Sexual abuse cases are some of the most serious matters handled in civil litigation. Survivors who contact a Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer might be seeking justice years after the harm occurred, and facing a legal system that causes victims even more anxiety while having to recall what happened to them.
Kline & Specter has handled sexual abuse cases across Pennsylvania and beyond for decades, including matters involving sex trafficking, clergy abuse, institutional negligence, and abuse of children. The firm's record in this area reflects experience with complex, high-stakes litigation and a willingness to take on cases that other firms decline.
What Is Sexual Abuse Under Pennsylvania Law?
Pennsylvania law addresses sexual abuse across both criminal and civil frameworks. In civil cases, sexual abuse generally refers to any unwanted sexual contact or conduct directed at a person who has not given or cannot give meaningful consent. This includes rape and sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, sexual abuse of children, institutional sexual abuse, and non-physical violations such as exploitation through sex trafficking or the non-consensual distribution of intimate images.
What Are the Signs and Effects of Sexual Abuse?
The effects of sexual abuse vary widely depending on the circumstances, the relationship between the parties, and the age at which the abuse occurred. Common long-term consequences include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and difficulty maintaining relationships with family members and others close to them. Survivors may also experience sleep disturbance, changes in behavior, substance use, and impaired functioning at work or school.
In cases involving children, effects may not become apparent for years, and many survivors do not disclose what occurred until well into adulthood.
Why Hire a Philadelphia Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
Civil sexual abuse cases require careful handling at every stage. Evidence must be identified and preserved and third-party liability must be investigated and documented, with legal claims structured to meet the applicable deadlines.
Kline & Specter brings an in-house doctor-lawyer team to cases involving medical harm, with a background in institutional litigation and a record that includes more than $100 million in awards and settlements in sex trafficking matters achieved in roughly a one-year period. The firm has represented survivors in cases against hotels, churches, child welfare agencies, schools, and individual perpetrators. Having the right legal representation makes a material difference in how a case develops.
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
The firm handles sexual abuse cases in a number of contexts. These include clergy and institutional abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse, sexual assault in schools and foster care settings, abuse by medical or mental health professionals, and sexual assault in hotels and other commercial properties. Third-party liability, or the legal exposure of institutions or businesses that failed to prevent or report abuse, is a significant focus in many of these matters. Kline & Specter filed the first civil suit under Pennsylvania's human trafficking statute on behalf of a teenage victim who was held and exploited over nearly two years.
How a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Works in Pennsylvania
Filing a lawsuit for sexual abuse in Pennsylvania begins with an intake evaluation during which an attorney reviews the facts, identifying potential defendants and assessing the available evidence. From there, the process involves gathering records, identifying witnesses, and (in cases with institutional defendants) investigating what the organization knew or should have known. The firm prepares each case for trial; some matters resolve before that stage, but the approach from the start is litigation-ready. However, each case is fact-specific, so the timeline and outcome depend on the circumstances involved.
Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases in Philadelphia
Criminal prosecution and civil litigation serve different purposes. In a criminal case, law enforcement investigates and the state brings charges against the accused, seeking punishment through incarceration, probation, or other penalties. The burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt, a high threshold that the prosecution must meet.
In a civil case, the survivor initiates the lawsuit and seeks financial compensation. The burden of proof is lower: a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that it is more likely than not. A civil claim may proceed independently of any criminal matter. An acquittal or a decision not to prosecute does not bar a civil lawsuit, and a civil case can name defendants such as institutions or employers that were not subject to criminal charges.
What Evidence Is Needed in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Evidence in sexual abuse civil cases can include medical and mental health records, communications between the parties, witness statements, prior complaints or reports of similar conduct, and documentation of the survivor's losses. In institutional cases, internal records reflecting what an organization knew (and when) are central to the case. Expert testimony from psychologists and trauma specialists or other relevant professionals may also play a role.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Sexual Abuse Claims?
