Chicago Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Defending Sexual Assault Survivors’ Legal Rights in Civil Claims

Therapy is an important service for those facing physical and emotional health challenges. Unfortunately, the power imbalance between a therapist and a patient can lead to a victim being sexually abused or assaulted. If this has happened to you, a Chicago therapist sexual abuse lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party accountable while pursuing compensation.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will investigate the incident, guide you through the civil lawsuit process, and help you recover compensation for legal damages. 

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$5 million – Two men reached a $5,000,000 settlement after their therapist in Chicago abused them under the guise of treatment. He used his position of authority to manipulate them into silence, causing years of emotional damage. The betrayal of trust in a therapeutic setting was a major factor that drove the settlement value.

$3 million – A woman recovered $3,000,000 after being repeatedly assaulted by her OB/GYN during medical visits at a large hospital in the Loop. Despite earlier complaints from other patients, the hospital allowed him to continue practicing without restrictions. The abuse caused lasting psychological harm and undermined her trust in medical professionals.

$2.33 million – Two women obtained a $2,333,000 settlement after they were sexually assaulted by a certified nursing assistant at a long-term care facility in Chicago. The facility failed to properly screen or supervise the CNA, despite earlier complaints about his behavior. The abuse left both women with deep emotional scars, and the betrayal of trust by someone tasked with their care played a major role in the settlement value.

What Makes Us the Best Therapist Abuse Lawyers in Chicago

When pursuing a civil lawsuit, you need experienced legal professionals on your side to increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement. Our Chicago sexual assault law firm maintains an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau and is recognized among the top 5% of attorneys by Super Lawyers. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Therapist Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

Therapist abuse or assault can be the result of numerous shortcomings at a clinic or medical business. Here are some of the most common causes of an inappropriate sexual relationship involving a therapist:

• Institutions lack oversight protocols and fail to respond to patient complaints
• Power imbalances between therapists and patients can leave survivors feeling helpless
• Clinics fail to perform adequate background checks that might reveal a medical professional’s history of sexual misconduct
• There is no reporting system in place where victims can feel empowered to speak up and report their abuse
• The fear of retaliation or loss of mental health services may prevent them from reporting inappropriate behavior

What Are the Most Common Consequences of Sexual Abuse?

Therapist abuse can have severe consequences for the victim. They may suffer physically, emotionally, and financially for many years after the sexual contact occurs.

Here are some of the most significant consequences that may happen to someone who has been sexually abused:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety can lead to years of emotional challenges
• Substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation may be the only way some victims know how to cope
• Physical injuries and exposure to sexually transmitted diseases can lead to ongoing medical care
• Emotional trauma, such as fear, guilt, or isolation, can make it difficult for victims to form social relationships
• Loss of earning capacity if the victim has difficulty navigating job duties or interviews

What Damages Can Therapist Sexual Abuse Victims Recover in Illinois?

Economic Damages

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

• For cases involving intentional sexual misconduct

What Is the Average Therapist Sexual Abuse Payout in Chicago?

Since an inappropriate sexual relationship can have such devastating consequences for the victim, settlement amounts are often higher than in many other types of personal injury cases. The average settlement for a therapist sexual abuse case is $14.62 million, with a range of $12,000 to $88 million. 

Why You Need a Chicago Sex Abuse Attorney

The right law firm can make all the difference when you pursue justice against your abuser. Some of the challenges in these cases include proving that abuse occurred, the lack of physical evidence, and requiring medical expert testimony. 

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you overcome these challenges to ensure your therapist abuse case leads to a fair settlement. 

How Common Is Therapist Sexual Abuse?

A study conducted of 491 patients revealed that 8.96% of the individuals had suffered from sexual violence perpetrated by a medical professional. Mental health professionals even abused some of these patients. A separate study found that 10% of psychotherapists had gotten involved in a sexual relationship with a patient at some point in their careers. 

