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ANDREOZZI + FOOTE

PHILADELPHIA SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER

A Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors seek justice after abuse causes devastating physical and emotional harm. At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys bring extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania law and experience representing clients in Philadelphia courts to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable. We provide compassionate support and strong legal representation to help you file a sexual abuse lawsuit and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact us for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer in Philadelphia.

Video Transcript

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved to fly. At 5 or 10,000 ft, your problems on the ground seem insignificant. I like the risk. I like the sense that if something goes wrong, it can go very wrong. Every time you fly, you’re going to run into a few bumps. Typically, that turbulence doesn’t mean much. It feels like the end of the world, but as long as you remain steady and consistent and you push through it, just like if you’ve experienced something traumatic or you brought a lawsuit because of your abuse, there will be turbulence. There will be bumps, but we are good at navigating those and helping people through them.

The most important thing in my life is my family and my three young children. It’s my duty and responsibility to protect them and to aid them to become the best people that they can. When I became an advocate for sexual abuse survivors,  I had not yet been a father. And from the time that I have had my children, it has absolutely put rocket fuel in my determination and motivation to fight for survivors. Because every day I wake up and see my own children and would do everything I could to protect them.

Myself, as well as four of my other sisters, were all abused by the same  Catholic priest. None of us talked to each other about our own abuse for 26 years. My youngest sister was the first to speak out. She saw a commercial looking for those in the Harrisburg area that were abused by clergy and she sought out Andreozzi. She invited myself and my other sisters along for 
the first meeting, and we all agreed unanimously after that meeting that they were the ones. We felt very comfortable with them. They were patient and listened to our story. They didn’t push us to make any decisions because we were afraid. We felt alone. But we immediately felt after meeting them that they were part of our team to help us get through this. And here we are, many years later, and we really do consider them a part of our family. You’ll never feel comfortable doing it, but your story could help save someone’s life. I would most definitely refer others to Andreozzi + Foote. 

Andreozzi + Foote was started about 20 years ago after I left a large Philadelphia-based commercial litigation law firm. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of real people, and we made a connection with survivors of sexual abuse. Ever since then, it’s been our mission to obtain life-changing results for survivors and their families. Our experience and the results we’ve obtained for survivors are unparalleled.

Most firms handle a variety of different matters, different kinds of cases, and our firm decided a long time ago that this was going to be the thing that we did. And we were going to try to be better than anybody else at it. It requires a certain approach to client management and litigation that most law firms don’t provide. We hold our people accountable for their actions and ensure that we are responsive to our clients, responsive to deadlines, and we’re always available when clients need us. It feels good to be the first person to believe and listen to somebody in a situation where they’ve been ignored. We know it’s incredibly difficult for victims to come forward, but what we’ve seen over the years is the empowerment it can give them to go through this system and to hold organizations accountable for their actions so they can receive the resources that they need for healing.

How Can Andreozzi + Foote Help with a Philadelphia Sexual Abuse Case

Andreozzi + Foote is a nationally recognized civil firm with more than 50 years of combined experience litigating sexual abuse cases in Pennsylvania and across the country. Our Pennsylvania sexual abuse team includes a dedicated victim advocate who provides compassionate and informed support to survivors at every stage of their case. Here’s what sets us apart from other firms:

Record-Setting Results For Survivors

  • $118 Million – Andreozzi + Foote represented over a dozen survivors of abuse by Jerry Sandusky at Penn State University
  • $88 Million – Andreozzi + Foote secured a record-breaking result for a single survivor of sexual abuse, marking one of the largest outcomes of its kind.
  • Millions recovered for survivors through settlements and verdicts nationwide

Support That Centers Survivors

Unlike most law firms, Andreozzi + Foote has a dedicated victim advocate on staff who supports survivors beyond the legal process. Our advocate has personal experience working with survivors and understands the emotional challenges they face.

5 Star

“I contacted Andreozzi and Foote with a serious issue I needed help with. Beyond being one of the most professional companies I reached out to, and getting back to me immediately, their team was extremely empathetic to my situation and genuinely expressed care and concern and a desire to want to help me. I felt so comfortable after our very first conversation and feel I’m being represented by a truly compassionate company that has my absolute best interest at heart. I know I made the right choice having them represent me.”