Pennsylvania imposes specific deadlines on sexual abuse civil claims, and those deadlines differ based on the age of the survivor at the time the abuse occurred. In general, survivors who were minors when the abuse took place have until their 30th birthday to file a civil lawsuit. Adult survivors typically have two years from the date of the abuse to pursue legal action, though certain circumstances may affect how that deadline applies.
These statutes of limitations are strictly enforced, and waiting too long may foreclose the ability to file entirely. Organizations such as the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) also provide guidance on reporting options and support resources for survivors. Anyone with questions about their specific situation should consult with a sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible.
What Compensation Can You Pursue for a Sexual Abuse Case?
Compensation in a civil sexual abuse case may include economic damages covering medical expenses, therapy costs, and lost income, and non-economic damages reflecting pain, suffering, emotional distress, and the long-term effects on the survivor's life and relationships. In cases where the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious, or where an institution deliberately concealed known abuse, punitive damages may also be available.
Why Choose Kline & Specter for Sexual Abuse Cases
Kline & Specter has handled some of the most significant sexual abuse and sex trafficking cases in the Philadelphia region. Tom Kline represented Victim No. 5 in the Jerry Sandusky matter, which resulted in Penn State agreeing to pay $60 million across the litigation. Attorneys Nadeem Bezar and Emily Marks secured a $37.5 million arbitration award for three survivors of sex trafficking who were exploited as minors, as well as a $24 million settlement with a hotel that ignored what were described as open and obvious signs of trafficking on its property.
The firm has also recovered a $3.5 million settlement against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in a priest abuse case and a $5.35 million verdict against a foster care agency for placing a child in an abusive home. Kline & Specter employs five doctor-lawyers, more than any other firm in the country, whose medical expertise is directly relevant in cases where physical or psychiatric harm is at issue.
Get Legal Help From a Trusted Philadelphia Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Individuals with questions about a potential sexual abuse claim may contact Kline & Specter for a free confidential consultation with an experienced Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer. Each case is evaluated on its specific facts. The firm handles sexual abuse cases on a contingency basis, meaning there is no fee unless the case results in a recovery.
Experienced Legal Representation You Can Trust
Among other Kline & Specter sexual abuse lawsuits are:
- In the highly publicized “House of Horrors” case, Shanin Specter, Dominic Guerrini and Tracie Palmer sued a social services provider, child advocates, and the City of Philadelphia, as responsible for 10 years of torture endured by a young girl after she was placed under the care of an abusive aunt who had been previously convicted of third-degree murder. The case was settled in 2015 for $3.5 million.
- Kline reached a settlement of up to $3.8 million against a Pennsylvania psychotherapist who abused and photographed his teenage patient. In addition to monetary compensation, the therapist was also forced to make a lengthy public apology and agreed never to practice again.
- Specter represented a 12-year-old boy who was assaulted at a charter school. The case resulted in a $2 million settlement.
- David Inscho represented a young man who was repeatedly abused by his mentor through a local organization. Although criminal prosecution was barred because the events took place years earlier, Inscho was able to investigate the case through the civil justice system and obtain a significant monetary recovery for the victim.
In other sexual abuse cases, the firm achieved:
- The largest-ever settlement against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in a child sexual abuse case for the family of a former altar boy who suffered years of abuse by a serial pedophile priest in Philadelphia. The victim, tormented for years over his experience, died of a drug overdose at the age of 26. The exact monetary settlement was confidential.
- A $7 million settlement against a child welfare agency in the highly publicized death of a four-year-old girl who was accidentally shot by her father. An official investigation into the April 2016 shooting reportedly found that the child and six siblings lived in squalid conditions in their Philadelphia home.
- A $5 million settlement with two child placement agencies over a 2016 incident in which a 10-year-old boy was neglected to the point at which he died due to an intestinal blockage.
