Sexual abuse that occurs in an organization, such as a church, university, school, or sports team, may render the institution itself liable for the survivors’ losses.
An organization’s failure to protect its members from abusers may classify as negligence in a legal sense. It may fail to investigate accusations, brush them under the rug, or ignore them altogether. If an organization keeps the abuser on the staff or team, the abuse may continue. Some organizations may even confront the abuser but hide the abuse from public view, preventing victims from coming forward. In these situations, institutional sex abuse lawsuits can help.
Understanding Your Legal Options After Sexual Abuse
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we understand that coming forward after experiencing sexual abuse takes immense courage. We are here to listen, to believe you, and to fight for the justice you deserve. Every survivor’s story is unique, and while no two cases are the same, there are certain legal factors that help determine how we may be able to assist you.
If you are considering legal action, the following guidelines may help clarify whether we can pursue a claim on your behalf:
- Abuse Within an Organization or Institution
We focus on cases where the abuse occurred within an institution or organization —such as a church, school, hospital, or similar setting—where the abuser used their role or position of authority to gain access to and harm the victim.
Please know: We are unable to assist with cases where the perpetrator was a family member, family friend, or neighbor, or where the abuse occurred within a workplace setting. - Survivors Who Are Currently Minors
If you are under the age of 18 today, we may be able to pursue your case no matter when or where the abuse occurred. Protecting young survivors is a priority, and we encourage you or your trusted advocate to reach out. - Adults Abused as Children
If the abuse happened during your childhood but you are now an adult, we will carefully review your situation. Your ability to file a claim may depend on the laws in your state, including the statute of limitations. We approach these cases with care, respect, and attention to your individual circumstances. - Adults Abused as Adults
If the abuse occurred while you were an adult, the timeframe for filing a claim is often limited. In most states, legal action must be taken within a specific period (commonly two years from the date of the incident), though exceptions may apply. - Childhood Physical Abuse
If you experienced physical abuse (rather than sexual abuse) as a child, the law generally allows you two years after turning 18 to pursue a claim. - Single or Repeated Incidents of Sexual Misconduct
If you experienced a single incident of sexual misconduct as an adult—such as inappropriate touching or groping—the conduct must have involved direct contact beneath clothing to meet legal criteria for a claim. If the misconduct happened multiple times or was part of a pattern, your case may still be eligible.
We know that no checklist can capture the full weight of what you’ve been through. If you are unsure whether your experience meets these guidelines, we invite you to contact us for a private, compassionate, and confidential conversation. You are not alone—and we are here to help you explore your legal options when you’re ready.
D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Helps Fight Institutional Sex Abuse
Founded in 2002, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ provides support and legal representation to institutional sex abuse victims. We also provide access to resources for our clients who need them.
Andy Rubenstein of D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ has taken on several institutional sex abuse lawsuits that made national headlines and recovered settlements for his clients.
When you discuss your case with our team, we can explain your rights and empower you to move forward with your case if possible.
Securing Financial Recovery for the Harm You Suffered
When a trusted institution failed to protect you from an abuser, you may have incurred expenses, losses, and intangible damages. These damages make up your financial recovery if we can secure a settlement or award in your case. They include:
- Medical treatment for physical injuries
- Counseling and therapy expenses
- Lost income because of missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Other psychological damages
Examples of Institutional Sex Abuse Cases
An institutional sex abuse lawsuit seeks to hold an organization, company, or other institution responsible for the pain and abuse you endured.
Some high-profile institutional sex abuse cases include:
The Boy Scouts of America
More than 92,000 men and boys have filed claims alleging sexual abuse while members of the Boy Scouts of America.
The University of Southern California (USC)
Accusations of sexual abuse and misconduct from staff gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall date back to the mid-1980s, but he remained employed and continued to treat women at the university health center until the 2010s.
Andy Rubenstein of D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ represented several class members in the USC Student Health Center litigation settlement.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dozens of women allege that they suffered abuse at the hands of Dr. James Heaps at UCLA. They allege he sexually abused them and assaulted them during gynecological exams and procedures.
You May Have a Civil Case Even Without a Criminal Conviction
In some cases, sexual abusers face two trials: One in a criminal court and another in a civil court. Sometimes, there may not be an option to bring a criminal case because too much time has passed. However, this will not impact your civil case against the abuser or the institution that protected them.
A criminal case is intended to identify, capture, and penalize the abuser and other parties for their illegal actions. Meanwhile, a civil case is meant to secure financial recovery for those who suffered harm as a result of the abuse. This generally comes in the form of financial recovery.
It is important to note that the burden of proof is different in a criminal case and a civil case. To this end, it may be possible to hold an institution responsible for its role in abuse in a civil case even if there are no criminal charges or no conviction in the criminal case.
To learn more, contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today. We will speak with you confidentially and for free. You can reach us from anywhere in the United States by dialing 1 (855) PRO-LAWYERS or (713) 850-8600 in Texas.
Statute of Limitations on Holding the Institution Accountable
Each state has its own time limits when it comes to filing a sex abuse lawsuit and holding an institution accountable for its role in the abuse. Our team will help you understand how long you have and other facts that could affect your legal options.
We can identify the correct jurisdiction for your case, look for other related claims or mass torts, and determine your legal rights. Contact us as soon as you can. Our case evaluations are always confidential, and there is no obligation to move forward with your case.
Speak with Our Team for a Free Evaluation of Your Legal Options
For victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or rape at their school, church, workplace, or other institution, it can seem like no one can help. However, we are here for you. No matter how long it has been, we encourage you to reach out to our team of sexual abuse lawyers . We can handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery and well-being.
It may be possible to join others who suffered the same abuse in an institutional sex abuse lawsuit or take other actions to hold the institution and abuser accountable.
You can speak with a member of the D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ team today by calling (713) 850-8600 in Texas or 1 (855) PRO-LAWYERS from elsewhere in the country.