Child sexual abuse in Florida often occurs in schools, churches, foster care systems, youth sports programs, and daycare centers. Common types include molestation, assault, exploitation, and abuse by authority figures who use their position to manipulate or control survivors.
You can hold institutions responsible when they fail to screen employees, ignore warning signs, or cover up abuse to protect their reputations.
If you are a victim of child sexual abuse in Florida, the skilled and compassionate legal team at Horowitz Law can help you seek justice by filing a civil claim or lawsuit for compensation.
We will gather evidence, search for institutional negligence, and fight to hold organizations accountable. By negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we can pursue the compensation you need for medical care, therapy, lost earnings, and emotional suffering.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced child sexual abuse attorney, please call us at (954) 641-2100 or contact us online today.
Why Should We Represent You?
At Horowitz Law, our experienced attorneys understand the trauma associated with child sexual abuse. We believe in survivors and are prepared to fight aggressively for the compensation they deserve.
Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of child sexual abuse, and when insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, we are not afraid to litigate the case in court.
You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our office headquarters is conveniently located at 110 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1530, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
How Much Money Is a Civil Child Sexual Abuse Case Worth?
The value of a child sexual abuse case in Florida depends on several factors, including the severity of the abuse, the extent of emotional and psychological harm, and the financial losses that the survivor experienced.
While there is no set amount for these cases, settlements and verdicts have ranged from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances. Both courts and insurance companies often consider factors like the duration of the abuse, the relationship between the survivor and the abuser, and the long-term effects on the survivor’s life.
Cases involving institutions that failed to protect the child, such as schools, churches, or youth organizations, may result in higher compensation due to institutional negligence.
Survivors of child sexual abuse can recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages may include the cost of therapy, medical expenses, lost income, and other financial burdens resulting from the abuse. Some survivors struggle with employment due to the lasting effects of trauma, and they may be compensated for lost earning potential.
Non-economic damages, which are often more significant, account for the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and psychological trauma that result from the abuse. Many survivors experience conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, all of which can deeply affect their quality of life.
The legal system acknowledges these challenges and allows survivors to seek financial relief for the lasting harm they endure.
In some cases, punitive damages may punish the perpetrator or any institution that enabled the abuse.
Florida law has evolved to give survivors more time to come forward, recognizing that many people do not disclose their abuse until adulthood. Although no amount of money can erase the past, financial compensation can provide survivors with the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
Holding perpetrators accountable not only brings justice to the individual survivor but also helps protect others from suffering similar harm.
How Do Incidents of Child Sexual Abuse Happen?
Child sexual abuse happens in Florida when organizations responsible for the care and protection of children fail to prevent, stop, or properly respond to abuse within their institutions.
This abuse occurs in places that should keep children safe, such as schools, churches, foster care systems, youth sports programs, daycare centers, and residential treatment facilities.
In many cases, perpetrators take advantage of their position of authority and trust to gain access to children, using manipulation, intimidation, or secrecy to commit their crimes. Institutions that do not properly screen employees fail to enforce strict safety policies or ignore warning signs of abuse create environments where this kind of misconduct can occur.
One of the main reasons institutional child sexual abuse happens is a lack of proper oversight. Some organizations fail to conduct thorough background checks on employees and volunteers, allowing known predators to gain access to children.
In other cases, institutions ignore complaints or fail to take action when allegations arise, often to protect their reputation or avoid legal liability.
A culture of secrecy and silence can develop, where survivors are discouraged from speaking out, and other staff members are afraid to report wrongdoing. This allows abuse to continue – sometimes for years – without intervention.
Responsibility for institutional child sexual abuse does not fall solely on the individual perpetrator. While the abuser is directly responsible for their actions, the institution itself can be held accountable for negligence if it fails to protect children.
This includes administrators, supervisors, and other staff members who knew or should have known about the abuse but failed to act. If an organization ignores complaints, fails to properly train employees on recognizing and reporting abuse, or covers up incidents to avoid scandal, you can hold it legally liable.
In some cases, entire systems, such as foster care agencies or religious organizations, have been found responsible for enabling widespread abuse by neglecting the safety of the children under their care.
How to Prove a Child Sexual Abuse Case
Proving a civil child sexual abuse case in Florida requires strong evidence to show that the abuse occurred and that the abuser (and sometimes an institution) is legally responsible.
Unlike criminal cases, where guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases require a lower standard of proof, known as the preponderance of the evidence.
This means the survivor and their legal team must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the abuse took place. Since these cases often involve events that happened years earlier, gathering different types of evidence is essential to building a strong claim for compensation.
One of the most important types of evidence is the survivor’s testimony. Their personal account of the abuse, along with details about when and where it happened and who was responsible, can be powerful in court.
While some survivors struggle to recall every detail, their testimony can still be credible, especially when supported by other evidence. Statements from witnesses, such as family members, friends, teachers, or coworkers, can also help by confirming changes in the survivor’s behavior or any disclosures they made about the abuse.
