ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
PENNSYLVANIA CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: May 5, 2026
On This Page
- Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote for Your Pennsylvania Child Sexual Abuse Case
- What Is Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse?
- Where Child Sexual Abuse Happens in Pennsylvania
- What Compensation Is Available in a Pennsylvania Child Sexual Abuse Case?
- Factors That Influence the Value of a Child Sex Abuse Case
- What Types of Sexual Violence Are Children Exposed to in Pennsylvania?
- Are There Social Environments That Foster Child Sexual Abuse?
- Sexual Abuse: Children and Teens Are Most at Risk
- How Can You Recognize a Child Abuser?
- What Are the Long-Term Effects and Symptoms of Child Sexual Abuse?
- How Can You Protect Your Child From Abuse in Pennsylvania?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Call Our Pennsylvania Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse, you have likely been dealing with questions, uncertainty, and the weight of what happened for a long time. Pennsylvania law provides a path to real accountability and justice, allowing claims against both the individual abusers and the institutions that failed to protect children.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we focus exclusively on sexual abuse cases and represent survivors across Pennsylvania. Because of that focus, we bring deep experience to every case, using that knowledge to shape how we advocate for survivors. Our approach is reflected in the billions of dollars secured for clients through settlements and verdicts. We offer free and confidential consultations to help you understand your options and what comes next.
Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote for Your Pennsylvania Child Sexual Abuse Case
Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation’s leading law firms for survivors of sexual abuse. We have represented more than 600 survivors of institutional abuse against some of the country’s most powerful organizations, including youth groups, religious institutions, and sports leagues. Our results reflect not only our legal skills but also our dedication to helping survivors pursue justice and healing.
With us, you can expect:
- Experience: We have over 50 years of combined experience handling complex and high-stakes cases.
- Compassion: We provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered representation.
- Proven results: We have recovered billions for clients, including a $2 billion verdict against the Boy Scouts of America.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
When you are ready, we are here to listen and help you understand your legal options. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.
Life-Changing Results Secured for Pennsylvania Child Sexual Abuse Survivors
Our attorneys work closely with survivors and their families to pursue meaningful results in Pennsylvania child sexual abuse cases. We focus on building strong cases to recover financial losses and hold responsible parties accountable for the harm they cause. The results below reflect outcomes we have obtained for clients we have represented.
What Pennsylvania’s Survivors and Families Say About Andreozzi + Foote
We are committed to helping survivors and their families move forward after childhood sexual abuse. These cases are deeply sensitive, and we provide consistent guidance and support at every stage. Client testimonials like the following detail how we have advocated for abuse survivors and supported them throughout the process:
“Absolutely wonderful, highly recommend for anyone who has been a survivor of trauma. The team listened, asked questions, and also answered all questions I had. I honestly can’t thank them enough. Most lawyers, you think they don’t care, but this team does.”
“They handled my difficult and protracted case professionally and with compassion. They kept me informed at all critical junctures, and ensured resolution once settlement was reached.”
“Attorneys focused on sexual abuse victims. Thank you for the amazing work that the attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote bring to survivors!”
What Is Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse?
It is common for survivors to worry that too much time has passed to take legal action, especially when they hear there are legal deadlines that can affect filing, known as statutes of limitations. However, Pennsylvania law provides more time than many people realize.
In criminal cases involving serious child sexual abuse, such as rape or sexual assault, there is no statute of limitations, so charges may be filed at any time.
For civil claims involving abuse that occurred after 2019, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until their 55th birthday to file a lawsuit. For claims that occurred before then, survivors have until their 30th birthday.
Even when the abuse happened many years ago, survivors may still have legal options. An experienced child sexual abuse lawyer can review the facts and determine whether the case may still move forward. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.
Where Child Sexual Abuse Happens in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, child sexual abuse most often happens in trusted settings where children regularly spend time, including schools, churches, camps, and other youth-focused organizations. These cases frequently involve a breach of trust by someone in a position of authority. Under Pennsylvania civil law, accountability may extend beyond the individual abuser to include institutions that failed to prevent or properly respond to the abuse.
Schools and Educational Institutions
Schools, day cares, and camps may be liable when they fail to properly screen, supervise, or monitor the adults working with children. Institutional failures include failing to adequately check backgrounds, ignoring warning signs, or failing to respond to reports of misconduct.
Foster Care
Foster care cases often involve institutional responsibility due to failures by state agencies or licensed foster care organizations charged with children’s care. These entities may be held accountable when they fail to properly vet foster homes, monitor conditions, or act on reports of unsafe or abusive behavior.
Churches and Religious Organizations
Churches and religious organizations may face institutional liability when abuse occurs under their supervision or within their programs. This can involve failures in vetting clergy or volunteers, inadequate oversight, or ignoring complaints and warning signs.