Kline & Specter news on sexual abuse:
- 2 Women Get $24.5M Award In Philly Motel Trafficking Claims, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2/12/24; Law360, 2/9/24; The Legal Intelligencer, 2/9/24
- News coverage of $3.5 million settlement with Archdiocese of Philadelphia in priest abuse case, Law360, 8/10/23; WPVI-TV 6, 8/9/23 (Watch video); The Legal Intelligencer, 8/9/23
- Bezar, Marks reach $24M settlement in human trafficking suit, The Legal Intelligencer, 2/2/23; NBC 10, 2/3/23; The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2/2/23; Law360, 2/2/23 The Legal Intelligencer, 2/2/23; KYW News Radio 1060, 2/2/23 (listen);NBC 10, 2/3/23; The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2/2/23; Law360, 2/2/23
- Merson represents former "Cosby Show" actress in suit vs. Bill Cosby, The Legal Intelligencer, 10/20/2021
- PA Supreme Court refuses appeal of $5.35M sexual abuse verdict against foster agency, The Legal Intelligencer, 6/12/19
- Bezar comments on suit filed in sex trafficking case against 3 Philly hotels; CBS 3, 3/27/18; NBC 10, 3/27/19; KYW Radio, 3/28/19; Philly.com 3/27/19; Philadelphia Business Journal, 3/28/19;
- Kline-Bezar comments on suit filed in sex trafficking case against 3 Philly hotels, Fox 29 3/27/19
- Phila. Archdiocese's Ownership of Jersey Shore Property Means Sex Abuse Suit Stays in NJ, The Legal Intelligencer, 3/26/19
- Philly priest abuse suit stays in NJ, opening door for others, Law360 3/25/19
- Kline & Specter files suit in sexual assault of preschool children, CBS 3 News, 11/27/18; The Philadelphia Daily News, 11/27/18
- David Inscho Interviewed On Clergy Abuse Grand Jury Report, BBC Radio 4, 8/14/18
- Dave Inscho interviewed on clergy abuse grand jury report, MSNBC 8/15/18
- Inscho comments on grand jury report in clergy sex abuse scandal, NBC 10, 7/9/18; Telemundo 62, 7/9/18
- Sex-abuse victim asks Supreme Court to release grand jury report, Metro, 7/9/18
- In largest reported payout yet, Philadelphia Archdiocese settles abuse lawsuit, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 6/25/18
- Foster kid placed in West Philly 'house of horrors' wins $11M in lawsuit, Philadelphia Metro, 11/20/17
- Adoption Agency Hit With $11M Verdict in Child Abuse Lawsuit, The Legal Intelligencer, 11/17/17
- Death, rapes, and broken bones at Philly's only residential treatment center for troubled youth, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 4/22/17
- Judge Rejects Bid to Overturn $5M Sex Abuse Verdict, The Legal Intelligencer, 3/30/17
