Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates

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Experienced Law Firm Helping Sexual Abuse Victims in Pennsylvania Seek Justice and Compensation

If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, you may have the right to file a Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawsuit and seek financial compensation through the civil courts. 

At the Injury Lawyer Team, we help sexual abuse victims take legal action against individual abusers and negligent institutions that failed to protect children and adults from harm.

Our team represents survivors of childhood sexual abuse, institutional sexual assault, and other forms of severe sexual abuse across the state, whether a residential treatment facility, juvenile detention center, or school district failed to prevent it. 

We’ve seen how many victims were harmed repeatedly by trusted figures while state officials, government entities, and private organizations failed to intervene.

Even if the abuse continued for more than a decade or happened under the current statute of limitations, a recent new law or legal change may give you another chance to file suit. These civil lawsuits can hold institutions accountable and provide a path to healing, especially in cases that were previously time-barred under the current law.

Our law firm works with compassion, experience, and determination to help abuse victims navigate the legal system and pursue civil claims against those responsible. If you’re unsure about your rights or whether you still have time under the two-year statute or another legal deadline, reach out today for a free, private consultation.

Recent Updates on Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Pennsylvania

June 9, 2025 – Pennsylvania House Passes Bills to Open Two-Year Window for Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed two bills—House Bill 464 and House Bill 462—aimed at giving survivors of childhood sexual abuse, whose claims were previously not allowed by the statute of limitations, a renewed chance to seek justice. 

HB 464 proposes a two-year retroactive window via a constitutional amendment, while HB 462 seeks to achieve the same through a statutory change. Sponsored by Rep. Nate Davidson, the legislation responds to the long-standing recommendation from the 2018 grand jury report and now heads to the Pennsylvania State Senate for consideration.

May 19, 2025 – Somerset County Civil Suit Over DA’s Alleged Abuse Moves Forward

A federal judge has ruled that Somerset County, Pennsylvania, must face a civil lawsuit filed by a woman who says she was sexually assaulted and stalked by former District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas. The court denied the county’s motion to dismiss, allowing the case to proceed. 

The lawsuit claims Thomas used his government-issued phone and position to harass and assault the woman in 2021 and that the county failed to act on prior misconduct, including domestic violence. The judge found the plaintiff’s claims sufficient under the Monell doctrine for discovery to move forward.

April 8, 2025 – Philadelphia Woman Sues Carson Valley Children’s Aid Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse

A new lawsuit filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas accuses the non-profit organization of failing to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse at its Flourtown facility in Montgomery County. The plaintiff, who lived there as a minor between 2013 and 2015, claims she was groomed and sexually assaulted by two male staff members and that the abuse went on despite multiple reports. 

The lawsuit alleges a pattern of staff misconduct and institutional negligence, including failures in hiring, supervision, and response to complaints. It seeks damages for psychological harm and adds to ongoing scrutiny of residential treatment centers contracted to care for vulnerable youth in Pennsylvania.

March 23, 2025 – King of Prussia Sex Trafficking Lawsuit

A new sex trafficking lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Choice Hotels International, involving its Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia. The plaintiff alleges she was repeatedly trafficked, raped, and psychologically abused while confined to hotel rooms rented by her trafficker. She claims the hotel knowingly ignored clear signs of trafficking or profited from it. 

The hotel sexual abuse lawsuit also alleges that Choice Hotels operated through a joint venture that shared policies contributing to the abuse. The survivor is now seeking to hold the hotel accountable under federal and state law.

March 20, 2025 – UHS Sex Abuse Lawsuit Filed Over Abuse at Philadelphia Behavioral Health Facility

A new civil lawsuit has been filed in Philadelphia County against Universal Health Services (UHS), alleging that a 17-year-old girl was raped by a staff member and another resident at Fairmount Behavioral Health System in April 2024. The plaintiff accuses UHS of failing to act despite repeated reports of abuse, fostering a dangerous culture of neglect. 

The residential treatment facility sexual abuse lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of sexual abuse cases tied to UHS facilities nationwide, many involving children in under-supervised residential care. The complaint highlights systemic failures, including chronic understaffing, lack of training, and corporate inaction despite years of documented abuse.

March 18, 2025 – Federal Court Allows Lawsuit Against Juvenile Detention Facility to Proceed

A federal judge in Pennsylvania has allowed a major institutional sexual abuse lawsuit to move forward against George Junior Republic, a juvenile detention facility accused of enabling decades of child abuse. Twelve survivors allege they were sexually abused by staff between 1998 and 2019. 

