ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
TEXAS SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: June 13, 2025
On This Page
- Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote As Your Texas Sexual Abuse Attorney & Advocate
- Understanding Texas Sexual Abuse Laws
- Texas Statute of Limitations For Sexual Abuse Cases
- What Compensation Can Sexual Abuse Survivors Receive In Texas?
- Steps for Filing A Sexual Abuse Lawsuit In Texas
- Take The First Step Toward Justice
- Andreozzi + Foote’s Trauma-Informed & Compassionate Attorneys
- Texas Sexual Abuse FAQs
In Texas, one in six high school students report having experienced sexual abuse in their lifetime, and more than half of child sexual abuse incidents statewide go unreported. Sexual abuse has a myriad of adverse effects on victims, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and physical illness. Seeking help after experiencing abuse takes an incredible amount of courage, but it’s crucial to hold perpetrators and the organizations that enabled them accountable for their actions.
At Andreozzi + Foote, our compassionate, experienced sexual abuse attorneys understand the fear that comes with seeking justice for abuse. We aim to guide survivors to healing and compensate them for their suffering through civil lawsuits against the institutions that allowed the abuse to occur.
Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote As Your Texas Sexual Abuse Attorney & Advocate
As one of the nation’s leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse, Andreozzi + Foote has successfully litigated some of the highest-profile sexual abuse cases over the last decade. Led by trauma-informed attorneys with over 50 years of combined experience, our firm is committed to creating life-changing results for survivors and their families.
With an exclusive focus on sexual abuse cases, Andreozzi + Foote has a proven track record of success securing substantial settlements and verdicts for survivors, especially against powerful institutions like churches, schools, youth organizations, and health care systems. Our attorneys prioritize clients’ dignity, privacy, and healing while combining experience, innovation, and compassion to deliver justice.
“Andreozzi + Foote is here to listen, to evaluate any claims and cases you may have, and to help resource you and your family.”
- Jennifer Storm
Understanding Texas Sexual Abuse Laws
In Texas, sexual abuse generally includes any sexual conduct that is harmful to a child or disabled individual’s welfare, including continuous sexual abuse, indecency with a child, sexual assault, compelling a child to engage in sexual conduct, trafficking, and exploitation.
How Does Texas Law Define Sexual Abuse?
The Texas Penal Code defines sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual as indecency with a child, sexual assault, sexual performance by a child, trafficking, or compelling prostitution. This abuse is considered continuous if it occurs more than once over a period of at least 30 days.
Sexual assault specifically includes penetration of the anus, mouth, or sexual organ of another person without their consent, be it by threat, physical force, coercion, or a power imbalance. Sexual abuse can occur in isolated incidents or institutional settings like churches, schools, foster care, and health care facilities.
Mandatory Reporting and Institutional Accountability
Under federal law, institutions may be held legally liable for failing to report abuse or protect victims. Therefore, in addition to taking legal action against the perpetrator, victims can also seek justice and compensation from any entities or institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse, such as churches, schools, community organizations, or clinics.
Texas law also mandates that certain professionals report suspected abuse, including teachers, law enforcement officers, clergy, and medical professionals. If a person has reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused, they must report it to any law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services within 48 hours.
Texas Statute of Limitations For Sexual Abuse Cases
In sexual abuse cases, the statute of limitations, or filing deadline, varies based on the type of case and the age of the victim.
For adult victims of sexual assault, the civil statute of limitations requires lawsuits to be filed within five years of the date of the assault. Under the criminal statute of limitations, charges for most sexual abuse crimes involving adult victims must be filed within 10 years from the date the incident occurred.
Victims who were children when the incident occurred now have 30 years from when they turn 18, or their 48th birthday. The law changed in 2019 when the Texas lawmakers doubled the previous statute of limitations. There is no criminal statute of limitations in Texas for the continuous sexual abuse of children.
Even if you believe your case may be time-barred by the statute of limitations in Texas, it’s possible an exception may apply. Reach out to Andreozzi + Foote for a free case consultation to learn more about how state deadlines affect your case.
What Compensation Can Sexual Abuse Survivors Receive In Texas?
Through civil lawsuits, survivors of sexual abuse can recover several types of compensation, including economic, non-economic, and exemplary damages. Economic damages compensate victims for their financial losses, like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages cover the non-quantifiable losses like pain, suffering, and mental anguish. Texas courts may award exemplary damages, also called punitive damages, to punish wrongdoers and deter further misconduct.
Steps for Filing A Sexual Abuse Lawsuit In Texas
If you have experienced sexual abuse or realized that it occurred to you years ago, contact a lawyer immediately to learn about your legal rights and options for pursuing justice.
You might also choose to report the abuse to law enforcement. This will trigger a criminal investigation, and prosecutors will ultimately decide whether to file criminal charges.
If the incident just occurred, seek safety. You can also choose to undergo a medical forensic exam, which is free in Texas hospitals. An exam can ensure your well-being and provide critical evidence for both criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit.
If you decide to take legal action, the process usually involves the following steps:
- Initial confidential consultation and case evaluation with an attorney
- Investigating, gathering evidence, and identifying liable parties
- Filing the civil complaint in the appropriate Texas court
- Negotiating a settlement or litigating the case, which may result in a trial
Take The First Step Toward Justice
At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys have spent decades thoroughly researching and actively engaging state laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures nationwide to help you determine the best path to justice. We understand that the most important role of the lawyer is to listen to the client and create a route to recovery specifically designed for that individual survivor.
With extensive experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, Andreozzi + Foote is dedicated to seeking justice and accountability. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients and will treat all information you provide us confidentially. To get started with a free consultation, contact Andreozzi + Foote today online or by calling 866-311-8640.
Andreozzi + Foote’s Trauma-Informed & Compassionate Attorneys
Texas Sexual Abuse FAQs
Can I Sue an Institution for Sexual Abuse in Texas?
If an institution or organization was negligent and failed to protect you from abuse, or created an environment that enabled the abuse to occur, you may be able to take legal action against them.
What if the Abuse Happened Years Ago?
Depending on how long ago the abuse occurred and your age at the time of the abuse, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover damages. Speak with an experienced Texas sexual abuse attorney to learn more about how the state’s statutes of limitations apply to your case.
Do I Have To Testify in Court?
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Texas Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
At Andreozzi + Foote, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. If we do win, we will deduct a pre-agreed percentage of your total settlement or verdict amount.
Will My Identity Remain Confidential?
In Texas, state law and ethical standards protect survivor confidentiality. You may be able to file your lawsuit under a pseudonym to protect your identity.
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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.