- Nadeem Bezar Comments On Human Trafficking Case, Canada Radio, 3/24/17
- Kline-Bezar comment on lawsuit filed in human trafficking case, WPMT, 3/11/17; Fox 29 3/10/17; ABC 6 3/10/17; NBC 10 3/10/17-5PM; NBC 10 3/10/17-4PM; CBS 3 3/10/17; WNEP, 3/11/17
- Motel Turned Blind Eye To Child Sex Traffickers For Profit, Suit Claims, The Huffington Post, 3/14/17
- Forced to have sex with 1,000 men, a girl is now suing the motel that she says let it happen, The Washington Post, 3/14/17
- Teen ‘sex slave’ sues motel where alleged abuse took place, New York Post, 3/14/17
- Philadelphia Teen Claims Motel Knew She Was Being Sex Trafficked But Did Nothing, People, 3/13/17
- Sex trafficking victim sues U.S. motel in landmark case, Thomson Reuters, 3/15/17
- Philly motel sued in first reported human-trafficking lawsuit under Pa. statute, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/10/17
- Jury awards $5.35M to girl placed in abusive foster home, Metro, 11/4/16
- Foster care agency hit with $5M verdict over sex abuse, The Legal Intelligencer, 10/27/16
- Tom Kline comments on former PSU officials going to trial:WTAJ-TV 8/1/13-5AM; NBC 10-TV 7/30/13-4PM; CBS 3-TV 7/30/13-6PM; Fox 29-TV 7/30/13-5PM; WFMZ-TV 7/30/13-6PM; WPMT-TV 7/30/13-10PM; WJBK-TV 7/30/13-11AM; WTAE-TV 7/30/13-5PM; WOLF-TV 7/30/13-10PM
- WBRE-TV 7/29/13-5PM; WTAE-TV 7/29/13-10PM; KDKA-TV 7/29/13-6PM; WFMZ-TV 7/29/13-6PM; WPMT-TV 7/29/13-6PM; WFMZ-TV 7/29/13-5PM; Fox 29-TV 7/29/13-6PM; NBC 10-TV 7/29/13-6PM; ABC 6-TV 7/29/13-6PM; KDKA-TV 7/29/13-6PM; WFMZ-TV 7/29/13-5:30PM; KDKA-TV 7/29/13-5PM; CBS 3 7/29/13-5PM; Fox 29-TV 7/29/13-5PM
- Tom Kline interviewed on PSU abuse settlements, WBRE_TV 7/18/13-6PM
- Tom Kline comments on Sandusky prison interview: CNN 3/25/13; KYW News Radio 3/25/13
- Tom Kline comments on Paterno report in child sexual abuse case: WBRE-TV 2/11/13-6PM; CBS 3 2/11/13-6AM
- Penn State sexual abuse scandal 2013 interviews: ABC 6 News 2/10/13-6PM; Fox 29 News 2/10/13-6PM; NBC 10 News 2/10/13-6PM; WBBM-AM 2/10/13-12PM; WPSG TV 2/10/13-10PM; WGAL-TV 1/10/13-11PM; WGAL-TV 1/10/13-6PM; WPMT-TV (Fox 43) 1/10/13-10PM; WBRE-TV 1/10/13-5PM; ABC 6 News 1/10/13-Noon; ABC 6 News 1/10/13-4PM; ABC 6 News 1/10/13-6PM;WFMZ-TV 1/10/13-5PM; Fox 29 News 1/10/13-6PM; CBS 3 News 1/10/13-5PM; NBC 10 News 1/10/13; WTAJ-TV 10 (CBS) 1/10/2013-5PM; NBC 10 News 1/3/13-4PM; CBS 3 News 1/3/13-6PM
- Tom Kline comments on Graham Spanier charges: WBRE-TV 11/7/12-6PM; CBS 3 11/1/12-6PM
