If you or a loved one experienced child sexual abuse, you deserve support from someone who understands the pain and trauma you’ve endured. The Cornwell Firm represents survivors of child sexual abuse throughout Savannah and the surrounding areas of Georgia. We fight to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable while pursuing the compensation you deserve. Our team offers free consultations and works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Your healing matters, and we’re here to help you seek justice.
Why Choose The Cornwell Firm for Your Child Sexual Abuse Case
The Cornwell Firm brings years of experience handling child sexual abuse cases with compassion and determination. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges survivors face and approach each case with sensitivity and respect. We’ve worked with victims and their families to recover damages from schools, religious organizations, coaches, medical professionals, and other institutions that failed to protect children in their care.
We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your situation in a confidential setting. Our team handles every aspect of your case—from investigation through settlement or trial—so you can focus on healing. We never charge upfront fees. You only pay us if we recover compensation for you. Contact The Cornwell Firm for a free case evaluation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Child Sexual Abuse Case
Child sexual abuse can happen in many settings, and multiple parties may share responsibility for the abuse or for failing to prevent it. Understanding who can be held liable helps you recognize whether you have a valid claim.
Common Perpetrators and Responsible Parties
Schools and educational institutions can be held liable when teachers, administrators, or staff members abuse students or fail to report suspected abuse. Sexual abuse at school creates institutional liability. Coaches and youth sports organizations bear responsibility when they allow abuse to occur or ignore warning signs. Religious organizations and clergy members face liability for abuse committed by priests, ministers, or other religious figures, as well as for institutional failures to protect children. Sexual abuse in religious institutions can result in significant damages.
Daycare facilities and childcare providers must maintain safe environments and can be sued for abuse that occurs on their premises. Sexual abuse in daycare represents a breach of parental trust. Medical professionals, including doctors and therapists, can be held accountable for sexual abuse they commit during treatment. Family members and trusted adults who abuse children can be sued in civil court. Employers who fail to conduct proper background checks or ignore complaints about dangerous employees may also share liability.
Understanding Your Legal Rights and Options
Civil vs. Criminal Claims
You have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against your abuser and any institution that failed to protect you, regardless of whether criminal charges were filed or resulted in conviction. Civil cases operate differently than criminal cases. In a criminal case, the government must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a very high standard. In a civil case, you only need to prove your claim by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that abuse occurred.
Civil lawsuits focus on compensation for your damages rather than punishment. Even if a criminal case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal, you can still pursue a civil claim and potentially recover money damages. Sexual assault survivors have rights under both criminal and civil law.
What Damages Can You Recover
When you file a civil sexual abuse claim, you can seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Damages may include medical and therapy expenses related to treating trauma and abuse‑related injuries. You can recover lost wages if the abuse prevented you from working or pursuing education. Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical and emotional pain you endured. Emotional distress and trauma damages recognize the psychological impact of abuse. Loss of enjoyment of life compensates you for the ways abuse has limited your ability to enjoy activities and relationships.
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. Personal injury compensation depends on the severity and impact of your injuries. Wrongful death claims may apply if abuse results in death.
Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Claims in Georgia
Georgia law recognizes that survivors of child sexual abuse often need time to process their trauma before pursuing legal action. Under Georgia’s discovery rule, the statute of limitations clock may not start until you discover or reasonably should have discovered that your injuries resulted from abuse. This means you may have more time to file a claim than you think, even if the abuse occurred years ago.
For child sexual abuse claims in Georgia, survivors generally have until age 23 to file a lawsuit, or within two years of discovering the abuse, whichever is later. Recent changes to Georgia law have expanded protections for survivors, recognizing that trauma can delay disclosure and legal action. If you’re unsure whether your claim is still timely, The Cornwell Firm can review your situation during a free consultation. Time is important, so reaching out soon protects your legal rights.
How The Cornwell Firm Supports You Through the Legal Process
We handle every step of your case with care and professionalism. During your initial free consultation, we listen to your story and evaluate whether you have a valid claim. Our investigation team gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and builds a strong case on your behalf. We negotiate with defendants and their insurance companies to pursue fair settlements. If a settlement cannot be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial and fight for you in court.
Throughout the process, we provide compassionate support and keep you informed about your case. You never pay upfront—we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. Our results demonstrate our commitment to pursuing justice for survivors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a child sexual abuse claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, you generally have until age 23 to file a lawsuit, or within two years of discovering the abuse, whichever is later. The discovery rule means the clock may not start until you realize your injuries resulted from abuse. If you’re unsure whether your claim is timely, contact The Cornwell Firm for a free consultation.
How long does a child sexual abuse case typically take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve within months through settlement negotiations, while others may take one to three years or longer if litigation is necessary. The Cornwell Firm will discuss the expected timeline for your specific situation.
What evidence is needed to prove child sexual abuse?
Evidence may include medical records, therapy notes, testimony from the survivor and witnesses, communications with the abuser, and documentation of the abuse’s impact on your life. Your attorney will work with experts to build a compelling case. You don’t need to have perfect evidence—civil cases require proof by a preponderance of the evidence, a lower standard than criminal cases.
Can I still file a claim if the abuse happened years ago?
Yes. Georgia’s discovery rule allows survivors to file claims years after abuse occurred, as long as you file within two years of discovering the connection between your injuries and the abuse. Many survivors don’t disclose abuse until adulthood, and the law recognizes this reality. The Cornwell Firm can evaluate whether your claim is timely.
What should I do if I suspect a child is being abused?
If you suspect a child is being abused, contact local law enforcement or Georgia’s Division of Family & Children Services immediately. You can also call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1‑800‑422‑4453. Reporting suspected abuse protects children and creates a record that may support future legal claims.
How much does it cost to hire The Cornwell Firm?
The Cornwell Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free and confidential. This arrangement ensures that cost is never a barrier to seeking justice.
Will my case go to trial or settle?
Many cases settle through negotiation before trial, but we’re prepared to litigate if necessary. The Cornwell Firm will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case and the likely outcomes of settlement versus trial. Your preferences matter, and we’ll keep you involved in all major decisions about your case.
Contact The Cornwell Firm for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to face this alone. The Cornwell Firm stands ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call 912-349-7028 today to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your case. Our compassionate team understands the courage it takes to come forward, and we’re committed to treating you with dignity and respect throughout the legal process. Let us help you seek justice and move forward with your life.
