Columbus Sex Abuse Lawyers Fighting for Survivors Throughout Ohio
You Are Not Alone-and You Deserve Accountability
Sexual abuse and assault happen far more often than most people realize-in schools, workplaces, doctors’ offices, and at the hands of people who were trusted with someone’s safety. Many survivors who come forward aren’t sure where to turn or what their options are.
At Cooper Elliott, we know that coming forward takes extraordinary courage, and we meet that courage with everything we have. As experienced sex abuse attorneys in Columbus, we represent survivors throughout Ohio in civil cases against the individuals and institutions responsible for what happened to them. We don’t just pursue compensation—we pursue the kind of accountability that results in real change and helps protect others.
If you’ve been sexually abused or assaulted, or if it happened to someone you love, you don’t have to face this alone.
Types of Cases We Handle
Sexual abuse and assault occurs in many forms and many settings. Our Columbus sexual assault attorneys represent survivors in cases involving:
Workplace Sexual Abuse and Harassment
When employers fail to act on complaints, ignore warning signs, or create environments where abuse can occur, they can be held civilly accountable alongside the individual perpetrator.
Sexual Abuse by Medical or Mental Health Professionals
Doctors, therapists, physical therapists, and other licensed professionals hold positions of significant trust and power. When they violate that trust, both the individual and the practice or organization that employed them may be held responsible.
Sexual Abuse in Schools
Students are entitled to safe learning environments. When abuse occurs at the hands of teachers, coaches, or other staff—and schools fail to act on complaints or warning signs—the institution can be held accountable.
Sexual Abuse of Minors
When a child is abused, the people and institutions who were responsible for their safety—schools, daycares, religious organizations, sports programs—must be held accountable. We represent families pursuing justice for children who have been harmed.
Sex Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation
We represent survivors pursuing justice against the individuals, businesses, and organizations that enabled or profited from trafficking and exploitation.
Why Choose Cooper Elliott as Your Sexual Assault Lawyer in Columbus
The abuser is rarely the only party responsible. In many of our cases, an organization—an employer, a school, a healthcare practice—created the conditions that made abuse possible. We investigate who else knew, whether prior complaints were ignored, and whether an institution’s failure to act allowed harm to continue.
Sexual abuse litigation is not a side practice for us. We handle these cases every day and understand the unique legal, emotional, and practical challenges involved. When you call us, you’re speaking with compassionate attorneys who know this area of law inside and out.
Our clients often have questions about criminal proceedings, licensing board complaints, and how to protect themselves going forward. We help guide you through it all. We’ll be with you during hearings, answer questions about what to expect, and make sure you’re never navigating this alone.
Your case is never just one attorney’s responsibility. At Cooper Elliott, attorneys across the firm collaborate on cases, bringing perspective, workshopping strategy, and helping build the strongest possible argument. That team approach is something our clients feel from day one.
Civil sexual abuse cases can be complex, and we believe in being upfront about what your options realistically look like. We will never push you through a difficult process without making sure you understand what to expect at every stage.
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We cover litigation costs upfront, including expert witnesses and investigation, so access to justice never depends on what you can afford.
Our Big Wins
$750+ Million
Recovered for Our Clients
What to Expect When You Work With Us
Every conversation we have with potential clients is completely confidential. There is no obligation to move forward. We listen first. You tell us what happened, and we ask questions to understand your situation.
We’ll walk you through what a civil claim might look like, who could be held accountable, and what realistic outcomes may be. If it makes sense for us to represent you, we’ll explain why. If another path may serve you better, we’ll help you find it.
If we move forward together, we begin building your case—collecting medical records, communications, employment or institutional records, witness accounts, and any other evidence that supports your claim.
Before filing a lawsuit, we often send a formal demand letter giving the responsible party an opportunity to do the right thing. Some cases resolve at this stage. Others require filing suit.
If a fair resolution isn’t reached, we file suit. The legal process takes time—often longer than people expect—but we are with you every step of the way.
Recognition & Results
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
Recognition for excellence in trial advocacy and client representation.
U.S. News & World Report - Tier 1
Ranked in the region for personal injury litigation.
Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Fewer than 1% of lawyers are members of this elite group of attorneys.
Contingency Fee Basis
We only get paid if you win a verdict or receive a settlement.
30 Years of Experience
Serving clients since 1995 with a track record of holding negligent attorneys accountable.
Verified Peer Ratings
Research our firm and attorneys on martindale.com and superlawyers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal cases are prosecuted by the government and can result in prison time. Civil cases are brought by survivors and their attorneys to pursue financial accountability and institutional change. The two can run on parallel tracks—having a civil attorney doesn’t interfere with a criminal investigation, and a civil case can move forward regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or result in a conviction.
No. A civil case is independent of the criminal process. That said, we do encourage reporting when it’s safe and appropriate—not because it’s required for a civil claim, but because a report creates a record that can matter if this person harms someone else in the future.
It depends on the circumstances. Because deadlines are strict and depend on the circumstances, we strongly encourage survivors to reach out as soon as possible to explore their options, even if they’re not ready to pursue a case yet.
In many cases, an organization shares responsibility for what happened. Employers, schools, healthcare practices, and other institutions may be liable if they ignored complaints, failed to supervise, or kept someone in a position of access to vulnerable people despite warning signs. We examine the full chain of responsibility and pursue every available avenue to hold all liable parties accountable.
We pursue compensation for pain and suffering, counseling and mental health treatment costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and future earning potential. In cases with long-term impact on a survivor’s quality of life, we work with experts to develop a comprehensive life care plan that captures the full extent of the harm.
Many sexual abuse cases involve limited physical evidence. Civil cases are evaluated under a different standard than criminal cases, and a survivor’s account—supported by counseling records, witness testimony, and other documentation—can be powerful. Every situation is different, which is why we encourage you to reach out and have a conversation.
It depends on the case. Pre-suit negotiations can resolve matters in a matter of months. If litigation is necessary, the process can take years. The vast majority of cases settle before trial, but we are fully prepared to try cases when that’s what it takes. We are transparent about realistic timelines from the beginning.
Absolutely. Our team is experienced in representing survivors of all ages, and we represent families pursuing justice on behalf of children who have been harmed.
Testimonials
I was involved in a serious car accident after just having welcoming our new son into the world.
When you are at your lowest, you remember with great detail how people treat you. Sean and his team treated me and my family with nothing but compassion, grace and care.
The stress, anxiety, and fear were only mitigated by the EXTRAORDINARY passion, care, and speed this firm operates at.
A huge thank you to Sean Alto with his incredible professionalism. I never once felt that Sean and the team at Cooper Elliot had anything other than my best interest.
Thank you Cooper Elliot for being a light during a very challenging time.
Talk to a Sex Abuse Attorney in Columbus for Free
You are not alone. What happened to you was not your fault. And you deserve to be heard.
Call (614) 481-6000 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation with a Columbus sexual assault attorney.
If it doesn’t make sense for our firm to take your case, we’ll help connect you with someone who can.