We don't just see cases; we see people.
No one should have to endure the trauma of sexual abuse—especially not in a place meant to nurture and protect. Unfortunately, Florida schools and universities can become places where trust is broken, leaving survivors to deal with complex emotions, life-altering consequences, and uncertainty about what to do next.
At Horowitz Law, we understand the profound impact this kind of betrayal has on survivors. Our team of compassionate Florida school and university sexual abuse attorneys is committed to helping you take back your power and hold those responsible accountable.
Contact us online or at (954) 641-2100 today for a free, confidential consultation. It's time to take the first step toward reclaiming your life.
Who Can File A School or University Sexual Abuse Claim?
Sexual abuse survivors may file a claim for a wide range of behaviors and actions that violate state and federal laws. Our lawyers can analyze the details of your case and explain your legal options in the wake of these tragic events.
If you experienced any of the following, don't hesitate to contact Horowitz Law today for a confidential case evaluation:
- Sexual misconduct by teachers, coaches, or school staff. This includes inappropriate contact, grooming behaviors, coercion, or outright assault by anyone in a position of authority within the school.
- Peer-on-peer abuse. Cases involving harassment, assault, or harmful actions by fellow students that were ignored or mishandled by the school.
- Abuse during school-related activities. Incidents that occur during field trips, extracurricular programs, after-school care, or sports camps where institutions failed to provide adequate oversight.
- Negligent hiring or supervision of staff. Schools may be held liable for employing individuals with histories of misconduct or failing to adequately monitor interactions between staff or volunteers and students.
- Abuse at boarding schools or residential facilities. Harm that occurs within the walls of institutions where students are tasked with living under the care of the school's staff.
- Failure to act on reported threats or prior allegations. If abuse could have been prevented but wasn't due to negligence in handling previous warnings or reports.
- Online harassment or exploitation linked to a school setting. This includes cyber-related abuse, such as messaging, image-sharing, or other exploitative behaviors facilitated by someone within the school system.
- Retaliation for reporting sexual assault or abuse. Witnesses, victims, or their families who faced bullying, punishment, or exclusion from opportunities for speaking out about sexual misconduct.
- Historical abuse by former employees or peers. You may still have options even if the incident happened years ago or the perpetrator is no longer part of the institution.
- Abuse in fraternities, sororities, or college organizations. Assaults or misconduct tied to campus clubs, Greek life, or other student-led organizations where schools failed to address clear risks.
These acts do not have to be explicit or physically violent to have a lasting impact or necessitate legal action. Coercive behaviors, inappropriate communication, or manipulative emotional grooming may also inflict harm and may qualify for compensation under the law.
If you are unsure whether your case qualifies, contact a Florida school and university sexual abuse lawyer from Horowitz Law to learn more about your legal options for justice.
Legal Options for Survivors of School Sexual Abuse
Criminal cases pursue penalties against abusers, which could include jail time, blacklisting from educational professionals, and mandatory sex offender registration.
Civil cases focus on ensuring survivors receive the financial support they deserve for damages and losses they suffered.
Potential areas of compensation or recovery may include:
- Medical and therapy expenses. Legal action could appropriately address the staggering costs of counseling, therapy sessions, or medical treatments related to the trauma.
- Lost wages and earning potential. Abuse often disrupts survivors' ability to work or pursue education, affecting long-term career opportunities. Compensation can address income lost both now and in the future.
- Pain and suffering. While no financial value can erase the pain, compensation for the emotional and mental suffering of abuse, compensation can help pay to treat the immeasurable psychological toll of abuse, including PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
- Cost of relocation or lifestyle adjustments. Survivors may need to relocate or adjust their living situation to feel safe or begin healing. These changes often come with significant financial burdens that could be covered in a civil lawsuit.
- Interruption of education or professional goals. Abuse can derail academic performance or career advancement. Legal action can help recover damages associated with delayed opportunities.
Seeking compensation is not about placing a price on your experience. Rather, it secures the resources needed to ease financial burdens, support your recovery, and allow you to focus on building a safer, healthier future.
With the help of a school & university sexual abuse attorney from Horowitz Law, you can pursue accountability and ensure your voice is heard in a way that prioritizes your goals and well-being.
Feeling Unsure About Reporting School Sexual Abuse? Here's How a Lawyer Can Help
Sharing Your Story Safely and Compassionately
Talking about your experience can feel like reliving the trauma all over again. A skilled attorney will create a safe, confidential space for you to share your account in a way that honors your comfort level.