Sports Organizations and Youth Programs
Institutional liability may arise in sports and youth programs when organizations do not adequately screen or supervise adults working with children. They may also be responsible if they fail to act on complaints or warning signs involving coaches, trainers, or volunteers.
Health Care Providers and Medical Settings
Health care providers and medical institutions may be held liable when abuse occurs during exams, treatment, or other patient care. Responsible parties may include hospitals, clinics, private practices, and the professionals they employ. Liability may also arise when these organizations fail to have or follow proper protocols for reporting and responding to complaints or concerns.
Juvenile Detention Centers
Juvenile detention centers may be held liable when staff members, contractors, or other residents sexually abuse a child in custody. These facilities and the agencies that operate them can also be held responsible for failures in supervision, screening, or internal reporting systems.
Online Platforms and Digital Environments
Digital platforms, such as Roblox and Snapchat, may be held accountable when their services are used to facilitate the grooming or sexual exploitation of children. Liability may arise if safety tools, reporting mechanisms, or moderation systems are inadequate or not properly enforced.
What Compensation Is Available in a Pennsylvania Child Sexual Abuse Case?
Compensation in a Pennsylvania child sexual abuse case aims to provide financial support to survivors while also recognizing the lasting and often complex impact of the abuse. It also allows survivors and families to hold all responsible parties accountable, including institutions that failed to take reasonable steps to protect a child or allowed abuse to continue.
Survivors can seek compensation for the following types of losses:
- Economic damages: Therapy, medical care, lost income and earning capacity, and other treatment-related expenses
- Non-economic damages: Trauma, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
We understand that pursuing compensation after childhood sexual abuse can feel like a difficult step. Our Pennsylvania sexual assault attorneys work to help you recover the compensation you deserve. When you feel ready, we offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your options in a safe, supportive setting.
Factors That Influence the Value of a Child Sex Abuse Case
Several factors can influence the value of a child sexual abuse case, including the nature and severity of the abuse, the long-term effects the victim has experienced, the strength of the evidence and witness testimony, and whether the lawsuit is filed against an individual or an institution.
Child sexual abuse settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars, but outcomes vary and are not guaranteed. An experienced child sexual abuse attorney can assess your case to determine how much compensation you can pursue.
What Types of Sexual Violence Are Children Exposed to in Pennsylvania?
We need to be more aware of the types of sexual abuse that occur in our society, as violence comes in many forms. Children cannot legally give consent to sexual activity, so sexual abuse can never be considered a child’s fault.
The following are all examples of child sexual abuse that we have encountered in Pennsylvania:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Incest
- Touching or fondling
- Grabbing or groping
- Forcing a child to be photographed in an obscene manner
- Sexual harassment of a child
- Causing or allowing child trafficking
- Using a controlled substance to impair a child for sexual exploitation
- Sexual or anti-LGBTQ bullying
- Exposure and voyeurism
The above actions are punishable under criminal laws. In addition, the perpetrators and parties who enable the abuse of a child can be held accountable for the harm through civil lawsuits.
Are There Social Environments That Foster Child Sexual Abuse?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by a family member or someone else the child knows and trusts. However, roughly 70% of survivors never report the sexual abuse they experienced as children, so the true impact of the problem is likely underestimated. A 2024 study also found that the rise of online sexual abuse in childhood has significantly raised the overall abuse prevalence rate.
There is no question that child sexual abuse is more common in some social environments. Understanding the social context that fosters abuse is essential. Generally speaking, we see it most commonly where:
- Violence is condoned or encouraged.
- The power dynamic gives the perpetrator authority over prospective victims.
- Few checks and balances exist for positions of authority
- Vulnerable people are dependent on adults.
- Patriarchal hierarchies exist.
- Women are subjugated.
- Policies promote an environment of silence and secrecy.
In short, oppressive environments where authority figures can exploit their power enable child sexual abuse more than free and open environments—mainly because they provide a “cloak” behind which perpetrators can hide their actions.
Sexual Abuse: Children and Teens Are Most at Risk
While sexual abuse can occur at any age, children and teens are especially at risk. Abusers prey on the vulnerable, and children are often unable to understand what is happening or repel advances.
A 2024 UNICEF report revealed that over 370 million girls and women worldwide—one in eight—were sexually assaulted before the age of 18. When non-contact forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse, are taken into account, the number rises to one in five. The report also found that one in 11 boys and men were also victims of childhood sexual abuse and that most of this abuse occurs when victims are between the ages of 14 and 17.
How Can You Recognize a Child Abuser?
Many serial child abusers have honed their behavior into a well-developed system that preys on their victims. Their actions often follow a pattern. Individuals may work themselves into positions of trust and look and act like trustworthy people.
