Sexual abuse leaves deep wounds on a child's life, but families in Fort Lauderdale have a legal team ready to stand with them and fight for accountability. If your child has been harmed by sexual abuse, or if you are an adult survivor of childhood abuse, a trusted Fort Lauderdale child sexual abuse lawyer can help you pursue justice through the civil court system.
Civil litigation holds abusers and the institutions that enabled them financially responsible, and it can be a powerful step forward in the healing process. At Horowitz Law, our attorneys have spent decades representing survivors of child sexual abuse across Florida and nationwide, recovering significant compensation and demanding that those responsible answer for their failures.
You don’t have to face this alone. When you are ready, contact our Fort Lauderdale sexual abuse law firm to discuss your legal rights and options during a free, confidential case evaluation.
Why Choose Us to Support You in Your Fort Lauderdale Child Sexual Abuse Case
When a family is dealing with the effects of child sexual abuse, choosing the right legal team matters. Horowitz Law has built its entire practice around representing survivors of sexual abuse, and that singular dedication shapes everything about how we handle your case.
- A track record that speaks for itself. Our managing partner, Adam Horowitz, secured a jury verdict of over $70 million on behalf of a sexual assault survivor in Fort Lauderdale — one of the largest verdicts of its kind ever obtained for an individual survivor in the United States.
- Decades of focused experience. Our attorneys have represented hundreds of survivors nationwide, developing an in-depth understanding of the legal strategies, forensic resources, and sensitive advocacy these cases demand.
- Compassion at every step. From your first confidential phone call, our team treats you and your family with dignity and respect. We connect survivors with counseling services, mental health resources, and support networks because your well-being always comes first.
- No financial risk to you. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Your initial case evaluation is completely free and confidential.
Our firm has taken on powerful institutions and corporations without hesitation. No organization is too large for us to confront, and no case is too sensitive for us to handle with the care it deserves. Contact us today to discuss your case during a free and confidential case consultation.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Claims in Fort Lauderdale
Child sexual abuse is both a criminal offense and a basis for civil legal action in Florida. While criminal cases are handled by prosecutors and can result in prison time for offenders, civil claims are separate legal actions that allow survivors and their families to seek financial compensation for the harm that was done.
A Fort Lauderdale child sexual abuse lawyer files these civil claims on your behalf, targeting not only the individual abuser but also any organization, employer, or institution whose negligence allowed the abuse to happen.
Florida has been at the forefront of legislative reform aimed at supporting survivors of child sexual abuse. Under Florida Statute § 95.11, survivors of childhood sexual abuse now have expanded time to bring civil claims.
Recent legislative reforms in Florida have significantly extended the statute of limitations for these cases, reflecting a growing understanding that many survivors need years or even decades before they are ready to come forward. These changes mean that even if the abuse happened long ago, you may still have a valid legal claim.
Fort Lauderdale families should understand that civil cases operate under a different standard of proof than criminal cases. A criminal conviction is not required to succeed in a civil lawsuit. Many civil claims move forward even when criminal charges were never filed or resulted in an acquittal.
Who Can Be Held Accountable
One of the most important aspects of a child sexual abuse civil case is identifying every party that bears responsibility. Abuse rarely happens in complete isolation. Often, institutions and individuals in positions of authority failed in their duty to protect a child. A Fort Lauderdale child sexual abuse attorney investigates these failures and pursues claims against all responsible parties, which may include:
- Individual abusers — the person who directly committed the abuse
- Schools and school districts — including both public and private institutions that failed to screen employees, ignored warning signs, or concealed reports of abuse
- Religious organizations — churches, dioceses, and other faith-based institutions with a history of transferring or shielding abusive clergy and staff
- Youth-serving organizations — sports leagues, camps, scouting groups, mentorship programs, and other organizations trusted with children's safety
- Daycare centers and foster care agencies — facilities and systems responsible for the daily care and protection of vulnerable children
- Employers — any business or entity that negligently hired, supervised, or retained an employee who abused a child
Holding institutions accountable sends a clear message that protecting children must be a priority, not an afterthought. Civil litigation often uncovers systemic failures that, once exposed, lead to meaningful changes in how organizations screen staff, respond to reports, and safeguard the children in their care.
How Child Sexual Abuse Cases Work in Florida
Many families are understandably unsure about what the legal process looks like. While every case is different, a child sexual abuse claim in Florida generally follows a series of steps that your legal team will guide you through from beginning to end.
The process typically starts with a confidential consultation where your attorney listens to your family's experience, answers your questions, and evaluates the strength of your potential claim. If you choose to move forward, your legal team conducts a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as medical records, institutional documents, witness statements, and any prior complaints or reports related to the abuser or the institution involved.
Your attorney then files a civil complaint in court, identifying the defendants and outlining the legal basis for your claim. In many cases, defendants will attempt to settle the matter before trial.
