A sexual abuse claim is a legal step that a survivor can file against the person or entity responsible for the abuse. The goal is to seek compensation for the harm suffered—physically, emotionally, and financially. In many cases, claims are brought not just against individual perpetrators, but also against institutions that allowed abuse to happen or failed to intervene. These claims can be pursued through civil lawsuits, which seek financial compensation and accountability, or through state victim compensation programs, which offer financial relief even if no lawsuit is filed. This process gives survivors an opportunity to regain control, find closure, and access the support they need to heal.
Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse may be eligible to file a claim. This includes adults who were abused as children or later in life, minors who can file through a parent or guardian, and legal representatives of survivors who are incapacitated or deceased. In some cases, survivors come forward collectively in group claims or class actions, especially when the abuse was systemic within schools, churches, or care facilities. Many states have extended or eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, which gives adult survivors more time to pursue justice.
The process of filing a claim can feel complex, but survivors don't have to do it alone. Here are the steps involved in filing a sexual abuse claim:
Abuse has real consequences—physical, psychological, financial. Taking legal action can help in many ways:
Every time someone speaks out, it sends a message—to perpetrators, institutions, and to other survivors. It reminds people that they are not alone, that accountability is possible, and that silence can be broken.
In many cases, legal cases have revealed systemic failures—policies that allowed abuse, cover-ups, or ignored warning signs. Your action might protect others in similar situations, today or in the future.
You aren’t to blame for what happened. Choosing to act isn’t about re-living the pain—it’s about reclaiming power. It’s about setting boundaries, demanding respect, and refusing to accept cover-ups or lies. Every survivor has a right to be heard, to be safe, and to seek justice.
At Kayla’s Survivors, we stand with survivors—those who have endured sexual abuse, assault, misconduct, or institutional neglect. As a survivor-led, woman-led law firm, we have first-hand experience that grounds our firm and puts survivors’ healing at the center of our work. From guaranteeing confidentiality and an empathetic approach, to our specialized expertise and fierce advocacy, we promise to put your needs first. As nationally-recognized sexual abuse attorneys, our purpose is to help you reclaim your voice, pursue justice, and hold both perpetrators and institutions accountable for the harm caused by sexual violence.
Our founder, Kayla Onder, is herself a survivor of sexual violence. Her personal journey from silence to strength guides the heart of this firm. Because she has walked this path, she understands both the pain and the courage it takes to come forward. What began as her personal commitment to stand with survivors has grown into a national practice dedicated to compassion, justice, and institutional change.
What Makes Us Different
Survivors may be entitled to different types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. Compensatory damages cover actual losses such as healthcare costs, counseling, and missed income. Punitive damages, on the other hand, penalize responsible individuals or institutions for misconduct and send a powerful message of deterrence.
Medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical rehabilitation, and future care needs
Mental health counseling for long-term therapy related to PTSD, anxiety, depression, or trauma recovery
Pain and suffering, which accounts for emotional distress, fear, shame, and diminished well-being
Lost income or earning capacity when survivors struggle to work, study, or pursue a career because of the abuse's lasting effects
Loss of enjoyment of life, reflecting the inability to participate in daily activities or find joy in past interests
Punitive damages, especially in severe cases where cruelty or institutional cover-ups occurred
Sexual abuse is often not just the act of one individual but also the failure of institutions. When organizations such as religious institutions, schools, or athletic programs fail to protect victims or deliberately cover up abuse, they can be held legally and financially accountable.
Finding an experienced legal team that earns your trust is essential. Our attorneys are not only experienced litigators—they are advocates trained to support survivors with empathy and integrity. We understand the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and offer trauma-informed representation every step of the way. With decades of experience and a team of expert sexual abuse attorneys, we have the resources and resolve to take on powerful institutions and win. Whether you’re ready to file a lawsuit or are just exploring your options, we are here to listen and help.
What Makes Us Different
Coming forward takes courage. Our team honors that courage by offering a safe, supportive, and confidential space to explore your legal options. We never pressure sexual abuse survivors to file a claim. Our attorneys are trauma-informed, responsive, and ready to stand beside you. Whether you're considering legal action or simply want someone to talk to, we are here. You don’t have to take the next step alone. Learn what makes us different.
Survivors of sexual abuse have the right to pursue justice through a civil lawsuit, even if the abuse occurred many years ago or during childhood. In institutional abuse cases, accountability goes beyond the individual perpetrator. It also extends to the organization that allowed the abuse to happen—whether through negligence, lack of oversight, or deliberate cover-up. Click here to learn more.
Finding the right attorney is easier than you think! Just click the link below, answer a few simple questions about your situation, and we’ll match you to an experienced attorney who can help. There’s no obligation, and you won’t pay a penny unless we win your case.
