an act of sexual conduct by the use of force or threat of force, or knowing that the victim is unable to understand the nature of the act or give knowing consent. If an individual is under the age of 17 and commits a sexual act with a child between the ages of 9 and 17 or if an individual is less than 5 years older than a victim between the ages of 13 and 17, this is also criminal sexual abuse.

Within the criminal justice system, an individual convicted of sexual abuse could face a sentence that includes jail or prison time, fines, and required registration on the statewide Sex Offender Database. However, justice for the victim does not end here. The victim has the right to pursue civil penalties against the perpetrator through a sexual abuse lawsuit, as well.

A civil lawsuit can hold an offender accountable for his or her actions and lead to financial compensation for a sexual abuse survivor. It may be possible to take legal action against an institution – such as a school, sports organization or clergy – that failed to protect the victim or knowingly concealed allegations of sexual abuse involving one of its employees, as well. This could push for changes on an institutional level to prevent future sex crimes.

Financial Compensation Available for Illinois Sexual Abuse Survivors

At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we understand that no amount of financial compensation can make a sexual abuse survivor whole again. Nothing can take back the immense trauma of this life-changing event. However, we hope to help our clients move forward with greater peace of mind and a sense of justice by pursuing the maximum possible results on their behalf.

The financial compensation that could be available through a sexual abuse civil lawsuit in Illinois includes:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost future capacity to earn
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Psychological trauma

A negligence claim against an abuser and/or institution for sexual abuse in Illinois could lead to an insurance settlement or court judgment award that pays for all of your past and future related losses. Our attorneys can help you understand the potential value of your case and seek compensation through all available outlets, which may include government compensation programs, an insurance claim, and a civil lawsuit.

How Much Does a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Cost in Illinois?

At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we prioritize our clients’ well-being and peace of mind. That is why our sexual abuse attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not charge a cent in attorney’s fees unless and until we secure financial compensation for the client.

We offer free initial consultations, and you will pay us $0 upfront to take your case. If the case results in a successful settlement or judgment award, we will charge our fee as a percentage of the overall amount won. The percentage rate varies from case to case.

Resources for Illinois Sexual Abuse Victims

• Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault: (217) 753-4117. A corporation of 31 community-based sexual assault crisis centers that each provide 24-hour crisis intervention services.

• The National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE. A 24-hour confidential sexual assault and abuse hotline that offers advice and advocacy.

• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) program: trained professionals who can conduct a sexual assault forensic exam are available throughout Illinois.

• Mental health support: there are many sexual abuse support groups, therapists, counselors and psychiatrists available to provide mental health support services to survivors.

Contact an Illinois Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today | Free Confidential Case Review

If you are ready to seek justice for a case of sexual abuse or assault in Illinois, contact Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC to schedule a free case consultation. We are knowledgeable, caring, and committed sexual abuse lawyers who will work relentlessly on your case. Contact us online or call (312) 321-8414 today. We have law offices conveniently located in Chicago and Lisle.