Sexual abuse doesn’t just violate the body—it fractures trust, invades identity, and leaves invisible wounds survivors carry through every relationship, every routine, every moment. Whether it happened years ago or yesterday, the aftermath never feels distant.
Many never report. Most never sue. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have rights—or power.
At Third Coast Lawyers, we believe your story matters. We fight for survivors across Wisconsin who were failed by institutions, ignored by authority, or silenced by fear.
Our attorneys handle these cases with care, confidentiality, and strength—because justice shouldn’t retraumatize anyone.
You deserve answers. You deserve accountability. And if you’re ready, you deserve a legal team that sees you as more than evidence—you’re a human being reclaiming your voice.
Take the first step. Quietly. Privately. On your terms.
Criminal charges can be powerful, but they don’t always happen. Sometimes they’re dropped. Sometimes they fail.
And sometimes, survivors don’t want a courtroom battle with police, prosecutors, or the press involved.
That’s where civil law steps in—with a different kind of justice.
Civil lawsuits give survivors a voice when the criminal system stays silent—or simply isn’t enough.
Unlike criminal prosecutions, civil claims are brought by the survivor, not the state. They seek financial compensation, public accountability, and personal closure, not jail time.
Even if a district attorney declined to file charges or a jury returned “not guilty,” your right to a civil case remains.
The burden of proof is lower. The focus is on your harm. And the power stays with you.
When sexual abuse happens, it’s rarely just one person at fault. Civil law allows survivors to pursue justice not only against the individual abuser, but against the systems that enabled or ignored the abuse.
That includes:
We build every case to expose the full chain of failure—and demand accountability at every level.
Justice doesn’t always wear a badge or robe. Sometimes, it comes from reclaiming control of your story on your own terms.
Civil lawsuits give survivors:
In many cases, a civil suit is the only legal path to validation. It’s not about money. It’s about being seen—and being believed.
Every survivor’s story is different. But no matter how it happened—or when—we’re here to stand with you. Our legal team brings experience, compassion, and absolute discretion to every case.
Some of the most devastating abuse happens in childhood, long before victims have the language or power to speak out.
We represent adults coming forward years after they were harmed by:
Wisconsin law has extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse through Act 339, giving many survivors until age 35 to file a civil claim.
And we understand that delayed disclosure is normal, not suspicious. You’re not late. You’re right on time.
Medical settings should be places of healing, not exploitation.
Unfortunately, some healthcare providers abuse their position of trust to violate patients during exams, therapy sessions, or procedures.
We’ve handled civil cases involving:
You may also have the right to report the misconduct to a state licensing board. But board discipline alone won’t cover your trauma, therapy, or loss of trust. A civil claim gives you the legal power to pursue full accountability and compensation.
Sexual misconduct at work isn’t always physical. It can begin with coercive conversations, inappropriate comments, or abuse of authority, especially when a boss, executive, or manager is involved.
Our attorneys represent clients who have endured:
You may be protected under Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, Title VII, or even under premises liability laws if your employer failed to maintain a safe environment.
We investigate every possible angle, because you didn’t just deserve better treatment. You deserved safety.
Not every assailant is an employee or coworker. Many assaults happen because property owners fail to secure their spaces, leaving guests and tenants vulnerable.
We’ve brought successful claims against:
In these cases, the attacker may vanish. But who created the dangerous environment? They can still be held liable. We go after those entities because safety isn’t optional. It’s the bare minimum.
You don’t have to face this alone. Speak confidentially with a Wisconsin sexual abuse attorney today and explore your legal options with zero pressure.
You may wonder if it’s too late to take action. But Wisconsin law has evolved to support survivors, especially those who needed time to process, speak out, or gather the strength to come forward.
Knowing your rights is the first step toward reclaiming them.
Wisconsin law gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse until age 35 to file a civil claim—far beyond the typical deadline for other injuries (Wis. Stat. § 893.587).
And in adult cases, you may still file within three years of discovering that your trauma is linked to the abuse.
The law recognizes that delayed reporting is not a failure—it’s a survival tactic. Many victims don’t connect the harm until years later, often through therapy or emotional breakthroughs. We help document those moments and file your claim within the legal timeframe.
You haven’t missed your window. And we’ll help prove it.
We understand that coming forward may feel overwhelming. Fear of exposure, judgment, or retaliation keeps many survivors silent, but the law is on your side.
