Fort Lauderdale Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Child sexual abuse in Fort Lauderdale can take many forms, including physical sexual abuse, exploitation, grooming, and abuse within institutions such as schools, churches, or youth programs. Physical sexual abuse involves direct contact, while grooming and exploitation often occur over time, with abusers manipulating and isolating the child. Emotional and psychological abuse frequently accompanies these acts, leaving long-lasting trauma.

The attorneys at Horowitz Law are dedicated to helping survivors and their families pursue justice and compensation. We carefully investigate each case, gather critical evidence, and identify all responsible parties. Whether through negotiating a fair settlement or pursuing litigation in court, our team works to recover damages for medical care, therapy, emotional suffering, and other losses. Advocating aggressively and compassionately, we help families hold abusers accountable and secure the financial and legal support their child deserves.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale child sexual abuse attorney, please call us at (954) 641-2100 or contact us online today.

Why Should Our Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale Represent You or Your Child?

When pursuing a child sexual abuse case in Fort Lauderdale, choosing the right legal team is critical. Horowitz Law offers compassionate attorneys who understand the sensitive nature of these cases and are committed to achieving accountability and justice for survivors. With decades of experience handling child sexual abuse claims both in Florida and across the country, our attorneys have a proven track record of successfully resolving cases through settlements as well as litigation.

Our legal team is fully prepared to fight for your rights and ensure responsible parties are held accountable for their actions. We approach every case with care and determination, carefully gathering evidence and building a strong legal strategy tailored to your child’s unique situation. At Horowitz Law, we work tirelessly to maximize both justice and compensation, addressing the emotional, physical, and financial impacts of abuse. Families can rely on our experience and dedication to guide them through this challenging process with support and knowledge.

You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our office is conveniently located at 110 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1530, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. 

Key Takeaways: Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Fort Lauderdale

• Common Locations and Types of Abuse: Abuse often occurs in schools, churches, youth programs, and private homes. It can include physical sexual abuse, grooming, exploitation, and emotional or psychological abuse.
• Physical, Mental, and Emotional Injuries: Survivors may experience physical harm, trauma-related health issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and lasting emotional effects that impact daily life and relationships.
• Immediate Steps to Take: Report the abuse to authorities, seek medical and psychological care, and preserve any evidence of the abuse.
• Legal Compensation: Survivors may recover economic damages such as medical and therapy costs, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. Punitive damages may also be available in gross negligence or intentional misconduct cases.
• How Horowitz Law Can Help: Our compassionate attorneys are committed to accountability and justice. We thoroughly investigate the abuse, identify responsible parties, and pursue maximum compensation through settlements or litigation. Families receive dedicated support as we fight aggressively for the child’s rights and long-term well-being.

How Much is a Fort Lauderdale Child Sexual Abuse Case Worth?

The value of a child sexual abuse case in Fort Lauderdale varies widely based on the details of the abuse and its effects on the child’s life. Courts and juries consider the nature, duration, and severity of the abuse, along with the resulting physical, emotional, and psychological harm. The child’s age, long-term trauma, and impact on future opportunities—such as education and personal development—are also critical factors. When an institution such as a school, church, or youth organization negligently allowed the abuse to occur, that entity’s role can significantly increase the case’s potential value.

Types of Recoverable Compensation

A civil child sexual abuse case can involve multiple forms of compensation. Economic damages often cover medical costs, counseling, therapy, and other necessary treatments. Non-economic damages are typically substantial, reflecting the deep emotional suffering, loss of trust, anxiety, and diminished quality of life caused by the abuse. In some cases, punitive damages may be available when the abuser or responsible organization acted with gross negligence. These damages are meant to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar actions in the future.

Most Common Locations for Child Sexual Abuse in Fort Lauderdale

In Fort Lauderdale, child sexual abuse has been reported in a variety of familiar settings where children are supposed to feel safe. Within the Broward County school system, incidents have occurred at schools such as Fort Lauderdale High School and Dillard High School, where teachers and staff allegedly abused their positions of authority to exploit students. These schools, meant to be secure spaces for learning, became places where children experienced trauma that often went unnoticed for years.

Religious institutions have also been linked to reported cases of abuse. Within the Archdiocese of Miami, which covers Fort Lauderdale, allegations have emerged involving St. Coleman Catholic Church and St. Pius X Catholic Church. These cases show how spiritual authority can be misused to conceal harm, leaving survivors to wrestle with fear and confusion alongside their faith.

Youth programs and private coaching settings in the area have also been sites of reported abuse. In Fort Lauderdale sports leagues, including swim and track teams, lapses in supervision allowed some coaches to isolate and manipulate children under the guise of mentorship.

Types of Child Sexual Abuse in Fort Lauderdale

Physical Sexual Abuse

One of the most commonly reported forms of child sexual abuse in Fort Lauderdale is physical sexual abuse. It involves direct sexual contact between an adult or older youth and a minor, including touching, fondling, or intercourse. These acts are often committed by someone the child knows and trusts, such as a family member, caregiver, teacher, or coach. Physical sexual abuse can have long-lasting effects on a child’s emotional and psychological well-being, creating trauma that often persists into adulthood.

