Protecting Children. Holding Schools Accountable.
As parents, we trust schools to be a safe place for our children—a place where they can learn, grow, and be supported. When that trust is broken by sexual abuse, the damage runs deep. If your child has experienced sexual abuse at school, we know how painful and overwhelming that reality can be. You may be angry, scared, unsure of what steps to take.
At Hale & Monico, we stand with families who’ve been harmed by negligence and abuse in Chicago schools. We’re here to help you get answers, protect your child’s rights, and take legal action against those who failed to protect them. Reach out today to discuss your case in confidence.
What Is School Sexual Abuse?
School sexual abuse can take many forms. It may involve:
- Inappropriate contact or touching by a teacher, coach, or staff member
- Grooming or sexual advances made through text messages or social media
- Sexual assault by another student, particularly if staff knew about the danger and did nothing
- Abuse during school-sponsored activities or in school facilities
In many cases, the abuse happens over time, and children may be too afraid or confused to speak up right away. That’s why schools have a legal duty to take any reports or warning signs seriously—and when they don’t, they can be held accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
When a child is sexually abused at school, several parties may be responsible:
- The individual who committed the abuse
- Teachers, counselors, or administrators who ignored complaints or warning signs
- The school district, if it failed to properly vet employees, supervise staff, or enforce safety policies
If the school knew—or should have known—about the risk and failed to act, we can help you pursue a civil case for negligence.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations in Illinois
Illinois law gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse significant time — and in many cases, unlimited time — to bring a civil lawsuit.
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2(b):
- There is no time limit (statute of limitations) for filing a civil lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
- This applies retroactively — meaning even if the abuse happened decades ago and would have previously been time-barred, survivors can now file a civil claim.
The law was amended in 2019 (effective July 24, 2019) to eliminate the limitations period, removing any deadline that might have previously applied to childhood sex abuse.
If you’re unsure how this applies to your child’s case or a past experience, we can help you review your options and determine whether a claim can be filed now. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Damages Can We Help You Recover?
A civil lawsuit can’t erase what happened, but it can provide compensation for the harm your child and family have endured. That may include:
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Costs of therapy or long-term counseling
- Medical expenses related to the abuse
- Loss of educational opportunities
- Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence
Every case is unique, and we’ll take the time to understand how the abuse has affected your child’s life—so we can pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve.
How We Can Help
At Hale & Monico, we represent survivors and their families with the care, respect, and attention they deserve. If your child has experienced sexual abuse at school, we’ll work with you to:
- Investigate the abuse and identify those responsible
- Secure school records, past complaints, and personnel files
- File a civil lawsuit against the school, staff, or district
- Fight for meaningful compensation to support your child’s healing
- Push for institutional change to protect other students
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That’s how we hold schools accountable—and how we give our clients the strongest possible voice in court.
Let’s Talk. We’re Ready When You Are.
If your child was sexually abused at school, it’s okay to feel uncertain about what comes next. You don’t have to make these decisions alone. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step when you’re ready.
Contact Hale & Monico for a private, compassionate consultation. Together, we can stand up for your child and demand justice from the people who failed them.