Serving survivors throughout PA, NJ, NY, and MD in complete confidentiality. If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a child or adult by a trusted institution — a church, a youth organization, a school, a detention facility, a foster family, or an employer — you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Siddons Law Firm represents survivors of institutional sexual abuse. Call (610) 255-7500 in complete confidence. All conversations are protected and your identity is kept private.
Key Takeaways
- Many states — including PA, NJ, NY, and MD — have passed “look-back” windows reviving claims that were previously time-barred.
- Institutional abuse settlements commonly range from $500,000 to $2 million+; some reach $5M+, particularly in cases involving institutional cover-up.
- Plaintiffs can be identified by initials or “Jane Doe” / “John Doe” pseudonyms in all court filings to protect identity.
- Civil cases can proceed regardless of whether the abuser was criminally prosecuted. Civil and criminal cases are separate; the civil burden of proof is lower.
- Free, confidential case review. No up-front costs. No fee unless we recover.
Institutional Abuse Litigation We Handle
Boy Scouts of America Sexual Abuse
Over 82,000 men have filed claims in the BSA bankruptcy and related litigation. The $2.46 billion trust is actively paying survivors. Claims range from five figures to seven figures depending on evidence, severity, and timeline. Learn more →
Catholic Church / Diocesan Abuse
Dioceses and religious orders across the country have paid over $4 billion in clergy abuse settlements. Many U.S. dioceses have filed for Chapter 11 and established survivor trusts. Claims are still being accepted in PA, NJ, NY, and MD. Learn more →
Schools, Youth Sports & Youth Organizations
Schools (public and private), youth sports organizations (USA Gymnastics, swim clubs, martial arts), daycares, camps, and religious programs have failed to protect children from coach and staff abuse. Title IX and state-law claims apply. Learn more →
Juvenile Detention & Foster Care
Survivors of abuse in juvenile detention, reform schools, or foster care placements can file against the state or private facility that was legally responsible for their safety. Major litigation is active in NJ, NY, MD, and other states. Learn more →
Who May Qualify
- You were sexually abused as a child or adult while under the care, authority, or supervision of an institution (school, church, youth org, detention facility, foster placement, workplace).
- The institution had reason to know of the risk — prior complaints, known offender, failure to screen, failure to supervise — or covered up the abuse after learning of it.
- Your state’s statute of limitations is still open OR falls within a revival window.
Confidentiality & Your Protection
Every conversation with our firm is protected by attorney-client privilege from the first call. Court filings use pseudonyms. Settlements include confidentiality provisions when survivors request them. Your story does not become public unless you want it to. Our first goal is to listen, believe you, and explain your options without pressure.
Why Choose Our Firm
Siddons Law Firm represents survivors throughout PA, NJ, NY, and MD with complete discretion. We partner with nationally recognized survivor advocacy trial firms — the same lawyers who negotiated the Boy Scouts trust, the USA Gymnastics settlement, and the major diocesan bankruptcies. Your case is backed by trauma-informed litigation teams that understand how to present difficult facts compassionately and powerfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
The abuse happened decades ago. Is it too late?
Probably not. PA, NJ, NY, and MD have each passed lookback legislation reviving long-expired claims. Even if the original statute expired, your case may be filed under the revival window. Don’t assume — call.
My abuser was never criminally charged. Can I still sue the institution?
Yes. Civil and criminal cases are separate. The civil standard of proof is significantly lower.
What if I only told one person about the abuse, or no one at all?
Most survivors disclose to no one or only one trusted person. Non-disclosure is expected in these cases and does not weaken your claim.
Will my name become public?
Only if you want it to. Plaintiffs file as Jane Doe / John Doe and settlements can include strict confidentiality.
Start Your Case — Completely Confidential
Call (610) 255-7500 or email msiddons@siddonslaw.com in complete confidence. Free case review. Serving survivors throughout PA, NJ, NY, and MD.