ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
CHICAGO HEALTH CARE SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: February 27, 2026
Sexual abuse in health care settings is a serious violation of trust, leaving survivors and their families feeling betrayed and uncertain about how to move forward. At Andreozzi + Firm, we represent survivors in civil cases and hold providers and institutions accountable. Even if the abuse occurred years ago, survivors may still have legal options under Illinois law. Our Chicago health care sexual abuse lawyers guide survivors through the legal process and pursue justice while prioritizing their needs and well-being.
On This Page
- Chicago Health Care Sexual Abuse Lawyers Committed to Survivor Justice
- Illinois Laws and Deadlines For Health Care Sexual Abuse Cases
- Compensation Available in Health Care Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
- Recognizing Sexual Abuse In Health Care Settings
- Identifying Liability in Health Care Sexual Abuse Cases
- What to Expect When You Contact A Chicago Sexual Abuse Attorney at Andreozzi + Foote
- Speak With A Chicago Health Care Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Chicago Health Care Sexual Abuse Lawyers Committed to Survivor Justice
Andreozzi + Foote is among the nation’s leading firms focused exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse in civil litigation. With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys have handled some of the most complex and high-profile abuse cases, holding powerful institutions accountable and securing meaningful results for clients.
Our focus on sexual abuse cases allows us to provide tailored strategies that many generalist firms cannot match. We deliver trauma-informed, survivor-centered representation, and when appropriate, connect clients with therapists and advocates to ensure comprehensive support.
We are dedicated to uncovering the truth, exposing negligence, and achieving justice, while supporting survivors with compassion, respect, and guidance throughout every step of the process.
Illinois Laws and Deadlines For Health Care Sexual Abuse Cases
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse in a medical setting, it is important to understand both your legal options and the deadlines that apply. Under Illinois law, prosecutors can file criminal charges to punish the abuser, and survivors can pursue civil claims, which can provide compensation and hold institutions accountable. Each type follows its own timeline, making it critical to act promptly to protect your rights and preserve evidence, even if the abuse occurred years ago.
Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Abuse Claims
Civil and criminal sexual abuse cases have different purposes and outcomes. Prosecutors bring criminal cases on behalf of the government to punish the abuser, which may result in imprisonment or fines. Survivors or their families file civil cases to seek compensation for harm, including medical expenses, therapy, and emotional trauma. Even if no criminal charges are filed or if the case does not result in a conviction, a civil lawsuit may still hold the abuser and responsible institutions accountable.
Statute of Limitations for Medical Sexual Abuse Claims
In Illinois, the time a survivor has to file a lawsuit depends on when the abuse happened and the age of the survivor at that time. The sexual abuse statute of limitations typically allows adults two years from the most recent incident to file a personal injury claim. Certain cases may qualify for longer deadlines under the Gender Violence Act, which can extend the filing period up to seven years.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse that occurred after January 1, 2014, can file a civil lawsuit at any time. If the abuse occurred before 2014, survivors have until their 38th birthday or within 20 years of discovering the abuse and its effects to file suit.
There are generally no time limits for criminal charges over major sexual offenses or sexual abuse against children, depending on when the offense occurred.
Compensation Available in Health Care Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
In a health care sexual abuse lawsuit, survivors can pursue a range of damages that reflect both the financial and personal impact of abuse. Compensation may include the following:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and reduced earning potential.
- Non-economic damages: Emotional trauma, pain and suffering, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Compensation from a sexual abuse lawsuit not only helps survivors recover but can also hold institutions accountable for the wrongdoing, encouraging policy reforms and safer practices in health care institutions.
Recognizing Sexual Abuse In Health Care Settings
Sexual abuse in medical or health care settings can be difficult to recognize, especially because it often involves someone trusted with your care. Understanding what constitutes abuse and where it can occur is an important first step in seeking help and protecting your rights.
What Is Health Care Sexual Abuse?
Health care sexual abuse occurs when a medical professional engages in any nonconsensual sexual act, harassment, or exploitation directed at a patient, taking advantage of the patient’s vulnerability. It can happen during exams, medical procedures, or routine care. Such abuse constitutes a serious breach of trust and exploits the power imbalance between the provider and the patient.
Where Can Health Care Sexual Abuse Occur?
Sexual abuse can take place in virtually any setting where medical or health care services are provided, such as the following:
- Hospitals and emergency rooms
- Clinics and outpatient facilities
- Private doctors’ offices
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Mental health and therapy offices
- Rehabilitation and other specialized treatment centers
Staying vigilant in these scenarios can help you protect yourself or your loved ones.
Identifying Liability in Health Care Sexual Abuse Cases
Health care sexual abuse cases often involve more than one responsible party. While an individual may have committed the abuse, institutions and affiliated organizations may also be legally liable when their systems, policies, or failures allowed the abuse to occur or continue.
Hospitals, clinics, medical groups, nursing homes, treatment facilities, and affiliated third parties, such as staffing agencies or management companies, may be held accountable when they fail to do the following:
- Properly screen or vet medical professionals
- Supervise employees, providers, or contracted staff
- Investigate or respond to patient complaints
- Act on prior reports or warning signs
- Enforce patient safety policies and boundaries
- Remove providers who pose a known risk
Civil claims help hold these entities accountable and promote change. Our attorneys work to uncover every party that may be responsible, looking beyond individual misconduct to identify institutional and systemic failures that put patients at risk.
What to Expect When You Contact A Chicago Sexual Abuse Attorney at Andreozzi + Foote
Contacting a Chicago sexual abuse lawyer is an important first step. Our firm focuses on creating a respectful, confidential, and survivor-centered experience from the first conversation.
When you contact us, you can expect:
- Confidential consultation: You can share your experience in a private setting and at a pace that feels right for you.
- No financial risk: Legal fees are only collected if we recover compensation on your behalf.
- Thorough evaluation: We examine records, reports, and evidence to identify responsible parties and system failures.
- Clear legal guidance: You receive straightforward explanations of your options without pressure to proceed.
- Client-led process: You determine how and when your case moves forward.
We are here to support you, protect your rights, and ensure your voice is heard every step of the way. Read testimonials to hear directly from previous clients about their experiences with our team.
Speak With A Chicago Health Care Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in a health care setting, know that you do not have to face this difficult time alone. At Andreozzi + Foote, we handle each case with care, confidentiality, and respect.
You can speak with our attorneys without any pressure to move forward. Our team will listen, explain your options, and answer your questions so you can make informed decisions at your own pace.
Take the first step toward accountability and understanding your rights today. Contact us online or call 866-311-8640 for a free consultation with a Chicago sexual abuse lawyer.
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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.