Illinois Abuse Claims: Do You Qualify?
Free Case Evaluation
Were you born after July 24, 1983? *
The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Free, confidential case evaluation for survivors of sexual abuse by staff in Illinois juvenile facilities.
You May Qualify If You...
If you were held in a juvenile detention center, youth center or other juvenile facility and these apply to you, contact us for a free, confidential evaluation.
This claim is specifically for survivors of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by staff at an Illinois juvenile facility.
Were Born After July 24, 1983
To be eligible for this claim, you must have been born after July 24, 1983.
Were Detained in an Illinois Juvenile Facility
Juvenile detention centers, Illinois Youth Centers and other juvenile facilities, regardless of the length of your stay
Experienced Sexual Abuse by Staff
Unwanted sexual touching or contact by guards, counselors, staff members, medical personnel, or facility employees
Can Identify Your Abuser
You know the name, nickname, or can identify the staff member who committed the sexual abuse
Abuse Involved Physical Contact
The sexual abuse involved actual physical contact, not just comments, watching, or inappropriate behavior without touching
These Factors Do NOT Disqualify You
Many survivors believe they cannot file a claim due to circumstances beyond their control. The following factors do not prevent you from seeking justice:
- You don't remember exact dates or details
- The abuse happened decades ago
- You don't have documentation or records
- You never reported the abuse at the time
Illinois Statute of Limitations
Important information about filing deadlines
Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202.2), survivors of childhood sexual abuse who were born after July 24, 1983 may generally file a civil claim at any time, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Claims against state-run or county facilities can have separate time limits.
For survivors born before July 24, 1983, eligibility depends on narrower, fact-specific exceptions, such as when the injury was discovered and any pause in the limitations period.
We Are Currently Reviewing Sexual Abuse Claims Only
- •To be eligible for this claim, you must have been born after July 24, 1983.
- •You were detained in an Illinois juvenile facility
- •You experienced sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by staff members
- •The abuse involved physical sexual contact — you may know the abuser's name, nickname, or identifying details
If you're unsure whether your experience qualifies, call us at 516-914-5118 for a free, confidential evaluation.