Nationwide Child Sex Abuse Lawyers
Holding Perpetrators & Enabling Institutions Accountable
Discovering that a child was sexually abused—or coming to terms as an adult survivor with childhood trauma—is a devastating experience. While criminal proceedings aim to punish perpetrators, civil lawsuits empower survivors and families to expose institutional cover-ups, force systemic safety reforms, and secure vital financial compensation for lifetime recovery care.
At Matthews & Associates, we do not operate as a referral service or high-volume intake firm. Led by founder David P. Matthews—a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization with over 150 civil verdicts—our firm has the capital, authority, and court-appointed leadership credentials necessary to hold powerful organizations accountable. Our attorneys have represented survivors in litigation against major institutions, including cases involving the Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America. We understand both the legal complexity of these cases and the sensitivity they require.
To schedule a free initial case consultation, call (888) 923-7001 today.
We may file or settle a claim individually or as part of a group on a case-by-case basis.
Whether your claim is filed individually or as part of a group fighting the same defendant, our goal is always to provide each of our clients with individual attention. This boutique-level service, combined with our national litigation powerhouse capabilities, ensures you receive both personalized care and the resources necessary to take on the largest corporations and manufacturers.
Why Survivors Choose Matthews & Associates
Cases involving institutional child sexual abuse are almost always contested aggressively by well-resourced defendants — religious institutions, school districts, and national youth organizations with experienced defense counsel. Survivors need a firm capable of matching that level of resources while still providing individualized, compassionate representation.
- Founded in 2005 by David P. Matthews, who has tried more than 150 civil cases to verdict and is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law
- Our attorneys have served in court-appointed leadership roles on Plaintiffs' Steering and Executive Committees in major national abuse litigation
- We handle claims individually or as part of coordinated litigation against the same institution, depending on what best serves each client
- We work on a contingency fee basis — there are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf
- Courts often allow survivors to file using a pseudonym to protect their privacy throughout the legal process
We're Ready to Fight For You!
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“Very professional from the beginning”
- Jeffrey E.Very professional from the beginning. always answered questions and had amazing follow through on insuring data submitted was accurate
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“Matthews & Associates is one of a kind.”
Matthews & Associates is one of a kind. They treat you with respect. They support you when needed. Plus they have locations in Texas and California with wonderful customer service. Bilingual service is always available.- Sorangel T. -
“They are so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable.”
I love these guys! They are so helpful, kind, knowledgeable, smart, and good with people. They answer all your questions and if they don't know the answer, it doesn't take them long to get you the answer! I wouldn't want anyone else to handle my suit. They are AWESOME!- Genie S. -
“Always available & answers questions promptly.”
I've been working with Matthews & Associates for 2 years. I am impressed that the firm is always available and answers questions promptly. I am very satisfied with the services they provide and would recommend them.- Kweli Y. -
“Very informative and professional.”
- Lydia C.Very informative and professional. Answer thoroughly all my questions and concerns.
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“Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case.”
- Ron S.Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. They were always polite when they were talking to me. Very professional and polite.
How Institutions Can Be Held Liable for Child Sexual Abuse
A civil claim for child sexual abuse is not limited to the individual who committed the abuse. In many cases, the institution that employed, supervised, or provided access to that individual can also be held legally responsible under theories such as:
- Negligent Hiring: The organization failed to properly screen or vet an employee, volunteer, or member before placing them in contact with children.
- Negligent Supervision: The organization failed to adequately monitor interactions between the abuser and children in its care.
- Negligent Retention: The organization became aware of misconduct or red flags and failed to remove the individual from a position of access to children.
- Failure to Report: Under mandatory reporting laws in most states, certain institutions and professionals are legally required to report suspected abuse to authorities — and can be held liable for failing to do so.
- Cover-Up or Concealment: In some of the largest institutional abuse cases in U.S. history, organizations were found to have actively concealed known abuse to protect their reputation, which can support claims for punitive damages.
Identifying every institution that bears legal responsibility — not just the individual abuser — is often the difference between a limited recovery and full accountability.
Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse Claims
One of the most important and most frequently misunderstood aspects of these cases is the filing deadline. In recent years, many states have passed reform laws extending — or in some cases temporarily eliminating — the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, recognizing that survivors often take years or decades to come forward.
- Many states have extended the age by which a survivor must file a claim well into adulthood, in some cases up to age 40, 55, or beyond
- Several states have opened temporary "lookback windows" allowing survivors to file claims that would otherwise be time-barred under the old law
- Deadlines and lookback windows vary significantly by state and can change based on new legislation
Because these laws differ by state and are subject to change, the only reliable way to know whether you can still file a claim is to have your specific situation reviewed by an attorney. Even if you believe your claim may be time-barred, it is worth having it evaluated — many survivors are surprised to learn they still have a legal option.
Compensation Available in a Child Sex Abuse Claim
Survivors who pursue a civil claim may be entitled to compensation for:
- Therapy and Mental Health Treatment: Past and future costs of counseling and psychological care
- Medical Expenses: Treatment related to the abuse, including any physical injuries
- Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to the psychological impact of the abuse, including periods of inability to work
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional and psychological harm endured
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving institutional cover-ups or egregious misconduct, courts may award additional damages intended to punish the responsible parties and deter future harm
Child Sex Abuse Lawsuit FAQs
Can I file a claim if the abuse happened decades ago?
In many cases, yes. Numerous states have extended or temporarily reopened filing deadlines specifically for child sexual abuse claims. Even if you believe the deadline has passed, it's worth having an attorney review your specific situation.
Do I need to have reported the abuse to police to file a civil claim?
No. A civil claim is a separate legal process from a criminal case, and you do not need a criminal conviction — or even a police report — to pursue compensation.
Will I have to testify publicly?
Not necessarily. Many civil abuse claims are resolved through confidential settlements without a public trial. Courts also frequently permit survivors to proceed using a pseudonym to protect their identity.
What if the institution has since closed or the abuser has died?
You may still have a claim. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to a successor organization, an estate, or an insurer that covered the institution at the time of the abuse.
What does it cost to pursue a claim?
Matthews & Associates handles these cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, and you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
To schedule a consultation with a sexual assault and abuse attorney at Matthews & Associates, call (888) 923-7001 or contact us online.
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