The court upheld civil rights claims under Section 1983 and Title IX, finding the facility liable for failing to screen or supervise employees. The ruling also preserved the class action aspect of this Pennsylvania youth detention center lawsuit, signaling the potential for broader accountability and justice for many victims.

February 6, 2025 – Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital

A civil lawsuit has been filed against Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital and its parent company, Main Line Health, by a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by a hospital employee while recovering from surgery. The plaintiff claims the hospital failed to protect her and was negligent in hiring, supervision, and retention practices. 

She is seeking punitive and compensatory damages for physical and emotional harm. The hospital sexual abuse lawsuitincludes allegations of negligence, corporate liability, and emotional distress. Now, in pretrial discovery, the plaintiff’s attorneys report delays due to the defendants’ lack of cooperation.

February 4, 2025 – Massage Therapist Sex Abuse Lawsuit Filed in Philadelphia

A woman has filed a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, alleging she was sexually assaulted by a massage therapist assigned through Soothe.com, despite requesting a female provider. The plaintiff accuses Soothe, its affiliates, and the therapist of negligence, breach of duty, and failure to implement safety protocols. 

She claims the company ignored her repeated concerns and failed to properly vet or supervise the therapist. The lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages for emotional, physical, and psychological injury.

January 25, 2025 – Ten Plaintiffs File Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania DHS

Ten individuals have filed a civil lawsuit in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, alleging they were sexually abused as minors while held in state-run juvenile detention centers. 

The Pennsylvania juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuit targets the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty, citing widespread abuse at Loysville Youth Development CenterNorth Central Secure Treatment Unit, and South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit

The plaintiffs claim staff used threats, bribes, and force to coerce sexual acts and that DHS ignored reports and failed to act. The abuse allegedly spanned more than a decade.

August 27, 2024 – Glen Mills School Trials Delayed Again as Abuse Claims Loom

The long-awaited bellwether trials against the now-shuttered Glen Mills Schools in Delaware County have been pushed back once more, with the first trial now scheduled for February 2025. Plaintiffs allege they suffered severe physical, emotional, and sexual abuse while enrolled at the reform school, and that administrators knowingly allowed a violent culture to thrive. 

The delay—prompted by ongoing court-ordered mediation—moves the timeline for the first trials from July to at least February, with others set for March, May, and June. While such delays are common in mass tort litigation, school sexual abuse lawyers argue they give defendants an unfair advantage by stalling accountability and draining plaintiffs’ resources.

December 15, 2023 – Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Ordered to Pay $15 Million in Gender Bias Lawsuit

A federal jury has awarded $15 million to Dr. John Abraham, a former surgeon and professor, ruling that Thomas Jefferson University violated Title IX by conducting a gender-biased investigation into rape allegations against him. The jury found that the university discriminated against Abraham because he is male, damaging his career and leading to the loss of a major financial contract. 

The case stemmed from a 2018 incident involving a medical resident, with both parties accusing each other of sexual assault. The court found the university failed to properly investigate Abraham’s claims and retaliated against him instead.

August 14, 2018 – A History of Institutional Abuse in Pennsylvania

In 2005, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office released a groundbreaking grand jury report exposing decades of systemic sexual abuse within the Philadelphia Archdiocese. The report, over 400 pages long, identified more than 60 priests who had sexually abused hundreds of children and documented how Church leaders enabled and covered up the abuse. This was the first of several major inquiries into clergy abuse in the state.

A statewide grand jury investigation led by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro delivered an even more damning report. The 884-page 2018 Grand Jury Report found over 300 Pennsylvania Catholic priests accused of abusein six dioceses: AllentownErie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Scranton. 

They had sexually abused more than 1,000 known child victims. The report concluded that the Church not only failed to protect children but also actively covered up the abuse, transferring predators between parishes and shielding them from prosecution.

The grand jury made it clear: “The cover up was sophisticated. The church protected the institution at all costs.”

Among the most disturbing findings were:

  • Children as young as 7 years old were raped, forced into oral sex, and photographed nude.
  • Some priests gave their victims “gifts” or told them it was part of God’s will.
  • Internal church documents revealed that bishops and cardinals were aware of the abuse but declined to notify law enforcement.

Pennsylvania clergy abuse attorneys argue victims never saw justice due to Pennsylvania’s restrictive statute of limitations.

Then there was a multi-year investigation in 201, which culminated in a comprehensive report exposing sexual abuse within the Jehovah’s Witnesses community in Pennsylvania. According to the report, the individuals charged were part of a pattern in which trusted members of the faith allegedly exploited their roles to gain access to children. 

The grand jury reviewed extensive evidence—including internal documents, victim testimonies, and church records—and concluded that the abuse often involved coercion, grooming, and years-long patterns of sexual exploitation. 