- Pre-sentencing hearing in PSU child sexual abuse case: Fox News Channel 10/9/12-3pm; NBC Today 10/9/12-7AM; CBS 3 10/9/12-11AM; NBC 10 10/9/12-11AM; ABC 6 10/9/12-4PM; ABC 6 10/9/12-10AM; HLN 10/9/12-7AM; WTAE-TV 10/9/12-5PM; WBRE-TV 10/9/12-5PM; National Public Radio 10/9/12; KXL-AM 10/9/12; WJAC-TV 10/9/12-11PM; WFMZ-TV 69 10/9/12-6PM; Fox 29 10/9/12-5PM; CBS 3 10/9/12-6PM; WGAL-TV 10/9/12-5PM; WHTM-TV 27 10/9/12-6PM; WPMT-TV (Fox 43) 10/9/12-6PM; ABC 6 10/8/12-5PM; CNN 10/8/12-5AM; CNN 10/8/12-7PM; WBRE-TV 10/8/2012-11PM; WBRE-TV 10/8/12-6PM; WHTM-TV 10/8/12; WHP-TV 10/8/12-6PM; KDKA-TV 10/8/12-4PM; WPXI-TV 10/8/12-11PM; WPXI-TV 10/8/12-11PM; WFMZ-TV 69 10/8/12-10PM; NBC 10 10/8/12-11PM
- Tom Kline on McQueary suit, ESPN Outside The Lines, 10/3/12
- Bail hearing in child sexual abuse case: Fox 29 10/3/12
- Tom Kline comments on the PSU child sexual abuse case, The Michael Smerconish Show 8/23/12
- Paterno Statue Removed, Tom Kline comments, NBC 10 News 7/22/12-6PM
- Tom Kline interviewed on PSU case: It's Your Call 7/19/12; WBRE-TV 7/17/12-6PM; WBRE-TV 7/17/12-5PM
- Tom Kline comments on Freeh Report: CBS Radio 7/12/12-5AM; The Michael Smerconish Show 1210AM 7/12/12; WFMZ-TV 69 7/13/12-5AM; Fox News Channel 7/13/12-7PM; Fox News Channel 7/13/12-3PM;CNN 7/13/12-6:30AM; NittanyLionsDen.com 7/12/12; Outside The Lines, ESPN 7/12/12; CNN 7/12/12-9AM; Fox News Channel, 7/12/12-1PM; Good Morning America ABC 6 7/12/12-7AM; NBC 10 7/12/12-1030AM; Talk Philly, KYW-TV 3 7/12/12-Noon; TruTV 7/12/12-10AM; WGAL-TV 8 7/12/12-6PM; WHTM-TV (ABC 27) 7/12/12-Noon; WSEE-TV (Erie, Pa) 12 7/12/12-530PM; WBRE-TV (NBC) 7/12/12-6PM; ABC 7/12/12-5PM; CSN 7/12/12-10PM; NBC 10 7/12/12-4PM; ESPN News 7/12/12 5PM; WJET-TV 7/12/12-6PM; CNN 7/12/12-3PM; KYW News Radio 1060AM 7/12/12-3PM; B101-FM 7/12/12
- Tom Kline comments on Freeh investigation: ABC 6 News 7/11/12-4PM; Fox 29 News 7/11/12-6PM
- Tom Kline comments on PSU email scandal: Essential Public Radio 90.5-FM 7/6/12
- Tom Kline interviewed about Sandusky pension: CBS 3 News 6/27/12-6PM
- Tom Kline comments post-verdict: Fox 29 News 6/25/12; TruTV 6/25/12; WBRE-TV 6/25/12; NBC 10 6/25/12-5PM; NBC 10 6/25/12-4PM; ABC 6 6/25/12-5PM; ABC 6 6/25/12-4PM; WPXI 11 News 6/24/12; WHP 21 News 6/24/12; MSNBC News 6/24/12; CBS 3 6/23/12
- Tom Kline interviewed on Sandusky verdict: CBS This Morning 6/22/12; HLN 6/22/12; WGAL 8 (Lancaster, Pa) 6/22/12; CBS 3 News 6/22/12 11PM; CBS 3 News 6/22/12-6PM; WPMT (Fox43) 6/22/12; WJET TV (Erie, Pa) 6/22/12; ABC 6 News 6/22/12-11PM; ABC News 6 6/22/12-4PM; CBS 3 News - 6PM 6/22/12; NBC 10 News 6/22/12 6PM; NBC 10 6/22/12 - 5PM; NBC 10 News 6/22/12 - 4PM; CNN 6/22/12 - 7PM; KDKA 2 News 6/22/12-11PM; Nightline 6/22/12; Anderson Cooper 360, CNN 6/22/12
