When you place your trust in an institution—whether it’s a school, religious organization, foster care system, residential facility, or youth program—you expect it to be a safe space for you or your child. But when that trust is broken, the results can be devastating. This betrayal is called institutional abuse, and unfortunately, it happens far too often.
At Moran Law Group, we’ve stood beside survivors of institutional abuse and their families across Pennsylvania. As a top personal injury law firm in Scranton, we help victims find answers, reclaim their power, and seek justice in the civil court system. This article explains what institutional abuse really means, how you can hold an organization accountable, and what to expect if you decide to pursue legal action.
What Is Institutional Abuse?
Institutional abuse refers to harm that happens within a system or organization that has a duty to protect and care for individuals—especially vulnerable populations like children, elderly adults, or those with disabilities. The abuse may come from staff, caregivers, clergy members, teachers, or even other residents or students. What sets institutional abuse apart is that the organization itself shares in the responsibility.
Common Examples:
- A child is repeatedly sexually abused by a teacher or coach, and the school ignores red flags.
- A nursing home resident suffers physical abuse from a caregiver while supervisors look the other way.
- A juvenile detention center fails to intervene while one youth is regularly attacked by others.
- A church reassigns a known abuser instead of reporting them to authorities.
- A daycare fails to investigate signs of emotional abuse or neglect.
This isn’t just about bad individuals. It’s about systems failing to protect people—or worse, choosing to protect their reputation over their victims.
The Role of Civil Law in Institutional Abuse Cases
When institutional abuse occurs, two legal paths may be available: criminal and civil. These are separate legal systems with very different purposes.
- Criminal case: The state prosecutes the abuser for breaking the law. This can lead to prison time or sex offender registration.
- Civil case: You, the survivor or the survivor’s family, file a lawsuit seeking compensation for the harm caused.
It’s important to understand that a criminal conviction does not automatically result in compensation for victims. If you want to hold the institution financially responsible, you need to take legal action through a civil claim, often with the help of a personal injury attorney in Scranton.
Why Hold Institutions Accountable?
Some survivors wonder: “Why go after the institution? Shouldn’t I just be focused on the person who hurt me (or my child)?”
The answer is this: Institutions often knew—or should have known—that abuse was happening. They may have failed to:
- Conduct proper background checks
- Respond to prior complaints
- Monitor staff or enforce safety policies
- Remove dangerous individuals from contact with others
- Report abuse to law enforcement
When an organization fails to act—or actively covers up abuse—they become complicit. Holding them accountable is not just about getting compensation. It’s about forcing change, preventing future abuse, and seeking full justice.
How Civil Lawsuits Help Survivors
Pursuing a civil lawsuit may help you recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Therapy and counseling
- Lost wages (if the survivor can no longer work)
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Future care costs
- Punitive damages (in especially egregious cases)
It can also give survivors a sense of closure, validation, and empowerment. With help from a top attorney in Scranton, survivors often feel less alone and more in control of the process.
Do I Have a Case?
Every case is different, but here are signs that you might have a strong institutional abuse case:
- You or your child were abused while in the care of an organization.
- There were prior warning signs the institution ignored.
- Other victims have come forward with similar stories.
- Staff were undertrained or improperly supervised.
- There’s a paper trail of complaints, incidents, or internal cover-ups.
You do not need all the answers before reaching out. A personal injury lawyer near you can investigate, gather records, speak with witnesses, and help determine whether legal action is possible.
What If the Abuse Happened Years Ago?
Many survivors, especially those who were abused as children, wait years or even decades before speaking up. This is completely normal—and Pennsylvania law recognizes that trauma takes time.
Statute of Limitations in PA:
- Survivors of child sexual abuse may file civil lawsuits until age 55.
- In some cases, even expired claims may be revived under specific legal circumstances.
If you’re unsure whether it’s too late to file, talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Don’t assume your time has run out—let us help you find out for sure.
Will I Have to Be in Court?
We understand that going to court and facing an abuser—or simply reliving the trauma—can be overwhelming. The good news is:
- Most cases settle before trial.
- If court is necessary, we’ll guide and protect you at every step.
- In many cases, the court may allow special accommodations (e.g., closed hearings, remote testimony).
At Moran Law Group, we prioritize your comfort and mental health. We’ll never pressure you to take a step you’re not ready for.
Why Choose Moran Law Group?
Institutional abuse cases are incredibly sensitive and complex. You need more than just any law firm—you need one with compassion, strength, and experience.
Here’s why families and survivors trust us:
- We treat every client with dignity and discretion
- We fight tirelessly for truth and accountability
- We understand the emotional toll these cases take
- We’ve earned our reputation as a top attorney in Scranton
- We work on contingency—you don’t pay unless we win
If you’re searching for a “personal injury lawyer near me” who truly understands, your search ends here.
What to Expect When You Contact Us
- Free, confidential consultation
We’ll listen without judgment and explain your options. - Thorough investigation
Our legal team collects records, interviews witnesses, and uncovers evidence the institution may have hidden. - Filing a claim
If you decide to move forward, we prepare your case with care and strength. - Negotiation or trial
We’ll push for a settlement that reflects the full value of your case—or take it to court if needed.
Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney in Scranton Today
You deserve answers. You deserve accountability. And above all—you deserve peace.
Call Moran Law Group for a confidential consultation
Visit: https://themoranlawgroup.com
Located in Scranton, proudly serving all of Pennsylvania
Let’s hold institutions accountable. Together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kinds of institutions can be held responsible?
A: Schools, churches, daycares, nursing homes, foster care agencies, detention centers, summer camps, and group homes are all potential defendants in institutional abuse cases.
Q: Do I have to go through the criminal system first?
A: No. Civil and criminal cases are separate. You can file a civil lawsuit regardless of whether a criminal case is happening.
Q: Can I sue an institution even if the abuser is no longer employed there?
A: Yes. If the abuse occurred while the abuser was working there—and the institution failed to protect you—they can still be held liable.
Q: Will my identity be made public?
A: Many institutional abuse cases allow for anonymity or use of initials to protect survivors’ privacy. We’ll walk you through your options.
Q: How long will the case take?
A: It varies. Some settle in months, while others take longer. We’ll give you a clearer timeline once we understand the details.