ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
ILLINOIS SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: July 7, 2025
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in Illinois, you are not alone and have legal rights and options. At Andreozzi + Foote, our nationally recognized sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to helping survivors seek justice, accountability, and healing. With over 50 years of combined experience and a singular focus on sexual abuse cases, our firm offers the in-depth knowledge, trauma-informed care, and unwavering support survivors need to move forward.
As one of the country’s leading sexual abuse law firms, we are prepared to stand with you and fight relentlessly for the justice you deserve.
We provide a safe, confidential space where survivors and their families can speak openly, ask questions, and understand their rights under Illinois law. Your first consultation is completely free and 100% confidential.
Our firm focuses exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse, particularly in cases involving large institutions like religious organizations, schools, and rehabilitation or youth treatment centers.
We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you!
Contact us today at 866-311-8640 for a free, confidential consultation.
Understanding Illinois Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse under Illinois law includes any unwanted sexual activity or contact forced through coercion, manipulation, authority, or violence. Survivors may file a civil claim even if the abuse happened years ago or the abuser was never convicted of a crime. Civil cases often provide broader opportunities for survivors to hold the institutions that enabled the abuse accountable.
While the state prosecutes criminal cases, civil lawsuits are filed by survivors and may generate financial compensation and public accountability. Survivors can file a civil claim alongside a criminal investigation or after one has concluded.
Who Can You Sue in an Illinois Sexual Abuse Civil Case?
At Andreozzi Foote, justice means holding all responsible parties accountable—not just individuals but also the institutions that enabled or ignored abuse. In an Illinois sexual abuse lawsuit, you may be able to file a claim against:
- The individual who committed the abuse
- Employers or organizations that failed to properly supervise or respond to known risks
- Religious institutions that covered up misconduct or transferred known abusers
- Government agencies that allowed abuse to continue through inaction or negligence
- Property owners who failed to provide adequate safety or security
- Third parties who facilitated access or failed to report known abuse
Compensation Available From an Illinois Sexual Abuse Claim
Civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek various damages. While no amount of money can undo the harm, compensation can provide resources for recovery and a sense of justice.
Survivors may be entitled to compensation for economic damages, which includes medical expenses, lost income or loss of earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs related to safety, relocation, or recovery. They may also be entitled to non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, emotional distress and trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and reputational harm or diminished quality of life.
Illinois Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit in Illinois depends on several factors, and the state has updated its laws in recent years to give victims more time to come forward.
For minor victims of sexual abuse that occurred after January 1, 2014, there is no time limit for filing a civil lawsuit. Victims of childhood sexual abuse that occurred before 2014 have until their 38th birthday or 20 years after they discovered or should reasonably have discovered the abuse to file suit.
Adult victims generally only have two years from the incident to file a lawsuit.
Because deadlines may vary depending on your circumstances, it’s important to speak with a qualified Illinois sexual abuse attorney to understand your legal rights.
Why Hire Andreozzi + Foote as Your Illinois Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Taking legal action after sexual abuse is never easy, especially when powerful institutions are involved. These cases often come with deep emotional pain, complex legal barriers, and organizations that are quick to protect their reputation instead of taking responsibility.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors with compassion, professionalism, and purpose. Our attorneys are renowned for holding schools, churches, youth organizations, and other institutions accountable. We know how to build strong legal cases while protecting survivors’ emotional well-being, and we’re here to help you take back control of your story.
When you work with our team, you can expect the following:
- Confidential and respectful conversations
- No upfront costs
- Survivor-focused representation rooted in trauma-informed practices
- A commitment to uncovering the truth and exposing institutional negligence
- Ongoing support and resources, including referrals to trusted counselors and healing professionals
What to Expect Working with Andreozzi + Foote
We understand how overwhelming the legal system can feel, especially after experiencing a traumatic event. With our transparent, survivor-centered process, here’s what you can expect when you contact us:
- Free, confidential consultation
- In-depth investigation to identify all liable parties and gather evidence
- Filing your case on your behalf
- Settlement negotiations, or taking your case to trial if necessary
- Ongoing survivor support throughout the process
How Andreozzi + Foote Stands Apart
At Andreozzi + Foote, we’ve earned national recognition as leaders in the fight for institutional accountability. Our firm has handled some of the highest-profile sexual abuse cases in the country. Unlike general practice firms, we dedicate 100% of our time and resources to these cases, allowing us to deliver tailored legal strategies and survivor-centered advocacy that few others can match.
With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys bring deep legal knowledge and a clear understanding of the emotional and procedural complexities survivors face. Our trauma-informed legal care ensures your voice, safety, and well-being are central to every decision. We’re also one of the few firms nationwide with an on-staff victim advocate who provides direct support throughout the process.
Our proven track record includes confidential settlements and precedent-setting trial verdicts that have changed lives and exposed systematic failures. Our successful approach emphasizes transparency, trust, and a survivor-first mindset. We are proud to be a group of dedicated allies, ready to stand with you and fight for the justice you deserve.
Andreozzi + Foote Represents Survivors in All Types of Sexual Abuse Cases
Sexual abuse can occur anywhere, and too often, it happens in institutions entrusted to protect and care for vulnerable people. At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors across various settings, recognizing that each case is unique and deeply personal.
We have extensive experience representing survivors harmed in schools, including public, private, and boarding institutions that failed to follow proper protocols or ignored reports of abuse. We also take on powerful religious organizations that covered up abuse by clergy or staff members, and health care facilities where medical professionals exploited patients.
Andreozzi + Foote also fights for justice in cases involving foster care, camps, youth organizations, or child care centers, where inadequate oversight leaves children and teens vulnerable. We have helped sex trafficking survivors pursue legal action against those who facilitated or failed to prevent their exploitation, and we represent adults who suffered abuse in nursing homes or residential treatment facilities, where silence, isolation, and power imbalances can be exploited.
No matter where the abuse occurred, we are here to listen, support, and build a case that holds the responsible parties fully accountable. You are not alone; we are here to help you seek justice and continue your healing journey.
Contact an Experienced Illinois Sexual Abuse Attorney
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse, you don’t have to face it alone. At Andreozzi + Foote, our accomplished Illinois sexual abuse attorneys are here to listen, support, and fight for you.
Your consultation is completely free and 100% confidential. There is no pressure to take legal action unless you’re ready. Whether you’re seeking justice, accountability, or simply answers, our Illinois sexual abuse attorneys are here to help you explore your options with care and professionalism.
Contact us online today or at (866) 311-8640 to speak with a compassionate legal advocate.
FAQs About Illinois Sexual Abuse
How Do I Know if I Have a Case in Illinois?
Every survivor’s experience is unique, and determining whether you have a valid legal claim depends on several factors, including when the abuse occurred, your age at the time, who was responsible, and whether an institution may be held liable. Even if the abuse happened years ago or there was no criminal conviction, you may still have a case. The best way to know is to speak with a qualified Illinois sexual abuse lawyer who can review the facts and explain your options in a safe, confidential setting.
Will My Name Be Made Public?
Illinois courts often allow victims of sexual abuse to file a lawsuit using initials or pseudonyms to maintain privacy. At Andreozzi + Foote, your confidentiality is our priority. Everything you share is treated with discretion and care as we walk you through your options.
Do I Need To Press Criminal Charges To File a Civil Lawsuit?
Criminal charges need not be filed for the survivor to file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit in Illinois. Criminal charges are brought by the state and focus on punishing the abuser, while the survivor files civil suits to seek justice, financial compensation, and institutional accountability.
CONTACT US TODAY
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Confidential Consultation
Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.