Where Do Therapist Abuse and Assault Incidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

In Chicago, therapist abuse is more likely to occur in certain locations. Here are some environments where patients could fall victim to inappropriate sexual contact:

• In-home visits from therapists
• Medical clinics
• One-on-one visits in medical care settings
• Nursing homes
• Family health centers
• Behavioral facilities

What Laws Govern Civil and Criminal Cases of Sex Abuse in Chicago?

Under Illinois law, the Sexual Exploitation in Psychotherapy, Professional Health Services, and Professional Mental Health Services Act (740 ILCS 140/) gives survivors the right to bring a civil lawsuit and seek compensation when they are sexually exploited by professionals in positions of trust, such as therapists, counselors, or healthcare providers. 

The statute recognizes the power imbalance in these relationships and holds professionals accountable when they use their role to commit sexual abuse or exploitation. In addition to creating a cause of action against the individual abuser, the Act also strengthens survivors’ ability to pursue damages from employers and institutions that failed to protect them.

How Long After the Abuse Happened Can I Take Legal Action in Criminal and Civil Court?

For civil actions involving adults, the victim will have two years from the date of the incident or the date of discovery of the abuse to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). 

If the abuse occurred during childhood after 2014, there is no statute of limitations. However, if you were abused as a minor before 2014, you will have 20 years from your 18th birthday to pursue justice against the abuser. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Therapist Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

Multiple parties may be liable for therapist sexual abuse. Your attorney will help you investigate the case to determine who may be liable for damages.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Therapist
• Clinic administrators
• Nursing home staff
• Contractors
• Maintenance workers
• Security personnel
• Healthcare provider companies

Common Defenses in Chicago Sexual Abuse Claims

The defendant and their lawyers will use various arguments to undermine your claim, such as:

• There was consent for the sexual relationship
• There is no proof that abuse or assault occurred
• The victim is exaggerating their legal damages
• The statute of limitations has passed based on the victim’s age or how much time has gone by since the abuse

A top therapist sexual abuse attorney from our firm will help you counter these defenses by acquiring additional evidence, such as past patient complaints, witness statements, medical expert testimony, background checks, psychological evaluations, and incident reports. 

How to Strengthen Your Therapist Sexual Abuse Case in Chicago

Although it is still legal to seek economic and non-economic damages long after the abuse, taking action immediately can help you succeed during the legal process. 

Here are the steps you should follow to leverage your legal rights:

• Report the incident to the authorities or an abuse hotline and seek emotional support
• Seek immediate medical attention for physical injuries
• Document all treatment for both physical and emotional symptoms
• Retain all medical records
• Gather evidence, such as witness information or past complaint reports
• Consult the best attorneys in Chicago for help pursuing legal options

How Our Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Our legal services include:

• Assessing damages, like lost income and emotional distress
• Investigating the therapist abuse
• Gathering evidence
• Conferring with medical experts
• Securing witness statements
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Litigating in civil court if necessary

FAQs

How much does a therapist sexual abuse attorney cost in Chicago?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you owe nothing to your therapist sexual abuse lawyer unless they win your case. That payment is then deducted right from the final settlement. 

Can I file a lawsuit without criminal charges against the perpetrator?

Even if you are seeking justice in a criminal proceeding, you can also file a claim for compensation for sexual assault and abuse. Civil and criminal proceedings are separate, so you can pursue a settlement even if the abuser is never charged for their crimes. 

Who can file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Chicago?

Any adult who has been abused can file a lawsuit in Chicago, given they are within the statute of limitations. For child victims, a legal representative can be appointed to file their claim. 

Consult a Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near You

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to provide legal guidance while you are seeking justice against the perpetrator. Mental health professionals who take advantage of their position must be held accountable. Our legal team charges no upfront fees for our services, and we also offer a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Contact our personal injury law firm in Chicago today at 888-424-5757 to schedule a free consultation if you have been the victim of therapist abuse. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.