Medical and psychological records are another key form of evidence. Many survivors suffer from long-term emotional and psychological effects, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Reports from therapists, counselors, or doctors can connect these conditions to the trauma of sexual abuse. If the survivor sought medical treatment or therapy after the abuse, those records can strengthen the case. In some instances, physical evidence, such as DNA or forensic reports, may be available, though this is less common in civil cases.
Institutional records and internal reports can also be crucial when the case involves schools, churches, foster care systems, or other organizations. Evidence that an institution ignored complaints, failed to conduct background checks, or covered up past incidents can prove negligence. Emails, memos, or personnel files showing previous allegations against the abuser can help establish liability.
By presenting strong evidence, survivors can hold their abusers and any negligent institutions accountable. A successful case can provide financial compensation for medical care, therapy, lost earnings, and emotional suffering, helping survivors move forward with their lives.
Most Common Consequences of Child Sexual Abuse
Survivors of child sexual abuse in Florida can experience a wide range of long-term harm, affecting their emotional, psychological, physical, and financial well-being.
The trauma resulting from sexual abuse does not simply fade over time; for many survivors, it has lasting consequences that affect every part of their lives. The most common types of harm include severe emotional and psychological distress, physical health issues, difficulties in personal relationships, and financial struggles due to the lasting effects of the abuse.
One of the most significant types of harm is psychological trauma. Many survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
Flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional triggers can make daily life challenging. Some survivors struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame, even though the abuse was never their fault.
These emotional wounds can lead to self-destructive behaviors, including substance abuse, self-harm, or even suicidal thoughts. Without proper support and therapy, the psychological effects of abuse can last a lifetime.
Physical health problems can also arise as a result of child sexual abuse. Some survivors suffer from chronic pain, headaches, digestive issues, or other stress-related conditions.
In cases where physical injuries occurred during the abuse, long-term medical treatment may be necessary. Additionally, the effects of trauma on the body’s nervous system can contribute to ongoing health complications, including heart disease and immune system disorders.
Many survivors also struggle with personal relationships. Trust issues, fear of intimacy, and difficulty forming healthy connections with others are common challenges. Some may experience problems in romantic relationships, while others struggle with social isolation. The abuse may have distorted their understanding of boundaries, making it difficult to feel safe with others.
Financial struggles can also result from the lasting effects of abuse. Survivors who develop mental health conditions or substance abuse problems may have difficulty maintaining employment. Therapy, medical treatment, and other necessary support services can be expensive, creating an additional burden.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Child Sexual Abuse Case
Filing a civil claim or lawsuit for child sexual abuse can be an overwhelming and emotional process, especially when facing a powerful insurance company that is determined to minimize or deny your compensation.
At Horowitz Law, our skilled and compassionate child sexual abuse lawyers understand the challenges survivors face, and we are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf.
Insurance companies often prioritize their financial interests over the well-being of survivors, using aggressive tactics to reduce payouts or dismiss claims altogether. Our legal team has the experience and dedication needed to stand up to these companies and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
One of the most common strategies used by insurance companies is to dispute liability, arguing that the institution they represent was not responsible for the abuse.
They may claim that the organization had no knowledge of the wrongdoing or that the abuse happened too long ago to be considered in court.
Our attorneys know how to counter these arguments by gathering strong evidence, including internal records, witness testimony, and expert opinions that expose negligence and prove liability. We work tirelessly to uncover the truth, holding institutions accountable for their failure to protect children.
Insurance companies may also attempt to undervalue the damages you have suffered. They may offer a quick settlement that does not come close to covering the long-term costs of therapy, medical treatment, lost income, and emotional distress.
Our legal team carefully evaluates the full effect of the abuse on your life and fights to secure a settlement or verdict that truly reflects the harm you have endured. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and present compelling arguments before a judge and jury.
You should not have to fight alone. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance, handling every legal aspect of your case so you can focus on healing. With our experience, determination, and commitment to justice, we will stand by your side and fight relentlessly to hold the responsible parties accountable – and obtain the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Most Important Steps to Take if You’re a Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse
If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse in Florida, taking the right steps can help protect your rights, begin the healing process, and hold the abuser accountable.
First, reporting the abuse to the authorities is crucial, as it can prevent further harm to you and others. Florida law allows survivors to report abuse to the police or the Florida Department of Children and Families, which will investigate and take action.
Speaking with a knowledgeable child sexual abuse attorney at Horowitz Law is also vital. We will guide you through your legal options, gather evidence for your case, handle legal proceedings, and protect your rights against powerful institutions or insurance companies that may try to deny responsibility.
Taking these steps can help you regain control, access the support you need, and pursue justice against those responsible. You are not alone, and legal and emotional support are available to help you move forward.
Speak With an Experienced Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
At Horowitz Law, our compassionate and skilled attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve for everything you experienced.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable child sexual abuse attorney, please call us at (954) 641-2100 or contact us online right away.