They also manage the communication and legal work, minimizing the need for you to repeatedly recount painful details. You control your narrative—your voice, your terms.
Turning the Spotlight onto Accountability
It's not uncommon for institutions or individuals to deny, deflect, or distort the truth when allegations arise.
Attorneys know how to face these tactics head-on by uncovering strong evidence, challenging false narratives, and presenting a strong case that supports your experience.
From uncovering negligence to tracking patterns of misconduct, your lawyer will ensure the truth comes to light.
Gathering the Evidence You Deserve
You shouldn't have to become a detective to prove what happened to you. A university sexual abuse lawyer from Horowitz Law will help collect evidence, analyze case details, and work with experts to demonstrate the truth of your trauma.
Whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, the right legal team knows where to look and how to connect the dots.
Protecting Your Rights Every Step of the Way
Without guidance, you may quickly lose yourself in deadlines, policies, and legal jargon.
An attorney always protects your rights, from filing initial reports to reaching a resolution. They fight to prevent retaliation, safeguard your privacy, and support you while you pursue your claim.
Creating a Path Toward Hope and Justice
The emotional toll of facing legal challenges is a lot to deal with, especially when educational institutions bring in aggressive defense teams. Your attorney becomes your advocate in these moments, pushing back against intimidation strategies, false narratives, and attempts to deny your pain.
When Should You Speak to a Lawyer?
Legal representation doesn't just validate what you went through—it opens the door to accountability, justice, and valuable resources for recovery. Survivors often discover they have more options than they realized after speaking
with an attorney, especially if they don't wait to schedule a confidential case evaluation.
Whether it's your first step or your final decision, contacting a school and university sexual assault lawyer puts control back in your hands. Legal action isn't just about pursuing a verdict—it's about taking back your power, protecting your future, and finding the closure you deserve.
Steps to Take After Experiencing School Sexual Abuse
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse at a school or university, you may feel overwhelmed about what to do next. Taking thoughtful steps now can make a significant difference in your healing process and your legal options.
Here are some actions you can take to protect your rights and stay on track toward seeking justice:
- Ensure your immediate safety. Find a safe environment and seek support for your emotional and physical well-being.
- Keep detailed records. Document your experiences, communications, and any related medical or therapy records.
- Talk to someone you trust. Speak with a supportive friend, family member, counselor, or hotline advocate to share your experience.
- Report the abuse. When ready, consider filing a report with school officials or law enforcement to create a formal record.
- Consult a lawyer before speaking to institutions. Protect your rights by seeking legal advice prior to conversations with school representatives or insurance companies.
Every survivor's path is deeply personal, and these steps empower you to take back control in a way that feels right for you.
A qualified school & university sexual abuse attorney in Florida from Horowitz Law can help guide you through this process, providing the support and advocacy needed to hold those responsible accountable.
Florida School and University Sexual Abuse Lawyer FAQs
What if the abuse happened a long time ago?
You might still have legal options. Statutes of limitations have changed in many areas, creating opportunities for survivors of historical abuse to come forward. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help determine if you qualify to pursue justice, even if significant time has passed.
How long will the legal process take?
The timeline for resolving a case varies based on its complexity. While cases can take time, our team is committed to handling your claim as efficiently as possible while ensuring that every detail is thoroughly addressed.
Can I seek justice on behalf of a minor who was sexually abused at school?
Yes, a parent or legal guardian can pursue a claim on behalf of a minor. Protecting a child's safety and seeking accountability is critical, but the process can feel impossible.
An attorney can offer guidance, ensuring the child's voice is heard while protecting their rights and well-being throughout.
How much does it cost to hire a sexual abuse lawyer?
At our firm, we know that cost should never stand in the way of seeking justice. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and you don't pay any legal fees unless your case successfully resolves.
We handle the financial risk so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Will my case be public?
Your privacy is always a priority. Cases are handled with the utmost care and confidentiality, and nothing will be disclosed without your consent. We create a safe space for you to pursue justice without fear of unnecessary exposure.
Horowitz Law | Comprehensive and Compasation Legal Support From Florida School & University Sexual Abuse Attorneys
You didn't choose this trauma, but you can choose how you respond. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you hold those responsible accountable while working tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Your story matters. Your recovery matters. It's time to take the first step toward reclaiming your voice, power, and future. Contact a Florida school and university sexual abuse attorney from Horowitz Law online or at (954) 641-2100 to discuss your legal options in a safe and secure setting.