Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Yes. Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege from the first phone call, whether or not you ever hire us or file a claim. You choose how much to share and when; nothing moves forward without your decision. You can speak with a licensed Pennsylvania attorney by phone from anywhere in the state, or in person at our Wilkes-Barre office — whichever feels safer to you.

It depends on your age when the abuse occurred. Under Act 87 of 2019, survivors abused as minors have until age 55 to file a civil lawsuit; survivors abused between 18 and 23 have until age 30; for abuse suffered at 24 or older, the deadline is generally two years. The discovery rule can affect these dates in some cases. Because the answer turns on your specific circumstances, we review the deadlines that apply to you in a free, confidential consultation.

Yes. A civil lawsuit is completely independent of any criminal case. Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; a civil claim requires only a preponderance of the evidence — that the abuse more likely than not occurred. Many survivors pursue civil claims where no criminal charges were ever filed, and an acquittal does not bar a civil recovery. You also do not need a police report to speak with us.

Often the institution that made the abuse possible: a school or university, a religious organization, a youth program, a healthcare facility, an employer that ignored warning signs or skipped background checks, or a property owner that failed to provide security. These institutional claims matter for two reasons — the institution, not the individual, usually has the insurance and assets to pay real compensation, and holding it accountable is what forces change.

Not necessarily. Pennsylvania courts can allow survivors to file under initials or a pseudonym, and can seal or protect sensitive records — protections we raise at the very start of a case, not as an afterthought. Many civil claims also resolve by settlement without a public trial. We will explain exactly what privacy protections are realistic in your situation before you decide whether to file anything.

Compensation for what the abuse has cost you and will cost you: therapy and medical expenses past and future, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress and the harm to your relationships and enjoyment of life. No honest lawyer will quote a figure at a first meeting — the value of a claim depends on your history, your treatment needs and who the defendants are.

Nothing up front and nothing out of pocket. We handle sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee: the consultation is free, we advance the costs of the case, and we are paid only as a percentage of what we recover for you. Pennsylvania requires every contingency fee agreement to be in writing (Pa. R.P.C. 1.5(c)), so you will see the exact terms before anything begins. If there is no recovery, you owe us nothing.

You talk, we listen — at your pace, with no pressure to relive details you are not ready to share. A licensed Pennsylvania attorney reviews every inquiry personally. We explain the deadlines that apply to you, the options open to you, and the privacy protections available, and we can connect you with therapeutic and support resources whether or not you pursue a case. Then the decision about every next step is yours. Call (877) 888-4777, any hour.