If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, you deserve to be heard, believed and treated with respect. You also deserve to make decisions at your own pace. Reaching out to a lawyer does not commit you to anything, and what you share with us is kept confidential.
Wisconsin law allows survivors to bring a civil claim for compensation, and claims can be brought against the person who caused the harm and, in some cases, against an organization that failed to protect you. Our Milwaukee office handles these cases with care and discretion, and we work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
Your Privacy and Your Pace
There is no wrong time to ask about your options. When you contact us:
- Your consultation is free and confidential
- We guide you through every stage of the legal process
Wisconsin Deadlines for Sexual Abuse Claims
Wisconsin has different filing deadlines depending on when the abuse happened and who is responsible. Because these rules can be complicated, it helps to talk with a lawyer early, even if you are not sure you want to file.
Abuse that happened in childhood
For the child sexual assault offenses listed in the statute, a survivor can file a civil claim until turning 35 (Wis. Stat. 893.587). That age-35 rule covers claims for those listed acts. A claim that an organization negligently hired, retained or supervised the abuser generally follows the 3-year injury deadline, extended for minors (Wis. Stat. 893.54, 893.16).
Abuse that happened in adulthood
Claims for assault, battery and other intentional harm to a person generally must be filed within 3 years (Wis. Stat. 893.57). A claim that an organization was negligent, for example by failing to supervise an employee, generally has 3 years as well (Wis. Stat. 893.54(1m)(a)). Other rules may affect the deadline in some situations, which is one more reason to get advice early.
Claims involving sexual contact by a therapist have their own deadline rule, which can extend the time in limited situations (Wis. Stat. 893.585).
Public schools and government bodies
When a public school, county agency or other local government body is involved, special notice requirements and limits on who can be sued may apply (Wis. Stat. 893.80). Some of those notice periods are short, so these cases call for prompt advice.
Where Sexual Abuse Claims Arise
Claims can arise from abuse in:
- Schools, daycares and youth programs
- Sports teams, camps and coaching
- Religious organizations
- Medical, therapy and counseling settings
- Workplaces
- Nursing homes and other care facilities
Our Milwaukee nursing home abuse lawyers also handle abuse of older or vulnerable adults in care facilities. If the harm happened at work, workers’ compensation rules may affect your options, and our Milwaukee workers’ compensation lawyers can explain how those rules fit together with an abuse claim.
When an organization may share responsibility
An organization may face a claim that it negligently hired, retained or supervised the abuser.
If Your Child Was Abused
Learning that your child was abused is overwhelming. Your calm support matters more than having every answer. A few steps can help protect your child and preserve their account:
- Stay calm, listen and let your child know that telling you was the right thing to do
- Avoid asking the same questions again and again
- Write down what your child said, in their words, along with the date
- Arrange medical care with a doctor who knows the situation
- Ask about counseling with a professional who works with children
- Keep your child away from the person involved
Because a claim for the child sexual assault offenses listed in Wis. Stat. 893.587 can be filed until the survivor turns 35, your child may have options later in life as well. Claims against an organization can have a shorter deadline, so it helps to ask early. You can still talk with us now to understand what the process could look like and how to protect your child’s privacy along the way.
Compensation in a Civil Sexual Abuse Claim
A civil claim seeks payment for the harm you experienced. The records we gather often cover:
- Counseling and therapy, now and in the future
- Medical care
- Lost income or interrupted education
- Emotional distress, anxiety and sleep problems
- Effects on relationships and daily life
Wisconsin allows punitive damages when the defendant acted maliciously toward the injured person or in an intentional disregard of that person’s rights (Wis. Stat. 895.043(3)). Punitive damages are generally capped at twice the compensatory damages or $200,000, whichever is greater (Wis. Stat. 895.043(6)).
Steps You Can Take When You Are Ready
- Focus first on your safety and well-being
- Reach out to a doctor, counselor or someone you trust
- When you feel able, write down what you remember, such as dates, places and people you told
- Keep messages, emails, photos or other records that relate to what happened
- Avoid contacting the person or organization about a claim on your own
- Call 844-SEE-MIKE for a free, confidential consultation
How 844-SEE-MIKE Helps Milwaukee Sexual Abuse Survivors
When you call 844-SEE-MIKE, you talk with our team about what happened, and there is no cost to find out where you stand. If we take your case, we negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and gather the records and evidence for your claim.
- Free consultation, available 24/7
- No fee unless we recover money for you
In sexual abuse cases, we keep your information confidential and handle the legal complexities, so you can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family member contact you for me?
Yes. A parent, partner or friend can reach out first to learn how the process works.
What happens during a consultation?
We have an in-depth conversation with you and review whether you can still take legal action. There is no cost or obligation.
Does it cost anything to hire 844-SEE-MIKE for a sexual abuse case?
No upfront cost. If we take your case, you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you, and the first conversation is always free and confidential.
If you or someone you love was hurt in Milwaukee, contact 844-SEE-MIKE anytime for a free, no-pressure consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
To see the other cases our office handles, visit our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers page.
This information is general and is not legal advice. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
