Survivors of school sexual abuse deserve justice. At Cooper Elliott, we stand with survivors—both children and adults—who have suffered harm in school settings. Whether the abuse happened years ago or recently, you have the right to hold those responsible accountable.
Our Cincinnati school sexual abuse lawyer team is here to listen and fight for you. For over 30 years, we have helped clients resolve their legal matters, with over 100 years of combined experience. Schools should be places of learning and safety, but when they fail to protect students, we take action.
At Cooper Elliott, our mission is to achieve your vision of justice. Let our sexual abuse lawyers in Cincinnati help you take that first step today. If you or a loved one has been affected, we will help you. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
What Does Sexual Abuse That Occurs at a School Look Like?
Sexual abuse in schools happens when teachers, staff, coaches, or students violate boundaries and engage in harmful behavior. This can include:
- An instructor making inappropriate comments about a student’s body
- A staff member touching a student in a way that makes them uncomfortable
- A coach making a student feel forced or obligated to engage in unwanted physical contact
- A student being sexually harassed or assaulted by another student while school staff does nothing to stop it
This kind of abuse can cause deep emotional scars for many survivors. Whether the abuse happened in a public or private school, the school may be responsible for failing to prevent or stop it.
Sexual Abuse Can Have Lasting Effects on Those Who Experience It
School sexual abuse can leave deep emotional and physical scars. Survivors—both children and adults—often carry the effects of this trauma for years. Healing is possible, but it takes time, support, and acknowledgment of what happened.
Common long-term effects of sexual abuse include:
- Emotional pain: Many people who have endured sexual abuse struggle with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Trouble trusting others: Abuse can make it hard to trust teachers, coaches, or even family members.
- Problems in school or work: Survivors may find it difficult to concentrate, leading to poor performance or lost opportunities.
- Guilt or shame: Many survivors blame themselves, even though the abuse was never their fault.
- Relationship struggles: Trust and intimacy can be difficult in friendships, family relationships, and romantic partnerships.
Support is available for survivors, and legal action can be a step toward reclaiming power and seeking justice. Cooper Elliott is always ready to help. If you or a loved one is seeking legal help for abuse that occurred at a school or another institution, contact us for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a school sexual abuse lawyer serving Cincinnati, call 614-481-6000
Our Cincinnati Sexual Abuse Attorneys Will Lead Your Case
Survivors of school sexual abuse often feel unheard or dismissed. Schools may try to cover up what happened or protect their reputation instead of their students. That is not acceptable.
At Cooper Elliott, our personal injury lawyers in Cincinnati don’t just fight for you—we push those responsible to acknowledge the harm they’ve caused. Healing starts with truth, and legal action can be a powerful step toward justice.
Filing a claim against a school or other responsible parties is not easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. We will:
- Investigate your case: We will gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and uncover what the school knew.
- Identify and seek compensation for your damages: We will assess the emotional, physical, and financial toll of the abuse so we can pursue your rightful damages. Your losses may include medical expenses, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, among others.
- Hold all liable parties responsible: Schools and institutions must acknowledge the harm they have caused. We will work to make that happen.
- Handle everything for you: Legal cases can be overwhelming, but we will guide you through the process with care and respect.
Why Choose Cooper Elliott to Handle Your Case?
At Cooper Elliott, we don’t just handle legal cases—we stand with survivors. We understand how difficult it is to speak out, and we respect your voice, your story, and your right to justice.
Why survivors trust us:
- A history of fighting for justice against schools, institutions, and powerful entities
- Compassionate legal guidance that puts survivors first
- Respect and sensitivity in every case: We understand the life-changing effects of trauma on survivors and handle our clients’ cases with empathy and care
- A relentless pursuit of truth and justice: We don’t just seek settlements—we push for accountability
Our Cincinnati school sexual abuse law firm believes the first step toward healing is acknowledgment. Schools and other responsible parties must be held accountable for the harm they have caused.
Cincinnati School Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 614-481-6000
Who Can Be Liable for School Sexual Abuse in Cincinnati?
Sexual abuse in schools often happens because responsible adults fail to act. The following parties may be held accountable:
- Public and private schools: If they fail to address reports of abuse or allow unsafe conditions to persist
- Teachers or coaches: If they engaged in abuse or ignored warning signs
- School administrators: If they knew about the abuse but didn’t stop it
- School districts: If they failed to properly screen employees or investigate reports
- Other students: If they harassed or assaulted another student without consequences
- Other school-affiliated individuals: Including bus drivers, volunteers, janitors, security guards, or other staff members who played a role in the abuse or failed to report it
When schools allow abuse to happen, they must be held accountable. Survivors deserve justice, and legal action can help ensure this doesn’t happen to others.
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Understanding Ohio’s Filing Deadlines for Sexual Abuse Cases
In Ohio, the law sets specific time limits, called the statutes of limitations, within which survivors of sexual abuse can file legal actions. These time frames vary depending on the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse:
- For child survivors: According to Ohio Revised Code § 2305.111(C), individuals who experienced sexual abuse as minors generally have 12 years after reaching the age of majority (18 years old) to file a civil lawsuit.
- For adult survivors: Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.111(B)(1), adult victims of sexual abuse have one year from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator.
Once the deadline passes, survivors may lose their right to seek justice in court. Many survivors need time to process their trauma before coming forward, which is why knowing these legal deadlines is important.
We encourage you to contact us now so we can determine the appropriate deadline for your case and start working on it.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What to Do if You or a Loved One Experiences Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you love has been abused at school, help is available. Here are some steps you can take:
- Seek support: Talk to someone you trust, such as a counselor, therapist, or support group.
- Document what happened: If possible, write down details of the abuse, including dates, locations, and names of those involved.
- Report the abuse: You may choose to report the abuse to school officials, law enforcement, or child protective services.
- Get legal help: Our school sexual abuse and harassment attorneys in Cincinnati will explain your options and help you seek justice.
Even if the abuse happened years ago, you may still have the right to take action. It is never too late to seek accountability. We believe taking legal action can help survivors of sexual abuse heal.
Get Help From Our Cincinnati School Sexual Abuse Lawyers
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse at school, you are not alone. We understand how painful and overwhelming this situation is, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself.
At Cooper Elliott, we are here to listen and to help. Our school sexual abuse lawyers in Cincinnati will stand by your side and fight for justice.
Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and accountability.
Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
