Rhode Island Childhood Sexual Abuse AttorneyS

Compassionate & Confidential Legal Counsel for Childhood Sex Abuse Survivors

Were you sexually abused as a child by someone in a position of authority, like a teacher, pastor, Scout leader, or coach? At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., our trial attorneys know just how difficult it can be to speak up. Even decades later, many childhood sexual abuse survivors are hesitant to use their voices due to the extreme trauma caused by their abusers, which is why we are proud to be their voices instead. We have the experience, resources, and authority to bring dignity to victims and pursue their legitimate claims against large institutions, nationwide organizations, religious groups, and others.

Why trust your case with our attorneys at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C.?

• We have more than 50 years of experience, having first opened our doors in 1975.
• We have recovered more verdicts than any other law firm in Rhode Island.
• We have secured more than $1 billion in awards and settlements for our clients.
• We have been recognized by U.S. News as one of the “Best Law Firms”.
• We have experienced attorneys who respect your dignity, privacy and the sensitive nature of your case.

Talk to our Rhode Island childhood sexual abuse lawyers during a free and confidential case evaluation before the statute of limitations expires. Call (401) 200-4059 to begin.

Rhode Island Childhood Sexual Abuse Laws

In the past, Rhode Island law often prevented childhood sexual abuse survivors from filing civil lawsuits against their abusers if legal action wasn’t started relatively quickly. This law prevented countless people from seeking justice from their abusers, which ultimately allowed an indeterminable number of child sex offenders to roam free without any repercussions. Additionally, the institutions responsible for enabling these sexual predators, including the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America, sports teams and leagues, and other youth organizations, were able to hide their wrongdoing with virtually no liability.

Even with changes made in 2019, the statute of limitations in Rhode Island has posed a challenge to victims of childhood sexual abuse. Given that most childhood sexual abuse survivors are too afraid or wracked by misplaced shame to speak up until many, many years later, these survivors often found that their claims were time-barred by the statute of limitations. However, efforts are being made that are expected toallow countless such people to recover, come forward at last, and demand justice.

Organizations We Can File Against

Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. became one of Rhode Island’s most trusted law firms for many reasons, including our tenacious and fearless approach to pursuing justice for our clients. No matter who or what organization might be on the other side of your claim, we will be ready to challenge them head-on, even going to trial if needed. 

We are prepared to file sexual abuse lawsuits, if warranted, against any potential offender, including:

• Boy Scouts of America
• Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island
• Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
• Providence Public Schools
• Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan)
• Soccer Rhode Island

We are ready to take on any youth group, sports association, religious sect, healthcare system, or educational institution that failed to protect you from sexual abuse, either recently or many years ago.

Why Can an Organization Be Liable for Childhood Sexual Abuse?

Oftentimes, when someone in a position of authority commits childhood sexual abuse, it is not an isolated incident carried out by one offender. Historically, criminal investigations frequently uncover evidence that the offender acted multiple times and that they were harbored by an organization or employer that knew they were a risk to the well-being of children yet did nothing to stop or punish them. For example, some of the worst Catholic Diocese childhood sexual abuse scandals in recent years have involved internal church documentation that revealed a decades-long history of hiding evidence of sexual offenses carried out by clergy members.

When we represent someone who was sexually abused as a child, we want to not only secure justice for them but also hopefully protect other children from being similarly harmed in the future. For this reason and more, we will check to see if we can file a claim or lawsuit against the individual abuser and any institution or employer that harbored, protected, or enabled them.

Is Criminal Action Required to File a Claim?

No. You can file a childhood sexual abuse claim against any sexual offender and the group that harbored them, regardless of any criminal action (or lack thereof) taken against them. In other words, even if the person who sexually abused you was never investigated, arrested, charged, or convicted, you still have the right to pursue civil action to set things right.

Take Legal Action Against Your Abuser – Call Now

We are prepared to take on difficult and sensitive cases for anyone in the state who wants to speak up. Child abusers and those that harbored them should be brought to justice. With our resources, experience, reputation, and insight, we’re ready to investigate a claim or lawsuit against anyone or any institution, big or small, local or nationwide.

We’re here whenever you’re ready to talk. All conversations with us are kept confidential under attorney-client privilege. Please call (401) 200-4059 to request a free case consultation with our team.