If you’re reading this, you—or someone you love—may be carrying the weight of something unimaginable: sexual abuse. Whether it happened recently or years ago, the pain doesn’t go away easily. The emotional toll, the fear, the anger, the questions… all of it is real, and none of it is your fault.
As difficult as this moment may be, we want you to know one thing: you are not alone—and there are legal options that may help you find justice and healing.
At Moran Law Group, we represent abuse and crime victims throughout Pennsylvania. As a top personal injury law firm in Scranton, our mission is to hold abusers and institutions accountable, and to help survivors take back their power—on their own terms.
This article will help you understand the difference between criminal and civil cases, your rights under Pennsylvania law, and how a personal injury attorney in Scranton can support you.
What Is Sexual Abuse in Legal Terms?
Sexual abuse refers to any unwanted sexual act committed against a person without their full, informed consent. This can happen to adults or children, and it can involve:
- Sexual assault or rape
- Molestation or groping
- Exploitation or coercion
- Online abuse or sharing explicit content without consent
- Abuse by someone in a position of authority (teacher, coach, clergy, etc.)
In many cases, survivors know their abuser. They may be a family friend, a mentor, or someone in a trusted role. This often makes the emotional fallout even harder.
Civil vs. Criminal Cases: How Are They Different?
When someone commits a sexual crime, they can be prosecuted in criminal court by the state. If convicted, they may face:
- Prison time
- Probation
- Registration as a sex offender
But what the criminal system can’t do is compensate you for what you’ve suffered. That’s where a civil personal injury case comes in.
In a civil case, you file a lawsuit against the abuser—and sometimes the institution or employer that enabled or ignored the abuse—to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy and counseling
- Lost income
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Punitive damages (in extreme cases)
Many survivors pursue both types of justice: criminal and civil. Others choose the civil route because the burden of proof is lower and they retain more control.
Will I Have to Testify or Face My Abuser?
This is a question we hear often—and it’s understandable. Many survivors are terrified of being re-traumatized or having to relive their abuse in front of others.
Here’s what we want you to know:
- Most civil cases settle out of court.
In many cases, especially when there is strong evidence, defendants agree to settle before trial. This often avoids the need for testimony. - If court is needed, we protect you.
When trial is necessary, we do everything possible to reduce emotional harm. Pennsylvania courts may offer accommodations for survivors, such as closed sessions or remote testimony. - You decide how far to go.
Nothing moves forward without your input. Our role is to support you and protect your rights—not pressure you.
At Moran Law Group, we handle these cases with deep sensitivity and care. You’ve already been through enough—we’re here to help ease the burden, not add to it.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In many sexual abuse cases, there is more than one person or party to blame. Beyond the abuser, we may investigate whether other individuals or institutions enabled the abuse—either by turning a blind eye or actively covering it up.
Examples of potentially liable parties in a civil case include:
- Employers who failed to conduct background checks
- Schools, churches, or camps that ignored red flags
- Organizations that didn’t report known abuse
- Supervisors who failed to act on prior complaints
- Companies or agencies that fostered an unsafe environment
When people or organizations knew or should have known abuse was happening and did nothing, they may be legally liable.
What If the Abuse Happened Years Ago?
Many survivors wait years—even decades—before coming forward. And that’s OK.
Pennsylvania has extended the statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases involving children. In some circumstances, adult survivors of child sexual abuse have until the age of 55 to bring a civil claim. For adult victims of more recent abuse, there may still be time to act.
Each case is different, so it’s critical to speak with a qualified attorney to understand your options. Don’t assume your window has closed.
What Kind of Compensation Can Survivors Recover?
No amount of money can erase what happened—but financial compensation can help you access the resources you need to heal and rebuild. In a civil personal injury case, survivors may be awarded damages for:
- Medical bills and future care
- Therapy and counseling expenses
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or intimacy (in spousal cases)
- Punitive damages (when conduct is especially egregious)
We fight for full and fair compensation—because you deserve nothing less.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Scranton?
We understand that finances may be a concern, especially after a traumatic experience. That’s why Moran Law Group works on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Your consultation is free and confidential, with absolutely no pressure. We’ll answer your questions, help you understand your rights, and give you the space you need to decide how you want to proceed.
Why Choose Moran Law Group?
We’re more than just a law firm. We’re advocates, listeners, protectors, and problem-solvers. Our team has helped survivors of sexual abuse across Pennsylvania seek justice—and find a sense of closure.
As a top personal injury law firm, we offer:
Discreet and compassionate legal care
Experienced trial attorneys who don’t back down
Supportive communication every step of the way
Thorough investigations and aggressive representation
No win, no fee guarantee
Your story matters. Your safety matters. And your future matters.
What to Do If You’re Ready to Talk
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse—whether it happened recently or long ago—here’s what you can do:
- Seek medical and psychological support
Your well-being comes first. Counseling, therapy, and medical care are critical—and documentation also supports your legal case. - Preserve any evidence
Save emails, texts, photos, or journal entries. These may be important, even years later. - Contact a personal injury attorney in Scranton
The earlier you reach out, the sooner we can help protect your rights and preserve your options.
You Are Not Alone! Let Moran Law Group Stand With You
Call today for a confidential, no-cost consultation
Visit us at https://themoranlawgroup.com
Serving Scranton and the greater Northeastern PA community
You’ve already survived the hardest part. Now let us help you take the next step—toward justice, healing, and peace.