Victims were often silenced or discouraged from reporting abuse, particularly when the alleged abusers were prominent members of the religious community.

May 30, 2014 – Jerry Sandusky and Penn State University

One of the most high-profile sex abuse cases in Pennsylvania involved former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky, who was convicted in 2012 on 45 counts of child sexual abuse. 

A 2014 report led by former federal prosecutor Geoffrey Moulton found that “inexplicable delays” by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office slowed the prosecution, despite credible early evidence. Investigators failed to search Sandusky’s home or act on leads from victims for nearly a year. 

Politics were suspected as a factor, particularly regarding then–Attorney General Tom Corbett’s gubernatorial ambitions, although no direct evidence of interference was found.

The scandal exposed institutional failures at Penn State and The Second Mile, Sandusky’s nonprofit for at-risk youth, where many of the victims were recruited. Despite internal reports and eyewitness testimony, the school officials did not act. 

It wasn’t until 2011, when assistant coach Mike McQueary reported witnessing abuse, that the case gained traction. Sandusky was ultimately sentenced to 30–60 years in prison.

Our compassionate legal team has a track record of successfully securing settlements and verdicts in these cases. We take a thorough approach to meeting the needs of each unique case. We ensure all survivors’ experiences are addressed, including getting compensation for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

If you are a sexual abuse victim in Pennsylvania, you may still have time to file a civil lawsuit—even if the abuse happened decades ago. Recent changes in state law have expanded deadlines for some victims, and ongoing legislative efforts may soon reopen a path to justice for many more.

Child Sex Abuse Statute of Limitations After 2019

Under Pennsylvania’s current civil law (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5533), survivors of child sexual abuse whose abuse occurred after January 1, 201, have until their 55th birthday to file a civil lawsuit. If the abuse happened when the survivor was between the ages of 18 and 24, they now have until age 30 to bring a claim.

These reforms were passed in 2019 to reflect a better understanding of how trauma delays reporting and recovery, but they only apply going forward. Abuse that occurred before 2019 is still governed by the old deadlines.

For cases involving abuse that occurred before January 1, 2019, the statute of limitations is far narrower:

  • Adult victims (age 18+) had only 2 years from the last incident to sue.
  • Child victims had until their 20th birthday—that’s 2 years after turning 18.

These deadlines remain in effect unless the law changes, and unfortunately, Pennsylvania courts have consistently refused to allow exceptions based on repressed memory or fraudulent concealment by institutions. 

The courts have held that the discovery rule—meant to delay the statute of limitations until the survivor becomes aware of their injuries—does not apply in these situations. So even if a survivor was unaware of their trauma for decades, they may still be barred from filing under the current statute of limitations.

There have been multiple attempts to eliminate the statute of limitations for all civil childhood sexual abuse cases, regardless of when the abuse occurred. 

Most recently, House Bill 14 (2023–2024 session) proposed a two-year revival window for survivors whose claims are currently time-barred. It passed the State House but stalled in the Senate due to political gridlock.

Earlier versions of the same proposal failed to meet deadlines for a constitutional amendment vote, despite broad bipartisan support.

Criminal Statute of Limitations

Per the current statute of limitations, prosecutors can file criminal charges against alleged abusers of children up until the survivor turns 55. For adults who experienced sexual assault, the time limit to bring charges depends on the specific offense, but many serious crimes, like rape or sexual assault involving force or threat, have no statute of limitations.

What Is the Average Compensation Amount in Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Lawsuits?

Payouts in Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawsuits can vary significantly depending on the facts of each case. Based on available data, the average compensation amount is approximately $4.58 million, while the median settlement is around $775,000. Reported results reach as high as $88 million.

Several factors influence settlement values, including the strength of the evidence, how long the abuse lasted, the severity of harm, the degree of negligence or cover-up by institutions, and whether the case involved multiple survivors or exemplary damages. Higher settlements are more likely in counties like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which tend to be more favorable to plaintiffs.

Pennsylvania lawyer explains the child sexual abuse statute of limitations.

Notable Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlements & Verdicts

6-Year-Old Boy Raped by HIV-Positive Men

In 2015, plaintiff John Doe, 6, was drugged and raped by Ira Scott Task, who is HIV positive, at the perpetrator’s home, in Harrisburg. The child was brought by another man, and the two men simultaneously raped the boy. Task had known that he had been HIV positive since 1994, and wore no protection. 

Task and the other man videotaped and live-streamed the sexual assault on the internet, prompting federal investigators and local authorities to investigate. The abuser pleaded guilty to multiple counts of criminal charges and was sentenced to 17 and a half to 40 years in prison. 

