Illinois Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse
Our compassionate Illinois juvenile detention sexual abuse lawyers stand with those who suffered sexual abuse at state and county detention centers throughout the state. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, whether the abuse happened recently or years ago.
Call us today at (312) 332-2872 if you or your loved one is a survivor of juvenile detention abuse. We are ready to advocate for you and fight for justice against those who abused their power and failed to protect you.
- What Are the Signs of Sexual Abuse in Illinois Juvenile Detention Centers?
- Why Hire the Juvenile Detention Center Attorneys at Levin & Perconti?
- Testimonials
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Levin & Perconti Is Investigating Sexual Abuse Across Illinois Juvenile Detention Facilities
- How to Start on Your IDJJ Sexual Abuse Claim
A new lawsuit filed by 95 former detainees alleges pervasive sexual abuse at Illinois juvenile detention facilities. According to the lawsuit filed in the Illinois Court of Claims, the abuse often occurred repeatedly over years while the victims were ages 12 to 17.
The lawsuit is just the latest example of how vulnerable youths in Illinois have silently endured horrendous abuse for decades. A 2012 survey by the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics found that Illinois is one of the four worst states in the nation for juvenile detention sexual abuse, with a rate exceeding the national average by over 35 percent.
A juvenile detention center should be a safe place where at-risk youth receive a second chance to become well-functioning adults. Instead, many have endured a daily nightmare, resulting in crippling emotional and physical trauma that can affect their future relationships, careers, and quality of life.
If you or your child has been sexually abused while in custody at a state or county juvenile detention center, the state of Illinois may be liable. Contact our Illinois juvenile detention sexual abuse lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Are the Signs of Sexual Abuse in Illinois Juvenile Detention Centers?
Early detection of sexual abuse is crucial for minimizing the lifelong effects and helping your teen recover from the trauma. The following changes in your team may indicate sexual abuse:
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Signs of physical abuse
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Persistent sadness
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Declining academic performance
- Loss of interest in personal hygiene
- Self-harm
- Suicide ideation
If you see concerning changes in your child while in custody at a juvenile detention facility, report your concerns to the facility administrator immediately and contact our detention center abuse lawyers. We can gather evidence against the perpetrator and help you pursue justice for your child.
Why Hire the Juvenile Detention Center Attorneys at Levin & Perconti?
Our attorneys have more than 400 years of combined legal experience, and we have recovered over $2 billion in compensation for our clients, many of whom were survivors of various forms of abuse. Our successful case results include a $410,000 settlement for a nursing home resident with dementia who was physically and sexually assaulted by another resident.
We are currently representing numerous clients who experienced sexual abuse during high school hazing in sports. We have partnered with civil rights leader Ben Crump in representing former Northwestern University football players who suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
Our financial resources allow us to invest every dollar needed to investigate and litigate your claim with no upfront costs to you. We refuse to settle for less than you deserve and are unafraid to go to trial. Our adversaries know our reputation for winning in court. We use this as leverage to maximize settlements. In many cases, our clients never have to step foot in a courtroom. Should a trial become necessary, we will stand by you every step of the way, preparing you fully for any necessary testimony.
What Our Clients Are Saying
We treat every client with compassion and respect. We regularly receive glowing reviews from our clients about the results we get for them and the personalized attention and care we provide, such as the client testimonials below:
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are answers to questions we frequently receive about juvenile detention sexual abuse cases.
display:none;
How Much Will It Cost To Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
There is no upfront cost to work with our sexual abuse lawyers. If we successfully resolve your claim, we will collect a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation as our fee. You only pay if we win.
What Is the Time Limit for a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Illinois?
The state recently amended the statute of limitations to allow sexual abuse survivors to file suit anytime. There is no time limit to file a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit in Illinois if the last instance occurred on or after August 20, 2019. However, if the last instance of sexual abuse occurred before this date, you have up to 20 years after your 18th birthday or after the date you discovered the abuse occurred and caused your injury.
Who Is Held Accountable for Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers?
Sexual abuse of a minor is both a crime and a civil offense. The perpetrator may face criminal charges for sexual abuse and potential incarceration. Whether or not the perpetrator faces criminal charges, the perpetrator and the state of Illinois or the municipality in charge of the facility may be liable for damages in an Illinois juvenile detention center lawsuit. The government has a legal duty to protect juveniles from harm while in its custody. They are liable when the evidence proves that the facilities failed to take reasonable measures to do so.
What Information Do I Need To Gather To Support a Claim of Abuse?
When you meet with us for your initial consultation, bring any medical records you have, therapy records you have gathered, and the contact information of anyone you told about the abuse shortly after it happened. If you do not possess any evidence, don’t let it deter you from contacting us. Our experienced detention center abuse lawyers have the resources and skills to investigate your claim and gather the necessary evidence on your behalf.
How Long Does a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Take?
It could take several months to resolve your sexual abuse lawsuit. Some cases take years. The time it takes to resolve your case will depend on the cooperation of the facility where the abuse occurred, the work required to gather evidence, and the court backlog in your jurisdiction.
Levin & Perconti Is Investigating Sexual Abuse Across Illinois Juvenile Detention Facilities
It has come to our attention that sexual abuse is rampant in juvenile detention facilities across the state. We are currently gathering evidence against all five of the state-run facilities, which include the following:
- IYC Chicago
- IYC Harrisburg
- IYC Pere Marquette
- IYC Warrenville
- Phoenix Emerging Adults Career & Education (PEACE) Center- St. Charles
Juvenile detention abuse is not limited to state-run facilities. Sexual abuse also reportedly occurred at the 16 county facilities throughout the state. These facilities are operated by their respective counties. No matter which facility allowed you or your loved one to suffer sexual abuse, our attorneys are prepared to hold the facility accountable and pursue substantial compensation on your behalf.
How to Start on Your IDJJ Sexual Abuse Claim
If you or your loved one experienced abuse in a state or county juvenile detention facility, our Illinois juvenile detention sexual abuse lawyers are ready to be your biggest advocates. We respect the courage it takes to bring a sexual abuse claim forward, and we are prepared to protect you and do all of the investigative work for you. You can count on us to believe you and treat you with the utmost respect and dignity while we hold the facility accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online today or call (312) 332-2872 to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
Legally Reviewed by
Jaime Koziol Delaney
Contact Us
- Free Consultation
- (312) 332-2872
"*" indicates required fields
Client Successes
VERDICT
on behalf of an 85-year-old woman injured in a nursing home when her medications were mismanaged.
SETTLEMENT
for the family of a 32-year-old woman who was killed when their pick-up truck was rear-ended by a semi-truck.
SETTLEMENT
settlement to the family of a baby who suffered permanent brain damage as a result of a doctor’s negligence.
Our Office
325 N LaSalle Dr Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60654
312-332-2872
