ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
PHILADELPHIA SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: April 7, 2025
Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that can leave survivors with lasting physical and emotional repercussions. Unfortunately, sexual abuse is not uncommon in Philadelphia—nearly two-thirds of women and a quarter of men in Pennsylvania experience sexual violence in their lifetime. However, survivors can seek justice by pursuing compensation from those responsible for their abuse.
Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit is a complex process, both legally and emotionally. At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys understand how difficult it is for survivors to come forward. We strive to make our clients feel comfortable throughout the legal process while providing skilled legal advice tailored to their situation. If you or someone you know has suffered from sexual abuse, you don’t have to face this alone–our experienced Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyers are here to help you seek justice.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
A range of conduct constitutes sexual abuse under Pennsylvania law, including rape, sexual assault, institutional assault, and more. The law defines rape as when someone engages in sexual intercourse with another person by force, under the threat of force, or when the other person is unconscious, drugged to prevent resistance, or incapable of consent. Sexual assault occurs when a person engages in any sexual act with someone who does not consent. Institutional sexual assault occurs when an employee of a government or health care facility engages in indecent contact with a person under their care or supervision.
Types of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can occur in countless settings and situations, each involving different legal implications. Some of the most prevalent forms of sexual abuse include child abuse, workplace abuse, domestic abuse, institutional abuse, sexual abuse in religious institutions, and sexual abuse in schools and universities.
The Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in Philadelphia
According to a 2024 report by The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, between 2019 and 2023, more than 32,000 people were charged in over 36,000 child abuse cases statewide. Nearly 11,000 of those people were convicted, and Philadelphia County had more child abuse cases than any other county, making up 12 percent of all child abuse cases in the state.
How Can Andreozzi + Foote Help My Philadelphia Sexual Abuse Case?
Andreozzi + Foote is a nationally recognized civil firm known for its successful advocacy on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse and violent crime. Our attorneys have been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, ABC World News, and more for our work advocating for survivors. Founding partner Nathaniel Foote has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for survivors of abuse, including the following results:
- $88 million verdict in a child sex abuse case—one of the largest such verdicts in the United States
- $1.53 million verdict in a child sex abuse case
Unlike most firms, Andreozzi + Foote has a victim advocate on our staff to provide our clients with empathetic support. She has personal experience dealing with sexual abuse cases and survivors, so she knows how survivors are feeling and what they are going through.
Legal Expertise
Sexual abuse cases are extremely complex. Each case involves evidence collection, negotiations, complicated legal processes, and a unique statute of limitations. As a niche firm, we exclusively focus on sexual abuse cases, and our specialization allows us to offer tailored strategies and insights that many generalist firms cannot match.
Emotional Support
At Andreozzi + Foote, we not only offer clients legal guidance but also compassionate support and comfort. Our victim advocate knows what our clients are going through and supports them throughout the legal process. When appropriate, we also strive to connect our clients with programs, advocates, and therapists to ensure they are in the hands of trusted professionals with adequate trauma-informed practices proven to help.
Protection of Rights
Our Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawyers have extensive experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse and will do whatever it takes to protect the victim’s rights. We have spent decades thoroughly researching and actively engaging with state laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures nationwide. Therefore, we can help you and your family determine if you have a case against the perpetrator or the organization involved.
What To Expect During The Legal Process
- INITIAL CONSULTATION: Our attorneys will listen to your story and determine whether you have grounds to file a lawsuit.
- INVESTIGATION AND DISCOVERY: We will gather as much information and evidence as possible to build a strong case. This process may include collecting medical records, looking through communication records, reviewing photos and videos, analyzing police reports, and more.
- SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS: Our attorneys will work with the liable party and their counsel to attempt to negotiate a settlement that fully and fairly compensates you for the harm you’ve endured.
- LITIGATION AND TRIAL: After filing your case and gathering all the evidence, we will work to resolve your case with the liable party. We may be able to settle your case out of court. If not, we’ll take it to trial and fight for your best interests.
Statue of Limitations In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has civil and criminal statutes of limitations for sexual abuse cases. These statutes set the deadlines for bringing criminal charges and filing civil lawsuits. These deadlines vary based on the victim’s age, how long ago the abuse occurred, and the nature of the conduct. Several deadlines changed in 2019 after a new law amended the statutes of limitations. An attorney can assist you in determining the specific statute of limitations for your case.
Pennsylvania’s current statutes of limitations for sexual abuse cases include the following:
- Civil child sexual abuse claims:
- Until age 55 for those born after November 26, 1989
- Survivors born earlier than 1989 are time-barred from filing suit
- Civil adult major sexual offense claims:
- Until age 30 for individuals who were between the ages of 18 and 23 when the assault occurred
- Two years after the assault for adults who were over age 23 when it occurred
- Criminal child sexual abuse charges for certain major crimes like rape, sexual assault, and trafficking: no statute of limitation
- Criminal child sexual abuse cases for other offenses: age of adulthood + 32 years—age 50 for most
- Criminal adult major sexual offense cases: 12 years
If you’ve survived sexual abuse, you may not feel emotionally ready to face the prospect of pursuing justice. However, it’s important to act before the deadline for your case to ensure you have an opportunity to pursue justice. A successful result in a sexual abuse case may provide a survivor with the means to heal and move on with their life, and Andreozzi + Foote is here to support survivors throughout the entire process.
Types of Claims In Philadelphia Sexual Abuse Cases
There are two main types of Philadelphia sexual abuse cases: criminal and civil. The criminal justice system aims to hold the perpetrators of sexual abuse accountable by determining whether they committed a crime and how they should be punished.
On the other hand, civil cases are often filed against institutions and organizations that enabled the abuse, not individual perpetrators. There is often a business, organization, or institution such as a church, school, residential care facility, youth organization, or health care provider that could have prevented the abuse from happening. When these organizations fail to protect victims from sexual abuse, they can be held accountable and forced to pay compensation for the injuries the victim has suffered.
Choose Andreozzi + Foote To Help You Fight For Justice
Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation’s leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse. Our attorneys have successfully represented some of the highest-profile child sexual abuse cases in recent years. Led by expert trauma-informed attorneys, Andreozzi + Foote is committed to creating life-changing results for victims and their families.
We understand that the most important role of the lawyer is to listen to the client and create a path toward recovery specifically designed for that individual survivor. Our firm is committed to putting our clients’ needs first, focusing on confidentiality, respect, empathy, and dignity. We are dedicated to uncovering the truth, exposing negligence, and ensuring justice for survivors of abuse.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of sexual abuse in Philadelphia, reach out to Andreozzi + Foote today for a free, confidential consultation by calling 866-311-8640 or filling out our online contact form.
CONTACT US TODAY
Free In-Depth,
Confidential Consultation
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.