He was precluded from contesting liability under the collateral estoppel doctrine because of his guilty plea, and he did not participate in the case. 

Even though the child tested negative for HIV, he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and has undergone regular therapy sessions since the incident. He requires indefinite care, which includes regular therapy with a counselor, recommended treatment with a psychiatrist, and possibly medications.

According to his therapist, the boy could suffer many long-term complications as a result of the childhood sex abuse, even affecting his vocational abilities. The jury in Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas awarded $88 million for past and future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, past and future pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages.

Woman Assaulted by Police Officers

In a 2006 federal case, a Philadelphia jury awarded $8.3 million to a 25-year-old exotic dancer who alleged she was sexually assaulted by two city police officers in 2002. 

She testified that the officers offered her a ride to the station but instead took her to a vacant lot, where they raped her. The officers later admitted to sexual contact and pled guilty to related criminal charges. Both men were fired from the department.

The victim filed a civil lawsuit against the officers and the City of Philadelphia, citing violations of her civil rights under 42 U.S.C. §1983. The court dismissed claims against the city, but held the two officers personally liable. The woman suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and ongoing emotional distress, including severe anxiety and fear of law enforcement.

The jury awarded her $7.5 million in punitive and $1.3 million in compensatory damages, recognizing both the trauma she endured and the misconduct of those entrusted with public safety.

Verdict Against Pennsylvania Doctor for Sexual Misconduct

In a 2003 Clearfield County case, a jury awarded $8.9 million to a woman and her husband after the woman alleged she was sexually assaulted by her neurologist, Dr. Bashir Yousufzai. 

According to court documents, the patient claimed that during a 2000 office visit, the doctor ejaculated on her while her back was turned, and repeated the behavior when she returned to confront him. The jury heard that other women had also filed complaints of similar misconduct.

The doctor was later criminally convicted and sentenced to six months in jail. His medical license was suspended. The civil jury found him liable and awarded $8.25 million in punitive and compensatory damages to the plaintiff for emotional distress, and an additional $650,000 to her husband for loss of consortium.

The victims’ attorney noted that collecting the award could be difficult, as the doctor’s insurance does not cover intentional misconduct.

Settlement for Child Assaulted in Foster Care

In 2021, in Philadelphia County, a 7-year-old girl (identified as K.F.) brought a lawsuit against Delta Community Supports, Inc., and Delta Family Services, LLC—the agencies responsible for her foster placement—after being repeatedly assaulted by her foster father. 

Her guardian alleged that the agencies failed to act on signs of abuse and ignored recommendations for specialized evaluations despite reports of the child displaying sexualized behavior and physical boundary issues.

The perpetrator was later convicted and sentenced to 4.5 years in prison. The child underwent psychiatric treatment and reportedly continued to struggle with severe emotional distress. The parties reached a private settlement, with Delta’s insurer agreeing to pay $5.05 million.

Settlement for Teen Sexually Abused by Priest in Scranton Diocese

In 2007, a federal lawsuit ended in a $3 million settlement for a Pennsylvania teen who was repeatedly abused by Rev. Albert Liberatore between 1999 and 2002 while serving as an altar boy at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Duryea. 

The abuse allegedly included inappropriate touching, sleeping in the same bed, and exposure to sexually explicit content. The victim later attempted suicide and suffered from post-traumatic stress and depression.

The Diocese of Scranton, Bishop James Timlin, and other church officials were accused of failing to act on reports and shielding Liberatore from accountability. Liberatore was eventually laicized and convicted in New York and Pennsylvania on related charges. The settlement was reached on the fifth day of trial, with payment made by the Diocese’s insurance.

State College Settles Dispatcher Sexual Harassment and Assault Suit

In 2010, Lafayette College agreed to a $1 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by two former dispatchers, Shaun Gable and Janet Knauss, who alleged sexual harassment and assault by campus safety officer Barry Stauffer. 

The women claimed that over several years, they endured repeated inappropriate conduct, including unwanted physical contact and sexually suggestive remarks. Despite reporting the behavior to supervisors, no effective action was taken, and the harassment escalated.

The suit, filed jointly with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), also accused Lafayette College of allowing a hostile work environment and failing to intervene. Additional claims were made against other staff for enabling the misconduct or retaliating against the plaintiffs.

As part of the settlement, the college agreed to pay damages and implement mandatory training for managers and supervisors to prevent future incidents.

What Affects the Value of a Sex Abuse Lawsuit Settlement in Pennsylvania?