Your lawyer's role is to evaluate any settlement offer carefully and advise you on whether it fairly reflects the harm your child has suffered. If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, your legal team prepares to take the case to trial and present it before a jury.
Throughout this process, your family's privacy is treated as a priority. Florida law provides protections for minor survivors, and experienced attorneys take additional steps to shield children and families from unnecessary public exposure.
Compensation Available to Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in Fort Lauderdale
Civil claims exist to address the real, lasting harm that child sexual abuse causes. While no amount of money can undo what happened, compensation recognizes the depth of that harm and provides resources that support a survivor's path forward. Damages in a Fort Lauderdale child sexual abuse case may cover:
- Therapy and counseling costs — both current treatment and the ongoing mental health support that survivors often need for years
- Medical expenses — including treatment for any physical injuries related to the abuse
- Pain and suffering — compensation for the emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and trauma that survivors endure
- Loss of quality of life — recognition that abuse fundamentally changes a survivor's childhood, relationships, and development
- Punitive damages — additional compensation that a court may award when the conduct of the abuser or institution was especially reckless or egregious, intended to punish wrongdoing and deter future misconduct
Every case is unique, and the types and amounts of compensation depend on the specific circumstances involved. Our experienced child sexual abuse attorneys in Fort Lauderdale evaluates the full scope of harm to pursue the maximum recovery available under Florida law.
What to Look for in a Fort Lauderdale Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
Choosing an attorney for a child sexual abuse case is a deeply personal decision. The right lawyer will have meaningful experience handling these sensitive claims, a genuine commitment to treating your family with compassion, and the legal resources necessary to take on well-funded institutions.
Here are several qualities that matter most when selecting a Fort Lauderdale child sexual abuse lawyer:
- Look for a firm that focuses its practice on sexual abuse cases. Attorneys who handle these claims regularly understand the unique legal, psychological, and emotional dimensions involved. They know how to work with forensic professionals, how to protect a survivor's privacy, and how to build a case that accounts for the full impact of the abuse.
- Ask about the firm's willingness to go to trial. Many institutions and their insurance companies count on survivors accepting low settlement offers out of fear of a courtroom. A legal team that has a proven record of taking cases to verdict — and winning — has significantly more leverage in every negotiation.
- Make sure you feel heard and respected from your very first conversation. The legal process can feel intimidating, and your attorney should be someone who listens carefully, communicates clearly, and puts your family's well-being above all else.
Selecting the right legal representation can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case and in how supported your family feels throughout the process. The right child sexual abuse attorney will not only fight for the compensation your family deserves but will also serve as a steady, trustworthy presence during a difficult time.
FAQs for Why You Need a Fort Lauderdale Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Below are answers to some of the questions that families in the Fort Lauderdale area frequently ask when considering legal action for child sexual abuse.
Is there a time limit for filing a child sexual abuse lawsuit in Florida?
Florida has extended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims in recent years, giving survivors more time to come forward. The specific deadline depends on the details of your situation, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand your options.
Can I file a civil lawsuit if the abuser was never criminally charged?
Yes. Civil cases and criminal cases are separate legal proceedings with different standards of proof. You can pursue a civil claim regardless of whether criminal charges were filed, and many successful civil cases involve situations where no criminal prosecution took place.
Will my child have to testify in court?
In many cases, claims are resolved through settlement before trial. If a case does go to trial, Florida law provides protections for minor witnesses, and your attorney will take every possible step to minimize the stress on your child.
What if the abuse happened at a school or church — can I sue the institution?
Absolutely. Institutions that fail to protect children in their care can be held liable in civil court. This includes schools, churches, youth organizations, daycare centers, and any other entity that had a duty to safeguard your child and failed to do so.
How much does it cost to hire a child sexual abuse lawyer?
At Horowitz Law, there is no upfront cost. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect a fee if we obtain compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free and completely confidential.
Can an adult survivor of childhood abuse still file a lawsuit?
Yes. Florida's reformed statute of limitations allows many adult survivors to bring claims for abuse they suffered as children, even if that abuse occurred many years ago. An attorney can review your circumstances and let you know whether you are still within the filing window.
What kind of evidence is needed for a child sexual abuse civil case?
Evidence can include medical and therapy records, institutional documents, witness accounts, prior complaints against the abuser, and testimony from forensic and psychological professionals. Your legal team handles the investigation and evidence gathering on your behalf.
Contact the Trusted Fort Lauderdale Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers at Horowitz Law
If your child has suffered sexual abuse, or if you are an adult survivor ready to hold those responsible accountable, Horowitz Law is here for you. Our attorneys have the experience, the resources, and the unwavering commitment to fight for your family's future. Every conversation with our team is confidential, compassionate, and free of any obligation.
Call Horowitz Law today at 888-283-9922 for a free, confidential consultation. You and your family deserve a legal team that believes you, stands beside you, and refuses to stop fighting until justice is done.