Miami Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers 

One of the most important things to know is that the law gives victims of child sexual abuse more time to file a civil claim than most other personal injury cases. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(8), survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file a civil lawsuit within seven years of reaching the age of majority (meaning until age 25) or within four years from the time the injured person discovers both the harm and its connection to the abuse, whichever is later. For victims who were under 16 at the time of sexual battery, Florida law provides no statute of limitations.

That said, time still matters. Evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories can fade, and institutional records can be destroyed. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your case is likely to be. If you are unsure whether your window to file has passed, do not assume;  contact us and let us review your situation.

*Florida’s laws governing the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases are complex and have changed in recent years. Contact our office to discuss whether your case is still within the filing window. 

Who Can Be Held Legally Responsible?

One of the most powerful aspects of civil law is that liability for child sexual abuse can extend far beyond the individual who committed the act. In many cases, institutions and organizations that failed to protect your child can be held financially responsible alongside the abuser. 

At Mitchell & West, LLC, we investigate every angle of your case to identify every party whose negligence contributed to the harm. This may include:

• The individual who committed the abuse. Any person who directly abused your child can be sued in civil court, even if they have already been charged criminally, even if criminal charges were dropped, and even if they were acquitted.
• Schools and educational institutions. Schools have a legal duty to screen employees, respond to complaints, and maintain safe environments for students. When a school ignores warning signs, fails to conduct proper background checks, or retaliates against a child who reports abuse, it can be held liable.
• Churches, religious organizations, and clergy. Religious institutions that enabled, concealed, or failed to stop abuse by clergy members or volunteers can face civil claims. 
• Daycares and childcare facilities. When childcare providers fail to screen employees or ignore signs of abuse, they bear legal responsibility for the harm that results.
• Summer camps, youth sports organizations, and extracurricular programs. Any organization that puts adults in positions of authority over children without proper vetting and supervision can be held accountable when abuse occurs.
• Residential facilities and group homes. Children placed in state-licensed care deserve the same protection as any other child. When facilities fail to enforce safety protocols, they can face significant civil liability.
• Property owners and managers. If a child was abused on a property where inadequate security measures allowed the abuse to occur, the property owner may be held responsible under premises liability law.
• Government entities and public officials. In certain circumstances, government agencies and their employees can be held accountable through special legal processes. Our attorneys know how to navigate these complex claims.

Our goal is never to limit the scope of your case. We are committed to pursuing every source of accountability and compensation the law allows.

What You Should Do Right Now

Knowing the right steps to take can feel impossible in the middle of a crisis. Here is what we recommend:

• Get your child to safety first. If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. Your child's physical and emotional safety is the priority above everything else.
• Seek medical attention. Even if there are no visible injuries, a medical examination is important for your child's health and can help preserve critical evidence. Ask the medical provider to document all findings carefully.
• Report the abuse. Report the abuse to local law enforcement and, if applicable, to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). A criminal investigation can run parallel to a civil case and may strengthen your position.
• Preserve all evidence. Save any communications, photographs, records, or documentation related to the abuse or the people involved. Do not delete text messages, emails, or social media exchanges.
• Avoid confronting the abuser directly. We understand the impulse, but direct confrontation can compromise both the criminal investigation and your civil case. Let law enforcement and your legal team handle contact with the other party.
• Contact Mitchell & West, LLC. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner we can begin building a case, protecting evidence, and guiding your family through what comes next. Call us at (305) 783-3301.