In Wisconsin, courts often allow:
At Third Coast Lawyers, we file all cases with discretion, sensitivity, and full control in your hands. You decide how much of your identity is shared—if any.
You are not just a plaintiff. You are a victim with protected rights under Wisconsin’s Crime Victim Rights Act (Chapter 950).
This law ensures that survivors receive:
While our role is civil litigation, we work closely with victim services, prosecutors (when involved), and support organizations to ensure your voice is never lost in legal noise.
No amount of money can undo what happened. However, the law can provide financial relief to support your recovery, ensure your safety, and hold responsible parties accountable.
Civil compensation is not about putting a price on pain—it’s about funding healing.
Sexual abuse often leaves survivors with long-term physical, emotional, and financial costs. Civil claims allow you to recover compensation for all tangible losses, including:
We partner with trauma therapists, economists, and forensic accountants to document every cost, so you don’t have to choose between safety and stability.
Not every wound shows up on a scan.
You may be entitled to compensation for intangible harm, like:
These aren’t abstract damages—they’re real, persistent, and life-altering. Our job is to make sure courts and insurers understand exactly how this harm continues to affect your life—and that your pain is recognized in every settlement or verdict.
In some cases—especially those involving institutional cover-ups, gross negligence, or intentional abuse by employees—Wisconsin courts may award punitive damages.
This form of compensation is not tied to your personal loss—it’s designed to punish defendants and send a message: abuse and systemic indifference will never be tolerated again.
We aggressively pursue punitive damages in cases where they are both legally and ethically appropriate, particularly against organizations that knew of the wrongdoing and took no action.
You’ve already done the unthinkable—survived. Now you deserve a legal process that respects your timeline, protects your dignity, and fights for your future. Here’s what working with our team looks like.
When you contact us, you’ll speak with an attorney, not a call center. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and explain your rights clearly and gently.
There’s no pressure to file. No commitment required. This first step is always free and always confidential.
We understand you may not be ready to share everything. That’s okay. You guide the pace—we follow your lead.
If you decide to move forward, we begin building your case with precision and privacy:
Every detail is handled with your consent. You’ll never be blindsided or pushed beyond what you’re ready to do.
Once your case is fully developed, we pursue justice through either:
We negotiate fiercely, always from a position of strength. And if a trial is necessary, we prepare your case with expert testimony, strategic arguments, and trauma-informed support, so that you never feel alone in the courtroom.
No matter which path you choose, you’ll never walk it without us beside you.
You’ve already survived the most challenging part. Now you need an advocate—not someone who replays the pain, but someone who protects you through it. That’s what we do.
At Third Coast Lawyers, we don’t just handle sexual abuse cases. We’ve designed our entire legal approach around the survivor experience.
You’re not just safe with us—you’re in control. Every call, every meeting, every legal decision honors your voice and boundaries.
These are not cookie-cutter cases. We tailor every strategy to match your story, your needs, and your strengths.
Our team partners with:
Whether your case calls for early settlement or courtroom testimony, we prepare as if it’s going all the way—because that’s what the other side expects. And it’s what your story deserves.
Abuse does not discriminate—and neither do we. Survivors of all identities, backgrounds, and faiths are warmly welcomed here.
This isn’t just about justice. It’s about making sure every survivor feels seen, safe, and supported—without exception.
Even if years have passed, your voice still matters. Let us help you seek justice and healing on your terms—start your case review today.
Can I sue for sexual abuse in Wisconsin?
Yes. You can file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse in Wisconsin to seek financial compensation and hold individuals or institutions accountable, even if criminal charges were never filed.
How long do I have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until age 35 to file a civil claim. Adult survivors generally have 3 years from the discovery of harm under Wisconsin law.
Who can be held liable in a sexual abuse case?
Both individuals and institutions can be held liable. This includes abusers, schools, churches, employers, and property owners who enabled or failed to prevent the abuse.
Do I need a criminal conviction to sue for sexual abuse?
No. Civil lawsuits have a lower burden of proof and do not require a criminal conviction or even criminal charges to be filed in order to proceed.
Will my identity be kept private in a sexual abuse lawsuit?
Yes. Wisconsin courts often allow survivors to use initials or pseudonyms, and protective orders can shield your identity from public records and media.
What compensation can I receive in a sexual abuse lawsuit?
You may recover damages for therapy costs, medical care, lost income, emotional trauma, and—in some cases—punitive damages for gross negligence or institutional cover-up.
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