– Meghan R.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse involves any action that pressures, coerces, or forces someone into sexual activity against their will. The conduct can be physical or non-physical. Sexual abuse also encompasses conduct directed at a person who lacks the legal capacity to make informed decisions about sexual activity, including minors and vulnerable adults. All sexual activity between an adult and a minor is considered abuse, even without force or threats.

Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle in Philadelphia

Sexual abuse happens in many settings throughout Philadelphia, and each situation carries unique legal considerations. Survivors may experience abuse in their homes, workplaces, schools, universities, religious institutions, or other local organizations. Our Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyers have the experience to address these cases and guide survivors through every type of claim.

Below are some of the types of cases we handle in the Philadelphia area:

The Prevalence of Sexual Abuse In Philadelphia

Between 2019 and 2023, authorities charged more than 32,000 people in over 36,000 child abuse cases across Pennsylvania, according to a 2024 report by the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. Nearly 11,000 of those charged were convicted. Philadelphia County accounted for 12% of all cases, the highest in the state, reflecting the city’s dense population, numerous urban institutions serving children, and higher reporting of abuse. This trend of increasing reports of sexual violence continued in 2025, with the Philadelphia Police Department recording a 10.68% rise in reported rapes compared with 2024.

Types of Claims In Philadelphia Sexual Abuse Cases

Survivors of sexual abuse in Philadelphia may pursue justice through the criminal system, civil lawsuits, or both. As outlined below, each path serves a different purpose, but both can hold wrongdoers accountable:

  • Criminal cases focus on punishing the abuser and protecting the community. Law enforcement investigates the complaint, with prosecutors ultimately deciding whether to file criminal charges against the abuser. The abuser may face criminal penalties under Pennsylvania law, including prison time and fines.
  • Civil lawsuits often target the institutions that enabled the abuse and failed to protect the victims. Defendants in such cases are usually schools, churches, youth organizations, and care facilities. These lawsuits allow survivors to seek financial compensation for the harm they’ve endured and the effects on their lives.

At Andreozzi + Foote, we focus on civil accountability, pursuing claims against institutions that allowed sexual abuse to occur. We use our experience to challenge institutions and organizations, ensuring they are held accountable. By doing so, we help survivors pursue both justice and financial recovery for the harm they endured.

Statute Of Limitations In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law sets deadlines, called statutes of limitations, for filing civil lawsuits and pressing criminal charges in sexual abuse cases. The deadlines depend on the survivor’s age, the nature of the abuse, and when it occurred. Acting before the statute of limitations expires is critical to protect your right to pursue justice and compensation. Our attorneys can guide you through this process and help you understand your options. For more details, read our comprehensive blog post on Pennsylvania’s sexual abuse statute of limitations.

What Compensation May Be Available

Sexual abuse survivors can pursue compensation for various types of damages, including medical bills, counseling and therapy costs, lost wages, lost earning potential, relocation expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In rare cases, courts may also award punitive damages to punish institutions where there is clear and convincing evidence that they acted intentionally, recklessly, or maliciously.

Because every case is unique, an experienced attorney can evaluate your claim and help you understand what types of damages you can recover.

What To Expect During The Legal Process

Facing a sexual abuse case can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Our Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyers guide survivors through every step, providing support, clarity, and advocacy. Here’s what to expect:

Initial consultation

We listen carefully to your story, answer your questions, and determine whether you have grounds to file a lawsuit, giving you clear next steps.

We will gather evidence and information to build a strong case, handling sensitive materials with utmost care and discretion. Relevant evidence may include medical records, photos, police reports, previous complaints, the institution’s business records, and more.

Our attorneys will advocate on your behalf to negotiate a settlement that fully and fairly compensates you for the harm you’ve endured.

If a settlement is not possible, we will litigate your case and take your case to trial, tirelessly advocating for your rights and supporting you throughout the process.

Choose Andreozzi + Foote To Help You Fight For Justice

Andreozzi + Foote is a leading national law firm representing survivors of sexual abuse, including some of the highest-profile child sexual abuse cases in recent years. Our trauma-informed Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyers prioritize listening to each client and creating a personalized path to recovery. We focus on confidentiality, respect, and empathy while holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable.

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in Philadelphia, contact us online or call 866-311-8640 for a free, confidential consultation.

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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.

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