Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic and devastating crimes, often committed by individuals in positions of power and trust. Survivors of abuse in medical facilities, mental health institutions, schools, religious organizations, and other institutions deserve justice, accountability, and compensation for the harm they have endured.
At Fogg Law Group, we represent victims of sexual abuse, holding individual perpetrators and institutions accountable. Whether the abuse was committed by a doctor, nurse, therapist, teacher, clergy member, coach, or caregiver, we will fight for your rights.
Where Sexual Abuse Commonly Occurs
Sexual abuse can happen anywhere, but certain environments place victims at a higher risk, especially when perpetrators hold authority over vulnerable individuals.
1. Medical Facilities & Mental Health Institutions
Doctors, nurses, and therapists abusing patients during medical exams or therapy sessions.
Psychiatrists and mental health professionals exploiting vulnerable patients.
- Nursing home and assisted living staff abusing elderly or disabled residents.
2. Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Teachers, professors, and coaches engaging in inappropriate relationships with students.
- Sexual abuse in private schools and boarding schools, where predators often have unchecked access to minors.
- College sexual assault, including cases involving professors, advisors, and school administrators.
3. Religious Organizations
- Clergy abuse, including sexual misconduct by priests, pastors, rabbis, and religious leaders.
- Religious institutions covering up abuse, failing to report allegations, or protecting known offenders.
4. Youth Organizations & Sports Teams
- Sexual abuse by coaches, trainers, or camp counselors.
- Youth group leaders and volunteers taking advantage of their position of authority.
5. Foster Care, Group Homes, & Juvenile Detention Centers
- Sexual exploitation of foster children by caregivers or social workers.
- Juvenile detention officers abusing incarcerated minors.
Identifying Sexual Abuse & Warning Signs
Many victims of sexual abuse do not report the crime immediately, especially when the abuser holds power, influence, or control over them. Warning signs of abuse include:
- Emotional withdrawal, depression, or anxiety.
- Sudden fear of certain individuals, locations, or activities.
- Unexplained injuries, bruising, or bleeding.
- Difficulty walking or sitting.
- Changes in behavior, such as aggression or self-harm.
- Avoidance of medical exams, therapy, or school activities.
- Delayed disclosure of abuse due to fear, shame, or repression.
If you suspect sexual abuse, it is critical to report it immediately and seek legal help.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
In many cases, multiple parties can be held responsible for facilitating, covering up, or failing to prevent abuse.
- The Perpetrator – The individual who committed the abuse.
- Employers & Institutions – If an employer failed to conduct background checks, ignored warning signs, or covered up prior misconduct, they may be liable.
- Schools & Universities – Educational institutions that fail to protect students from sexual abuse may be held responsible.
- Churches & Religious Organizations – If a church covered up abuse or reassigned an abuser instead of reporting them, they may be liable.
- Medical Facilities & Mental Health Institutions – If a hospital or psychiatric center allowed a doctor or therapist to abuse patients, they can be sued.
Many large institutions have protected abusers rather than supporting victims. Our legal team fights to expose these cover-ups and seek justice for survivors.
How a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Can Help Survivors
Filing a lawsuit can:
- Hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.
- Help prevent future abuse by exposing systemic failures.
- Secure financial compensation for medical treatment, therapy, and emotional distress.
- Empower survivors by giving them a voice and legal support.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses (including therapy and psychiatric care).
- Pain and suffering (emotional distress, PTSD, and long-term trauma).
- Lost wages (if the abuse caused job loss or financial instability).
- Punitive damages (if the institution knowingly covered up or ignored abuse).
Florida Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims
Florida law allows extended time limits for victims to file lawsuits:
- For adults: Survivors of sexual abuse have up to 7 years from the date they discover the abuse to file a claim.
- For minors: Survivors who were abused as children can file at any time before their 30th birthday.
- For cases involving suppression of memories or repressed trauma: The statute may be extended.
If government agencies or religious organizations are involved, special deadlines may apply.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Abused
- Seek Medical & Emotional Support – Medical professionals and trauma therapists can provide care and help document injuries.
- Report the Abuse – File a report with law enforcement, child protective services, or the appropriate regulatory board.
- Gather Evidence – Keep records, messages, medical reports, or anything relevant.
- Contact an Attorney – A lawyer can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and hold the abuser accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a school, hospital, or church for covering up sexual abuse?
Yes. If an institution failed to act on known allegations or allowed abuse to continue, they may be liable for negligence and enabling abuse.
What if the abuse happened years ago?
Many survivors repress memories or delay reporting abuse due to fear, trauma, or institutional cover-ups. Florida law allows delayed claims for child victims, and in some cases, statutes can be extended.
Can I remain anonymous in a sexual abuse lawsuit?
Yes. Many survivors choose to file under a pseudonym (such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe”) to protect their privacy.
What if the abuser was never charged criminally?
You can still file a civil lawsuit, even if no criminal charges were filed. Civil cases require a lower burden of proof, making it easier to hold perpetrators accountable.
How much does it cost to hire a sexual abuse lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Fogg Law Group for a Confidential Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in a medical facility, school, religious organization, or other institution, we will fight for justice and compensation. Call 1-561-616-3000 or contact us online for a confidential, free consultation.