Tampa Cheer Teams and Youth Sports Sexual Abuse

The moment you suspect or discover that someone you trusted with your child's well-being may have caused them unimaginable harm is a shattering realization. The thought of a cheer coach or youth sports official betraying a child's trust is a profound violation. It can leave you feeling lost, angry, and unsure of where to turn. 

If this has happened to your family, our Tampa youth sports sexual abuse attorney at Horowitz Law understands the immense pain and confusion you are experiencing. We believe you. We are here to help you seek civil justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.

We know how difficult it is to even consider a lawsuit when you're focused on your child's emotional recovery. A civil lawsuit can be a major part of that healing process. It can be a path toward healing and empowerment, allowing you to give a voice to your past and demand justice. 

A civil claim is also a way to confront institutional failures and pursue the resources your child needs for their long-term care, therapy, and support. Our team is committed to providing a compassionate and supportive environment every step of the way.

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Tampa Youth Sports Sexual Abuse Guide

Key Takeaways for Tampa Cheer Teams and Youth Sports Sexual Abuse

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  • A civil lawsuit focuses on holding institutions and their employees financially accountable for failures that enabled abuse.
  • Florida's statute of limitations for child sexual abuse has changed, with some types of claims having no time limit, so you must contact an attorney to confirm your specific deadline.
  • Pursuing a claim may help you secure compensation for psychological trauma, therapy costs, and other long-term damages.
  • Horowitz Law offers a confidential, no-cost consultation to help you understand your legal options and how to proceed.
  • You may find a lawsuit to be a powerful step in your healing journey by giving you control and a path toward accountability.

Why Choose Horowitz Law for Your Tampa Child Sexual Abuse Case?

Choosing a law firm after a traumatic event is a deeply personal decision. You need a team with a proven track record that understands the emotional weight you’re carrying. 

Horowitz Law focuses exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse. Our dedication to this area of law provides a level of experience and commitment most other firms simply cannot match. We are committed to creating a safe and validating space for you and your family.

A compassionate, client-centered approach

Every case starts with your well-being. From the moment you contact us, our team provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment. We know that coming forward takes tremendous courage, and we treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve.

History of relentless advocacy

Attorney Adam Horowitz and his team have spent decades holding wrongdoers accountable. We have experience confronting powerful organizations, and our dedication has led to significant results, including a jury verdict of over $70 million for a survivor of sexual assault. We are ready to confront any organization to pursue justice on your behalf.

We believe you

Our firm’s foundation is built on the unwavering belief that your voice deserves to be heard. We understand that the abuse is not your fault, and we approach every case with validating and affirming respect. We listen to your story with a compassionate ear and work tirelessly to hold the alleged perpetrator and negligent institution accountable.

A commitment to accessibility

We believe everyone should have access to skilled legal representation regardless of their financial situation. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we achieve a financial recovery for you. 

How Can a Cheer Team or Youth Sports Organization Be Held Liable for Abuse?

Parents trust youth sports organizations and cheer teams with the children’s well-being and safety. When an organization allows abuse, it betrays that trust and may be held liable. 

Florida's mandatory reporting laws (section 39.201 of the Florida Statutes) require any person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been a victim of sexual abuse to report it immediately to the central abuse hotline. This legal mandate applies to a wide range of individuals, including those who work with children in sports and cheerleading organizations.

A civil lawsuit may allege that the organization was negligent in its duties, such as failing to conduct proper background checks or ignoring signs of abuse. This is the core of institutional negligence.

Holding the organization accountable for its actions can be a powerful act of justice. Organizations have a legal and ethical duty to protect the minors in their care. When they fail, it is vital to hold them responsible to help prevent future abuse from occurring.

Recognizing the Signs of Sexual Abuse in Youth

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The signs of child sexual abuse can be subtle and difficult to recognize. Many children do not have the words to describe what happened, and they may feel shame, fear, or confusion. 

Parents often first notice a change in their child's behavior, which may not always be linked to the abuse itself. A qualified professional, such as a pediatrician or child psychologist, may help you understand your child’s behavior.

While these signs may point to other issues, they can also signal that a child has been a victim of abuse:

  • Unexplained fear of a specific coach or of going to practice or games
  • New, inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior for their age
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or an increase in nightmares
  • A sudden change in mood, such as becoming withdrawn, aggressive, or unusually anxious
  • Complaints of pain or injury in the genital area or when going to the bathroom

If you notice any of these signs, trust your instincts. The sooner you seek help, the sooner your family may begin to heal. A civil lawsuit cannot erase trauma, but it may help provide the resources for therapy and support to aid in your child’s long-term healing.

When you decide to pursue legal action, our team guides you through the process from beginning to end. We handle all the details, from the initial investigation to the final resolution of your case. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible for your family while positioning you for the best possible results.

Here are some steps we take to build a strong case:

  • Investigation: We gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and documentation from the youth sports organization.
  • Case Filing: Your attorney drafts and files a civil complaint, which formally notifies the organization that you are seeking compensation and accountability for their negligence.
  • Discovery: We exchange information with the other side through depositions, subpoenas, and requests for documents to prepare for trial or settlement negotiations.
  • Negotiation: Your legal team will pursue a settlement with the organization’s insurance or legal team to secure compensation without the need for a trial.
  • Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to present your case in court to fight for a favorable verdict.

Civil Lawsuits Versus Criminal Cases

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A civil lawsuit and a criminal case have two different purposes. A criminal case, brought by the state, aims to punish the individual who committed the abuse. Its goal is to secure a conviction and a sentence, such as prison time. The standard for a criminal conviction is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

A civil lawsuit, on the other hand, is about securing financial compensation and holding the institution financially accountable. The case is brought by the survivor and their family. The standard is "by a preponderance of the evidence," which means it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred. 