Often, they target vulnerable individuals and begin a grooming process. Offenders lavish attention on their victims, earn their trust, and actively blur the boundaries between what is acceptable and what is not.
Frequent abusers isolate their victims and test boundaries by noting reactions to inappropriate suggestions or even mild abuse before committing more severe acts. Therefore, they can cover their tracks and avoid suspicion. Many are so successful at doing this that parents and co-workers often do not notice the signs.
However, as a parent or colleague, you should be alert to some of the most obvious warning signs of behavior that could lead to abuse, such as the following:
- Insisting on physical contact with a child, such as hugging, touching, tickling, or wrestling
- Offering to babysit for free
- Requesting sleepovers with particular children
- Making unusual and repeated requests that isolate children from their parents and others
- Bringing up age-inappropriate topics
- Excessive staring at children, especially while changing clothes
- Dressing inappropriately around children
- Socializing more with children than with adults
- Buying expensive gifts or giving money to children
- Excluding other adults from activities
What Are the Long-Term Effects and Symptoms of Child Sexual Abuse?
Unfortunately, the victims of child sexual abuse must often carry the emotional pain of their ordeal into adult life, long after the physical signs of abuse are gone. Childhood abuse can leave a lifelong mark on victims that some never wholly recover from. Attaining justice and having the courts recognize the harm helps many heal.
Some of the long-term symptoms experienced by child sexual abuse victims include the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Relationship and intimacy issues
- Sleep disorders
Victims may also suffer severe physical effects long after the abuse, such as the following:
- Reproductive health problems
- Gastrointestinal health problems
- Pain
- Cardiopulmonary symptoms
Studies show that victims of child abuse are more likely to suffer from ill-health in adult life.
How Can You Protect Your Child From Abuse in Pennsylvania?
Here are some steps you can take to help reduce the risk of child sexual abuse:
- Encourage your child to talk openly with you about their day and experiences.
- Ask your child to tell you if anyone hurts, scares, or makes them uncomfortable.
- Teach your child about physical boundaries and what is appropriate or inappropriate contact with adults.
- Build a trusting relationship so your child feels safe telling you the truth without fear of anger or punishment.
- Pay close attention to the adults who teach, supervise, or care for your child.
- Do not leave your child with anyone you have concerns about, regardless of the relationship.
- Let your child know they can say no if an adult asks them to do something that feels wrong.
- Trust your instincts, and speak up right away if something does not feel right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about child sexual abuse cases in Pennsylvania.
Can I Sue the Institution, Not Just the Abuser?
Yes, depending on the facts of the case, you may be able to bring a claim against an institution, not just the individual who caused harm. Potentially liable institutions include schools, churches, youth organizations, or other entities that have a duty to protect children. Liability may arise if the institution knew or should have known about the risk and failed to act appropriately.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Child Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, liability for child sexual abuse may extend beyond the individual who committed the abuse. Institutions such as schools, churches, youth programs, or childcare providers may also be held responsible if they failed to take reasonable steps to protect children.
Will My Identity Remain Confidential if I File a Lawsuit?
In Pennsylvania, survivors of child sexual abuse may file lawsuits using a pseudonym or initials to help protect their identity. Courts recognize the sensitive nature of these cases and often take steps to limit public exposure. At Andreozzi + Foote, our legal team is committed to helping survivors pursue justice in a way that feels safe, supported, and confidential.
How Long Does a Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Take To Resolve?
The timeline for a child sexual abuse lawsuit in Pennsylvania can vary widely based on the facts of the case. Some cases resolve in a matter of months through settlement, while others may take a year or longer if they go to trial. Factors such as the complexity of the evidence and the number of parties involved can affect the pace.
What Should I Do if I Suspect a Child Is Being Sexually Abused?
If you suspect a child is being sexually abused, take your concerns seriously and act promptly. You can report your concerns to local law enforcement or child protective services so authorities can launch an investigation. It is important not to confront a suspected abuser directly, as this may put the child or others at further risk.
Do I Have To Pay Any Upfront Fees To Hire Andreozzi + Foote?
No, you do not have to pay any upfront fees to hire our law firm. We handle child sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay legal fees if we recover compensation for you. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees.
Can I File a Lawsuit on Behalf of My Child?
Yes, a parent or legal guardian can typically file a lawsuit on behalf of a child in Pennsylvania. These cases seek accountability and compensation for the harm.
Call Our Pennsylvania Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys have extensive experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. Dedicated to seeking justice for survivors, our team handles every case with compassion and professionalism, striving to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients.
For a free consultation with the child sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote, call (866) 311-8640 or fill out our online contact form. All information you provide, including your identity, will be treated confidentially.
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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.