Several key factors influence the settlement value of Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawsuits:

  • Evidentiary Strength: Strong, reliable evidence of abuse can significantly raise the value of a case.
  • Abuse Severity: More frequent, prolonged, or severe sexual abuse typically results in higher settlements.
  • Third-Party Liability: If an institution (like a church or school) was aware of the abuse or covered it up, the case becomes stronger and more valuable.
  • Reputation and Resources: Wealthier or more image-conscious defendants often pay more to avoid public backlash.
  • Attorney Skill: Experienced sex abuse lawyers tend to secure higher payouts.
  • Jurisdiction: Lawsuits filed in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh usually result in larger settlements than those in more conservative rural counties.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pennsylvania Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

Sexual abuse often occurs in environments where safety should be guaranteed—places of care, education, and trust. In Pennsylvania, survivors can file civil lawsuits not just against their abuser, but also against third parties whose negligence enabled the abuse to occur. We pursue claims against:

  • Healthcare providers – including hospitals, psychiatric centers, nursing homes, and rehab facilities that failed to protect patients from assault or failed to properly vet and supervise staff.
  • Schools, colleges, and universities – when educational institutions, such as West Chester, ignore warning signs, fail to protect students or act on reports, or create unsafe environments where students are vulnerable to abuse.
  • Residential and group living facilities – such as apartment complexes, youth homes like the Northwestern Academy, or senior housing where administrators neglect their duty to ensure resident safety.
  • Hotels, landlords, and commercial property owners – when guests or tenants are assaulted due to lack of security, poor lighting, or unmonitored access points.
  • Churches, ministries, and religious organizations – particularly when abuse is committed by clergy or volunteers and the institution ignored, covered up, or failed to report the misconduct.
  • Summer camps and daycare centers – where children may be exposed to unvetted staff or left unsupervised, resulting in abuse that could have been prevented with basic safeguards.
  • Community programs and youth services – including after-school activities, scouting organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, and recreational leagues that fail to protect young participants.

In each case, our legal team builds claims based on negligence in hiring, supervision, or failure to act on credible risks—holding all responsible parties accountable for the harm caused.

How Our Legal Team Can Help

If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, our legal team is here to stand with you. We offer trusted guidance through every step of the legal process—from investigating the abuse and identifying liable parties to filing your claim, negotiating a settlement, or taking your case to trial if necessary.

Our attorneys are deeply familiar with Pennsylvania’s laws on sexual abuse, including recent changes to the statute of limitations and efforts to expand survivors’ rights. We also have extensive experience holding institutions liable—whether it’s a Catholic church, school, juvenile facility, or healthcare provider—that failed to protect those in their care.

Whether you’re ready to file or just need help understanding your options, we’re here to listen with compassion and help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

FAQs

What kind of financial compensation can I get in a sex abuse lawsuit?

Sexual abuse victims may recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical costs, lost wages, and in some cases, exemplary damages meant to punish the institution or individual responsible.

Can I stay anonymous if I file a lawsuit?

Yes, Pennsylvania law allows survivors to file under pseudonyms like “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” to protect their privacy, and courts may issue protective orders to shield identifying information.

What if I was trafficked or forced into sexual acts in Pennsylvania?

If you were trafficked or coerced into commercial sex acts, you may have a claim under both state and federal human trafficking laws, especially if hotels or other businesses turned a blind eye.

Can I still sue if the person who abused me is dead?

Yes, you can still pursue a civil case against the abuser’s estate or against any institution that enabled or covered up the abuse, even if the individual perpetrator has died.

How do I know if I have a case?

If you experienced sexual abuse and suffered harm, and there is evidence of institutional negligence or misconduct, you may have a viable claim. A qualified sex abuse attorney from Injury Lawyer Team can evaluate your case confidentially.

How much does a sexual abuse attorney cost in Pennsylvania?

At the Injury Lawyer Team, we understand the financial stress many survivors face, which is why we don’t charge any upfront fees for handling sexual abuse cases in Pennsylvania. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we win compensation for you. 

We also cover the costs of building your case, so you can focus on healing while we focus on holding the responsible parties accountable. During your free consultation, we’ll walk you through everything so there are no surprises—just clear, compassionate support.

Speak With a Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse in the state of Pennsylvania—whether it happened recently or decades ago—you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The Injury Lawyer Team is here to offer confidential, compassionate support and help you understand your rights under Pennsylvania law.

Whether you’re thinking about filing a claim or just need someone to talk to about your options for legal recourse, our Pennsylvania sexual abuse attorneys are ready to listen and stand with you every step of the way. Call us today at (866) 757-6452 or send a confidential message through our online contact form

We serve sexual abuse victims throughout Pennsylvania, including: