ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
CHICAGO SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Survivors of sexual abuse in Chicago often face a difficult journey in seeking justice, and the process of pursuing legal help can feel intimidating. Even if no criminal case is filed, survivors have the right to pursue civil action to hold abusers and the institutions that allowed the abuse accountable.
Andreozzi + Foote is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. Our team works with sexual abuse survivors across the country, including in Chicago and throughout Illinois, helping them navigate the legal system, understand their options, and pursue justice.
“Institutions in Chicago and across the nation must be held responsible when they fail to protect survivors. Our firm is built to take on these cases anywhere in the country, and we fight relentlessly for every client we represent.”
Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote as Your Chicago Sexual Abuse Attorney
Andreozzi + Foote is among the nation’s leading law firms focused exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse, achieving meaningful results nationwide.
With more than 50 years of combined experience, our trauma-informed attorneys have handled some of the most complex and high-profile abuse cases in recent years. We focus on discretion, compassion, and survivor-first strategies that respect every client’s experience.
Our exclusive focus on sexual abuse litigation allows us to bring a level of insight and precision that general practice firms cannot match. We have the resources to pursue claims against powerful institutions, including schools, religious organizations, and youth programs in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
Working with Andreozzi + Foote means partnering with a team that listens, supports, and advocates for you at every stage of the process.
“Absolutely wonderful, highly recommend for anyone who has been a survivor of trauma. The team listened, asked questions, and answered all the questions I had. I honestly can’t thank them enough. Most lawyers, you think they don’t care, but this team does.”
- Amanda B.
“Ben from Andreozzi + Foote reassured me that reaching out to the Catholic church about my abuse could result in some closure and healing for me. My abuse has been a lifelong issue, and Ben has been immensely helpful in addressing my abuse with the Catholic Church. Thank you, Ben.”
- David M.
“Andreozzi + Foote helped me with my lawsuit. They were extremely sensitive about the difficulty of my case and professional all the way through. I found them at random online, and I’m glad that I chose them.”
- Greg C.
Compensation Available for Survivors
Survivors can seek compensation for a range of financial and emotional impacts of sexual abuse, including the following:
- Medical and therapy costs: Expenses for counseling, psychiatric care, medication, and recovery programs
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential: Compensation for missed work, trouble staying employed, or career changes caused by trauma
- Other expenses: Costs associated with relocating, switching schools, long-term support, or other disruptions resulting from the abuse
- Emotional distress and suffering: Covers physical, emotional, and psychological harm, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and loss of life enjoyment
- Punitive damages: Court-awarded damages to punish institutions that acted with reckless disregard or evil motive, and to prevent others from similar future behavior
Chicago and Illinois Sexual Abuse Laws
Survivors of sexual abuse throughout Chicago and Illinois have the legal right to hold abusers and the organizations that failed to prevent abuse accountable. Here are a few essential points to keep in mind:
Illinois Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse
Illinois statutes of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits differ depending on the survivor’s age. The deadlines are as follows:
- Adults typically have two years from the date of the abuse to file a lawsuit. The Gender Violence Act can extend this period under certain circumstances, allowing up to seven years to file claims related to sexual violence, including incidents occurring in the workplace.
- Illinois lawmakers have abolished the civil statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse occurring after January 1, 2014. Thus, they can file a lawsuit at any time. However, that law does not apply retroactively. Survivors of abuse that occurred before that date have until their 38th birthday or within 20 years of learning about the abuse to pursue legal action.
Because the rules for sexual abuse claims are complex, it is important to have a sexual abuse attorney review your case. They can identify which deadlines apply and help you take timely legal action to protect your rights.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
While the person who committed may be the defendant in Chicago sexual abuse lawsuits, these actions also frequently seek to hold employers, institutions, or organizations that enabled, ignored, or facilitated the abuse accountable. Institutions that may be held liable in a lawsuit include the following:
- Schools, school districts, and universities
- Religious institutions and faith-based organizations
- Youth programs and camps
- Health care providers and medical facilities
- Sports teams and athletic organizations
- Employers and workplaces
For additional information and resources, read our Child Sexual Abuse Prevention & Support Guide.
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
We represent survivors of sexual abuse nationwide, helping them seek justice and hold responsible the institutions that enabled their harm. No matter when or where the abuse occurred, our team is dedicated to listening, offering support, and helping survivors understand their legal options.
Types of sexual abuse cases we handle include:
- Schools and universities
- Nursing homes and residential care facilities
- Health care
- Youth organizations and sports leagues
- Youth camps
- Foster care
- Child care and day care
- Human and sex trafficking
- Church and clergy
What to Expect with Andreozzi + Foote
We know the legal system can feel intimidating, especially after a traumatic experience. Our survivor-focused representation includes:
- Providing a free, confidential consultation
- Thoroughly investigating the abuse to identify all responsible parties
- Gathering evidence to build the strongest claim
- Filing your case on your behalf
- Negotiating for a full and fair settlement
- Litigating your case and taking it to trial if necessary
- Offering ongoing support throughout the process
Our trauma-informed approach keeps your voice, safety, and well-being at the center of every decision we make. We are also one of the few firms nationwide with an on-staff victim advocate who provides direct support to survivors throughout their legal journey.
Let Andreozzi + Foote Help You With Your Chicago Sexual Abuse Case
When sexual abuse has affected you or someone you love, finding trustworthy support matters. As one of the nation’s leading law firms advocating for survivors, our firm brings experience and a trauma-informed approach to every case, ensuring you feel supported from the moment you reach out.
Contact us online or call 866-311-8640 for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to stand with you and fight for your rights.
CONTACT US TODAY
Free In-Depth,
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.