ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: August 6, 2025
On This Page
- We Stand with Survivors of College and University Sexual Abuse
- Who Can Be Held Accountable for Campus Sexual Abuse?
- How Our Firm Helps University Sexual Abuse Survivors
- Time Limits to File a College Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
- Civil Lawsuits vs. School Investigations
- Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote
- Damages in University Sexual Abuse Cases
- Get the Justice and Closure You Deserve
Sexual abuse on college and university campuses is a widespread issue that affects students of all ages and backgrounds. Survivors often suffer in silence, left feeling overwhelmed, dismissed, or unsupported by the institutions they trusted. Sadly, professors, coaches, campus staff, and fellow students sometimes exploit their positions of power and trust.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we believe no student should have to endure the pain of sexual abuse alone. Our attorneys are here to help survivors and their families seek justice, closure, and accountability from institutions that turned a blind eye to abuse.
We Stand with Survivors of College and University Sexual Abuse
Survivors of campus sexual abuse deserve accountability and action toward righting the wrongs they suffered. At Andreozzi + Foote, we stand beside those harmed by abuse in higher education, fighting to expose the failures that allowed it to happen.
Our firm has represented survivors in some of the most well-known institutional abuse cases in this country. We are here to listen, support, and fight for the justice and closure you deserve.
Penn State University
$118 Million
Andreozzi + Foote represented over a dozen survivors of Jerry Sandusky
“School officials had noticed Sandusky’s misconduct with children on the property. They failed to take appropriate action to protect them. Ultimately, the school was held accountable for Mr. Sandusky’s actions.”
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Campus Sexual Abuse?
Survivors may be able to file claims against multiple parties responsible for the abuse, including the following:
- The abuser
- The college or university
- Campus police or security
- Athletic departments
- Fraternities, sororities, or student organizations
- Medical professionals or staff employed by the school
In many abuse cases, institutions have failed to screen employees properly, ignored warning signs, dismissed complaints, or failed to take meaningful action. Such failures can make the institution legally responsible for the harm that ensued.
The Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State University is one of the most well-known examples of institutional failure. For years, university officials ignored red flags and failed to act on reports regarding Sandusky, allowing him to continue preying on victims. Andreozzi + Foote’s school sexual abuse lawyers represented over a dozen survivors in this case and helped secure $118 million in compensation, holding the university accountable and allowing these brave individuals who stepped forward and shared their story to begin their healing journey.
How Our Firm Helps University Sexual Abuse Survivors
Andreozzi + Foote provides comprehensive, trauma-informed legal services to help survivors pursue justice on their terms. We will help you on your journey by doing the following:
- Conducting in-depth investigations to uncover evidence and institutional failures
- Advising you regarding your rights under Title IX and other laws
- Help you navigate internal complaint procedures
- Filing civil lawsuits to seek compensation and accountability
- Protecting client identity through anonymous filings when appropriate
- Guiding survivors with empathy and respect throughout the legal process
- Fighting for the justice you deserve
You do not need a criminal conviction to pursue a civil lawsuit. Many survivors choose civil litigation as a way to reclaim their narrative, uncover the truth, and expose wrongdoing to prevent further harm.
Time Limits to File a College Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Every state has unique legal deadlines to file a civil lawsuit. These time limits vary widely but are often between two and ten years, depending on:
- The survivor’s age at the time of abuse
- The laws in the state where the abuse occurred
- Whether the state has a discovery rule, allowing delayed filing if the survivor didn’t realize the harm until years later.
Even if the abuse occurred long ago, you may still have legal options. Many states have passed laws that extend or revive the filing window for survivors of institutional abuse. To preserve your rights, it’s best to speak with an experienced university sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible.
Civil Lawsuits vs. School Investigations
Title IX is a federal civil rights law enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination of any sort, including harassment and violence, at schools. Colleges and universities receiving federal funding, including government-backed student loans, must adhere to Title IX, which requires institutions to develop policies and procedures to address sexual abuse allegations.
Many survivors are told to report abuse through campus Title IX offices. However, it is important to understand that Title IX investigations are internal and often limited. Similarly, schools are not necessarily neutral parties and may prioritize protecting their reputation over a student’s well-being, meaning Title IX investigations may not offer meaningful justice or an appropriate call for accountability.
In contrast, a civil lawsuit allows survivors to hold institutions publicly accountable for negligence as they pursue financial compensation for emotional and psychological harm. Our team of college sexual abuse lawyers can help you understand your options and ensure you’re on a path that best aids your recovery.
Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote
At Andreozzi + Foote, we’ve built a national reputation for standing up to powerful institutions. Our experienced team of university sexual abuse lawyers brings the following:
- Over 50 years of combined experience exclusively in sexual abuse litigation
- A trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach
- A proven record of high-profile results, including cases against Penn State, the Boy Scouts of America, and religious and educational institutions
- The confidence and competence to take cases to trial, when necessary
Our team focuses exclusively on sexual abuse practice areas, giving us the unique insight, strategy, and dedication many other firms can’t match. From the moment you contact Andreozzi + Foote, you’ll be treated with compassion and care while your story is told with confidentiality and empathy.
Damages in University Sexual Abuse Cases
Survivors who pursue a civil lawsuit may be able to pursue sexual abuse compensation for the following losses:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and psychological harm
- Medical or therapy costs
- Lost educational or career opportunities
- Punitive damages, in cases of egregious negligence
Every case is unique, and our compassionate team of sexual abuse lawyers can help you understand what types of compensation may be available based on your experience.
Get the Justice and Closure You Deserve
If you or a loved one is a survivor of college or university sexual abuse, know that you aren’t alone and you have a legal path toward justice. At Andreozzi + Foote, we are dedicated to helping survivors heal, seek accountability, and move forward.
Call (866) 311-8640 or contact us online to request a free confidential consultation.
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.