Exploitation and Grooming

Exploitation and grooming are also common. Grooming occurs when an abuser builds a relationship with a child over time to manipulate, desensitize, and prepare them for sexual abuse. It may involve giving gifts, providing special attention, or creating secrecy around the relationship. Exploitation can extend to forcing a child to engage in sexual acts for money, recording sexual activity, or using images to intimidate or control the child. In Fort Lauderdale, these cases often involve online platforms, social media, or private encounters in homes and youth programs.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Emotional and psychological abuse frequently accompanies physical or sexual abuse. It can include verbal manipulation, threats, or humiliation aimed at controlling the child and silencing them. Abusers may instill fear, shame, or confusion to maintain secrecy, making it harder for survivors to disclose the abuse.

Institutional Abuse

Abuse within institutions, such as schools, churches, and sports programs, is another common type in Fort Lauderdale. These environments provide access and authority that some individuals exploit.

Injuries Resulting from Child Sexual Abuse in Fort Lauderdale

Physical Injuries

Child sexual abuse in Fort Lauderdale can result in a range of physical injuries, though not all survivors display visible signs. Some children may experience bruising, cuts, or soreness in genital or other sensitive areas. In more severe cases, abuse can lead to sexually transmitted infections, chronic pain, or other medical complications that require ongoing treatment. Even when physical injuries are minimal, the body often responds to trauma with stress-related symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or sleep disturbances.

Mental Health Consequences

The mental impact of sexual abuse is often profound and long-lasting. Survivors may experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can interfere with daily functioning, school performance, and social interactions. Nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts are common, making it difficult for children to feel safe in environments that remind them of the abuse. Cognitive difficulties, including problems with concentration and memory, are also frequently reported.

Emotional and Behavioral Effects

Emotional injuries are closely intertwined with mental health challenges. Feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem are prevalent among survivors, often compounded by fear of judgment or disbelief. Behavioral changes may include withdrawal from friends and family, aggression, or risky behaviors. Trust issues and difficulty forming healthy relationships can persist into adulthood.

Pursuing Compensation in a Fort Lauderdale Child Sexual Abuse Case 

The legal team at Horowitz Law in Fort Lauderdale is experienced at helping survivors of child sexual abuse and their families pursue the compensation they deserve. These cases often involve complicated emotional, legal, and evidentiary issues, and having knowledgeable attorneys is critical to ensuring that survivors receive full and fair recovery.

Horowitz Law begins by thoroughly reviewing the circumstances of the abuse, identifying all responsible parties, and gathering evidence to support a claim. It may include medical records, counseling documentation, witness statements, and relevant institutional reports. The team works to build a strong case that clearly demonstrates the physical, emotional, and psychological harm suffered by the child.

In many situations, the attorneys at Horowitz Law can negotiate a settlement with the responsible parties or their insurance companies. Settlements provide a way to secure compensation without the uncertainty and delay of a trial, allowing families to focus on recovery and support for the child. The legal team carefully evaluates any settlement offers to ensure that the amount adequately reflects the severity of the abuse and its long-term consequences.

Horowitz Law is prepared to pursue litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached. The attorneys represent the child and family in court, presenting evidence and testimony to hold abusers accountable and maximize compensation. Litigation can include claims for economic damages, such as medical and therapy costs, and non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. Through both settlement and litigation, Horowitz Law is committed to advocating aggressively for the rights and well-being of survivors in Fort Lauderdale.

Most Important Steps to Take if You or Your Child is a Survivor of Sexual Abuse in Fort Lauderdale

If you or your child has been a survivor of child sexual abuse in Fort Lauderdale, taking immediate and careful action is crucial to protect your child and preserve legal options.

• The first step is to report the abuse to local authorities. Contacting the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or the Florida Department of Children and Families ensures that trained professionals can investigate the situation, protect the child, and document evidence.
• Medical attention is also important, even if there are no visible injuries. A healthcare professional can assess physical harm, provide treatment, and create records that may be used in a legal case.
• Documenting the abuse is another essential step. Keep a record of any statements the child makes, as well as emails, messages, or other evidence that may support your claim. Avoid confronting the alleged abuser directly, as this can complicate legal proceedings.
• Finally, contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale child sexual abuse lawyers as soon as possible. Early consultation allows us to guide you through reporting, evidence preservation, and pursuing legal action. Acting quickly helps protect your child, preserve key evidence, and maximize the potential for compensation.

FAQs: Child Sexual Abuse in Fort Lauderdale

Call an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Today 

At Horowitz Law, our skilled and compassionate lawyers are prepared to handle your case from beginning to end and fight for the justice and compensation you or your child needs.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale sexual abuse lawyer, please call us at (954) 641-2100 or contact us online today.