In Charleston, West Virginia, individuals who have experienced sexual abuse can file personal injury claims to pursue compensation and hold wrongdoers legally responsible. At Tiano O’Dell, PLLC, we offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights and legal options. Call (304) 720-6700 or message us online today.
Why Choose Our Firm?
- Our legal team understands the unique emotional and legal challenges survivors face. We handle every sexual abuse case with discretion, respect, and determination.
- We do not treat you like a case number—we treat you like a person who deserves to be heard and supported.
- We know how to uncover the truth and our firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients in personal injury cases across West Virginia.
What Kinds of Cases Do Our Sex Abuse Lawyers Handle?
Our legal team handles a wide range of sexual abuse claims, particularly those involving individuals in positions of power or authority. Common case types include:
- Abuse by teachers, school administrators, and coaches
- Clergy abuse in churches or religious organizations
- Sexual misconduct in foster care and group homes
- Abuse in youth programs, sports leagues, or camps
- Assaults by doctors, nurses, or mental health professionals
- Abuse in juvenile detention centers or residential treatment facilities
We also handle institutional failure cases—when organizations ignored warning signs, failed to report misconduct, or actively covered up abuse.
Liability Beyond the Abuser
In addition to the perpetrator, civil lawsuits can also target any organization that allowed the abuse to happen. For example, schools, religious institutions, foster care agencies, youth programs, medical providers, and employers. If an institution knew—or should have known—about the danger and failed to act, it can be held liable for negligence, cover-ups, or lack of oversight.
How a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help
Civil lawsuits for sexual abuse are about more than compensation—they are about empowerment, accountability, and justice. A skilled Charleston sexual abuse attorney can:
- Listen to your story and explain your legal rights
- Investigate the abuse and gather critical evidence
- Identify all responsible parties, including institutions
- File all required legal documents
- Represent you in negotiations or trial
- Protect your confidentiality throughout the process
Whether the abuse occurred recently or years ago, they can help you navigate your legal options with sensitivity and clarity.
Statute of Limitations in West Virginia
West Virginia law provides extended timeframes for filing civil sexual abuse claims, especially for those abused as minors. The statute, found in West Virginia Code § 55-2-15, states:
- “A civil action… may be commenced by a person within four years of the date of discovery of the sexual assault or sexual abuse, or by the person’s twentieth birthday, whichever is longer.
- If the person was under the age of eighteen at the time of the sexual assault or sexual abuse, the action may be commenced by the person’s thirty-sixth birthday.”
However, exceptions and interpretations can vary. A lawyer can determine exactly how the statute applies to your situation.
Types of Compensation Available
Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses related to injuries or trauma
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost wages or loss of future earning capacity
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct
In some cases, survivors can also recover damages from organizations that failed to prevent or report known abuse.
Speak With a Charleston Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has survived sexual abuse, you have legal options. Contact our office online or call (304) 720-6700 today for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen without judgment, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward justice and healing.