- Tom Kline comments on jury deliberations: WJET-TV 6/21/12-5PM; WFXP-TV 6/21/12-10PM; WJLA 7 News 6/21/12-5PM; Pennlive.com 6/21/12; KDKA-TV 6/21/12-630PM; WPMT-TV 6/21/12-7AM; WFMZ-TV 69 6/21/12-6PM; WFMZ-TV 69 6/21/12-5:30PM; Hardball on MSNBC 6/21/12-5PM
- Tom Kline comments on child sexual abuse trial: WTAE-TV 6/20/12-6PM; WTAE-TV 6/20/12-5PM; WJET-TV 6/20/12-5PM; WPMT-TV 6/20/12-8AM; WFXP-TV 6/20/12-8AM; WABC-TV 6/20/12; Fox 29 News 6/20/12; ABC 6 News 6/20/12-6PM; NBC 10 News 6/20/12-5PM; CBS 3 News 6/20/12-6PM; Good Morning America, ABC 6 6/20/12; HLN 6/20/12-2PM; TruTV 6/20/12-12PM; ABC World News Tonight 6/19/12; CBS Morning News 6/19/12; WFXP Fox-TV 6/19/12; WNEP-TV 6/19/12-6AM; Comcast SportsNet 6/19/12-8AM; Fox 29 News 6/19/12-5PM; KDKA-TV 6/19/2012-5PM; WHTM-TV 6/19/12-7PM; ABC News 6 6/18/12-6PM; ABC News 6 6/18/12-4PM; CBS News 3 6/18/12-5PM; NBC 10 News 6/18/12-6PM; Fox 29 News 6/18/12-6PM; NBC 10 News 6/18/12-6PM; WFMZ-TV 6/18/12-5:30PM; WSEE-TV 6/18/12; WBRE-TV 6/18/12-11PM; WPGH-TV 6/18/12-10PM; KDKA 2 News 6/18/12; WHTM (ABC 27) 6/18/12-11PM; WPMT (Fox 43) 6/18/12-6PM; WFMZ 69 News 6/18/12-6PM; WTAE-TV 11 6/18/12-6PM; Pennlive.com 6/18/12; ABC 6 News 6/17/12; Hardball on MSNBC 6/15/12; CNN 6/14/12; WHTM-TV (ABC 27) 6/14/2012; ABC News 6/14/12-6:30PM; ABC News 6/14/12-3AM; ABC News 6/14/12-11PM; The Today, NBC 6/14/12; Good Morning America, ABC 6/14/12; CBS 3 6/13/12; NBC 10 6/13/12-4PM; Fox 29 News 6/13/12; ABC 6 News 6/13/12 11PM; HLN 6/13/12-4PM; TruTV 6/13/12 12PM; Newswatch 16, WNEP-TV 6/13/12-5PM; WGAL-TV 8 6/13/12-6PM; WHTM (ABC 27) 6/13/12-5PM; Fox 43 News 6/13/12-6PM; Fox 53 News 6/13/12-10PM; KDKA 2 (CBS Pittsburgh) 2 6/13/12-4PM; KDKA 2 (CBS Pittsburgh) 2 6/13/12-11PM; WTAE-TV 4 6/13/12-11PM; WPXI-TV 11 6/13/12-11PM; The Today Show, NBC 6/13/12-7AM; Anderson Cooper 360, CNN 6/13/12; Fox Business News 6/12/12; KABC-TV (Los Angeles) 6/12/12; ABC 6 6/12/12; TruTV 6/12/12; Pennlive 6/12/12; KABB-TV (San Antonio) 6/11/12; CBS 3 News 6/11/12 ; ABC 6 News 6/11/12; NBC 10 News 6/11/12; WABC-TV 7 (New York) 6/11/12; Fox 43 (York,Pa.) 6/11/12; PennLive.com 6/11/12; HLN 6/11/12; KDKA-TV 6/11/12 (Pittsburgh, Pa.); CNN 6/10/12 6PM; NBC 10 News 6/7/12
- Tom Kline interviewed on Sandusky rulings, NBC 10 - 2/13/12
- Tom Kline comments on Sandusky case developments 2/10/12: Fox 29 2/10/12; Big Talker 1210AM 2/10/12
Good luck with your healing! If you have further questions, do not hesitate to call us.
