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Seeking Justice for Child Sex Abuse Survivors in Virginia

Virginia Child Sex Abuse LawyerChild sexual abuse is a horrific crime that can have lifelong consequences for survivors. If you or a loved one has suffered from child sexual abuse in Virginia, legal action can be a powerful tool for achieving justice and holding abusers accountable. As child sex abuse attorneys, we are dedicated to representing survivors and their families with compassion, discretion, and unwavering advocacy.

Our firm is committed to ensuring that survivors receive the support, resources, and legal representation they need to rebuild their lives. If you need to speak with a Virginia child sex abuse lawyer, call us today at 276-618-3327 for a free, confidential consultation.

Understanding Child Sex Abuse in Virginia

Virginia law defines child sexual abuse as any sexual act involving a minor that is unlawful under state statutes. These crimes can include:

  • Sexual assault
  • Molestation
  • Indecent liberties with a minor (e.g., groping, indecent exposure, etc.)
  • Online solicitation of a minor
  • Possession or distribution of child pornography
  • Aggravated sexual battery

According to data from the Virginia Department of Social Services, thousands of child sexual abuse cases are reported in the state each year. However, experts estimate that many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or coercion by abusers.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Child Sex Abuse in Virginia?

In Virginia, survivors may pursue legal action against both the abuser and any institution that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. Entities that may be held accountable include:

  • Schools and Educational Institutions – Failure to conduct background checks, report allegations, or remove known offenders can result in liability.
  • Religious Organizations and Churches – If clergy members or staff members engage in abuse or if leadership conceals allegations, the organization can be held responsible.
  • Daycare Centers and Childcare Providers – Negligence in hiring, supervision, or failure to report suspected abuse may result in legal consequences.
  • Youth Sports Leagues and Camps – Organizations responsible for minors must implement safeguards to prevent abuse.
  • Foster Care Agencies and Group Homes – Children in state or private care deserve protection from predators within these systems.

If you suspect an organization was negligent in protecting a child, contact our office to discuss your legal options with an experienced Virginia child sex abuse attorney. For over three decades, we have successfully fought for justice and maximum compensation for injury victims – Let us fight for your rights.

Virginia Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Virginia has enacted laws that extend the time survivors have to file civil claims against abusers and negligent parties and also the time limits for criminal prosecution.

Civil Claims for Child Sex Abuse

Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(D),[1] survivors of child sexual abuse generally have 20 years after the cause of action accrues to file a civil lawsuit. This statute applies to cases where the abuse occurred during the survivor’s infancy or incapacity, as outlined in § 8.01-249(6).

For cases where the cause of action accrued on or after July 1, 2020, but does not fall under subsection D, Virginia law provides a 10-year statute of limitations under § 8.01-243(D1).

Additionally, if the survivor was 18 years or older at the time of the abuse and the perpetrator was a person of authority—someone in a position of trust or influence over the victim’s life—Virginia law under § 8.01-243(D2) allows survivors to file a lawsuit within 15 years after the cause of action accrues.

Given these varying limitations, survivors should consult a Virginia child sex abuse lawyer as soon as possible to determine how the statute of limitations applies to their specific case and to ensure they do not miss critical deadlines.

Criminal Prosecution of Child Sex Abuse

For criminal cases, Virginia has removed the statute of limitations for felony sexual offenses against minors, meaning abusers can be prosecuted at any time. Misdemeanor offenses may still be subject to specific time restrictions.

Exceptions and Special Provisions

  • Repressed Memory and Discovery Rule – If a survivor only later recalls the abuse or recognizes the damage it caused, they may have additional time to file a lawsuit.
  • Institutional Cover-Ups – If an organization actively concealed evidence of abuse, the statute of limitations may be extended.

Because laws change and can be complex, consulting with a Virginia child sex abuse lawyer is critical to understanding how deadlines may apply to your case. As sex abuse attorneys, we can listen to the facts of your case, explain the statute of limitations that may apply in your case, and monitor critical deadlines to ensure that you do not miss your opportunity to pursue justice in court.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Virginia Child Sex Abuse Attorney?

We believe that every survivor deserves justice regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

  • No Upfront Fees – You do not pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
  • No Risk Representation – If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
  • Litigation Costs Advanced – Our firm advances all litigation and trial-related expenses while a case is ongoing, which are typically fully covered by a final settlement or verdict.

What Types of Compensation Are Available in Virginia Child Sex Abuse Cases?

Survivors who pursue civil lawsuits may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical and therapy expenses
  • Psychological and Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence or misconduct)

Compensation varies depending on the facts of each case, so consulting a Virginia child sex abuse attorney is the best way to determine the value of your claim.

Steps to Filing a Child Sex Abuse Lawsuit in Virginia

At the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we guide sexual abuse survivors through every step of the legal process:

  • Confidential Consultation – We’ll listen to your story and discuss your legal options in a private setting.
  • Comprehensive Investigation – Our firm gathers medical records, witness statements, and institutional documents to build a strong case.
  • Filing the Lawsuit – We initiate legal action against abusers and any negligent companies and institutions.
  • Discovery Process – Typically, both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and work with expert witnesses.
  • Settlement or Trial – We aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement, but we will not hesitate to take a case to trial is a full and fair settlement cannot be reached.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt?

At the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we provide tenacious legal representation for survivors of child sexual abuse. Here’s why clients choose us:

Compassionate Advocacy

We understand the profound impact that child sexual abuse has on survivors and their families. Our team offers a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where clients can share their experiences without fear or judgment. We prioritize your well-being throughout the legal process, ensuring you feel heard and respected.

Proven Track Record

Our firm has a history of successfully representing clients in sensitive and complex cases. For instance, we secured a $6,850,000 settlement in a significant personal injury case, demonstrating our commitment to achieving substantial results for our clients.

Aggressive Legal Representation

Led by attorney Mark T. Hurt, who has argued cases twice before the United States Supreme Court, our legal team is relentless in pursuing justice. We have secured multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts, holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable for their actions.

Choosing the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt means partnering with a firm that combines compassionate support with a relentless pursuit of justice, ensuring that survivors receive the representation they deserve.

Schedule A Free Consultation with a Virginia Child Sex Abuse Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one is a survivor of child sexual abuse, you deserve justice. Contact the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt today for a free and confidential consultation. We are here to listen, advocate, and fight for your rights.

Call us at 276-618-3327 or fill out our online form to get started. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call, and we represent Virginia sex abuse victims on a contingency-fee basis. This means that we will only be entitled to a legal fee if we are successful in recovering compensation on your behalf.


[1] § 8.01-243. Personal action for injury to person or property generally; extension in actions for malpractice against health care provider

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“Mark took over my car accident case from another attorney that I fired. Mark worked hard on the case for several months to get ready for trial. Shortly before trial he got a settlement that was SIX TIMES more than the offer my first lawyer tried to get me to take.”

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