A civil case may succeed even if a criminal case does not. Our firm focuses exclusively on civil litigation, and we can help you understand how this process may provide a powerful path to justice.

How Civil Lawsuits Help Sexual Abuse Survivors and Their Families

The act of filing a civil lawsuit is about more than just money. It is a powerful way to empower survivors and hold negligent institutions accountable for their actions.

 Civil litigation provides an opportunity for you to give a voice to your past and demand justice through the courts. We understand that this is a difficult step to take, but for many survivors, it is a meaningful part of the healing journey.

A civil lawsuit may help you obtain the resources you need for your child's recovery, such as long-term therapy and medical care. Taking legal action can help you regain a sense of control and prevent future abuse from happening to other children.

The Scope of Youth Sports Sexual Abuse

Researchers agree that the prevalence of child sexual abuse is far greater than what is reported to authorities. Studies by the Crimes Against Children Research Center found that one in five girls and one in 20 boys are victims of child sexual abuse. In the vast majority of cases where a child has been sexually assaulted, the perpetrator is someone they know well, such as a family member, teacher, coach, clergy member, or other authority figure.

Child sexual abuse is not limited to physical contact; it may also include non-contact abuse, such as voyeurism or exposure. While youth sexual abuse happens to minors of any age, children are most vulnerable to abuse between the ages of 7 and 13.

What Damages May You Pursue in a Lawsuit?

While financial recovery is not the sole purpose of a lawsuit, it can be a vital step toward healing. The compensation you may pursue can help provide the resources your family needs. This compensation is known as damages, and its purpose is to address the wide range of losses and harms caused by the abuse.

A Tampa youth sports sexual abuse attorney might pursue several types of compensation, including:

  • Emotional and psychological damages: These damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and long-term psychological trauma.
  • Medical and therapeutic costs: You can pursue compensation to cover expenses for therapy, counseling, and any future medical care your child may need.
  • Lost income: If you had to miss work to care for your child or attend court dates, you may pursue compensation for lost wages.

We work to pursue fair compensation for your family’s losses, which can help provide a stable foundation for your child's recovery. A civil claim may help you obtain the resources you need to get the proper care and support.

Is There a Deadline to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Florida?

Yes, a time limit exists for filing a sexual abuse civil lawsuit in Florida. This is known as the statute of limitations. The time you have to file a claim for child sexual abuse varies significantly by state and has been changing recently. For certain claims, Florida now has no statute of limitations.

In 2024, Florida passed Senate Bill 1224, eliminating the statute of limitations for certain child sexual abuse civil claims. However, your eligibility may still depend on when the abuse occurred and when it was discovered, especially in cases where the survivor is now an adult. Because the law continues to evolve, it’s critical to speak with a Tampa child sexual abuse attorney to determine your specific deadline.

What to Do After Suspecting Sexual Abuse on a Cheer Team or Youth Sports

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Discovering that your child may have been abused is an extremely difficult experience. Your top priority is your child's safety and well-being. If you are reading this, you are likely already seeking or have sought medical care for your child. After ensuring your child is in a safe place and getting the care they need, you may take other steps to protect their rights and a potential claim.

Here are some steps you can take:

  • Hire an experienced sexual abuse lawyer: Speaking with an attorney who focuses on sexual abuse cases exclusively is a vital first step. They can help you understand your legal options and how to proceed.
  • Document everything: Write down or video journal everything you remember about the incident, your child's behavior, and your conversations with the youth sports organization. This can be a valuable resource later in your case.
  • Preserve all evidence: Keep any clothing, photographs, or other items that may be relevant to the case. Your attorney will know how to handle and protect this evidence.

Taking legal action is an act of strength that may help you reclaim your voice and protect others. Our legal team can help you understand your rights and the legal process, protecting your family’s future. To learn more about your legal options, contact Horowitz Law for a free, completely confidential consultation today.

FAQs for Tampa Youth Sports Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Will my child’s abuser face criminal charges?

A civil lawsuit for damages is separate from a criminal investigation. While the state attorney’s office handles criminal charges and aims to punish the perpetrator, a civil lawsuit focuses on securing financial compensation and holding the institution or individual accountable. Our firm focuses exclusively on civil litigation, and we can help you understand how this process can provide a powerful path to justice.

What evidence is needed to file a civil claim for child sexual abuse?

Evidence for a civil claim can include medical records, therapy notes, witness statements, and any communications with the accused or the organization. While physical evidence is not always present, a pattern of behavior and documentation of institutional failures can be powerful in court.

Will my child’s name be kept private if we sue for abuse?

Protecting the privacy of survivors is a top priority for our firm. While some details may become part of the public record during litigation, your attorney can take steps to protect your child’s identity and privacy whenever possible. Many cases resolve through confidential settlements, which may help preserve anonymity.

How much does it cost to hire a Tampa sexual abuse lawyer?

Horowitz Law operates on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not get paid unless we achieve a financial recovery for you. This allows you to pursue justice without the burden of legal costs.

Take the First Step Toward Justice with Confidence

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Contacting a cheer sexual abuse lawyer in Tampa, FL, is a powerful first step toward justice and healing, especially when you can take that step with confidence. We understand the courage it takes to confront this trauma, and we are ready to stand with you.

 Our legal team can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and protect your child’s future. It is not your fault that an organization you trusted harmed your child, and you do not have to bear the weight of this burden alone. 

To learn more about your legal options, contact Horowitz Law for a free, completely confidential consultation. Call us at (954)641-2100 or reach out to us online. 

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