Weston Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Confidential Legal Advocacy for Survivors

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we provide trusted legal representation for survivors of sexual abuse in Weston, Florida. Our experienced attorneys offer compassionate, confidential, and aggressive advocacy to help survivors seek justice and hold abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable. If you or someone you love has suffered from sexual abuse, you deserve legal support tailored to your needs and the strength to pursue civil justice.

Learn more about our story and values, and why survivors trust Rafaeli Law PLLC.

Where Sexual Abuse Commonly Occurs in Weston, FL

Sexual abuse can happen in a wide range of environments, often involving individuals in positions of power or trust. In Weston and the surrounding areas, survivors have reported abuse in locations including:

Medical Facilities & Mental Health Institutions – Patients can be vulnerable to exploitation, particularly when sedated or restrained. Licensed facilities in Florida have faced multiple investigations into staff misconduct and patient abuse. Learn how we handle medical malpractice cases involving institutional negligence.
Schools, Colleges, and Universities – Teachers, coaches, and administrators have been implicated in abuse cases. Between 2020 and 2022, more than 200 educators faced disciplinary actions for sexual misconduct in Florida schools, as per the Florida Department of Education. Abuse often goes unreported due to fear of retaliation or disbelief.
Religious Organizations – Clergy abuse has impacted churches throughout South Florida. Institutions have been held liable for knowingly shielding abusers and failing to act on reports of misconduct. High-profile investigations have revealed systemic cover-ups dating back decades.
Youth Organizations & Sports Teams – From local sports clubs to national youth programs, children and teens face risk when proper oversight is lacking. Survivors report grooming, coercion, and retaliation when speaking out. SafeSport and other agencies are now tasked with monitoring these environments.
Foster Care, Group Homes, & Juvenile Detention Centers – Survivors often report abuse from caregivers or other residents. A 2021 study by the Children’s Bureau found that over 30% of youth in care settings experience some form of abuse, including sexual exploitation. These environments can make it difficult for victims to speak out or escape.

For families dealing with loss due to abuse, we also handle wrongful death claims.

Identifying Sexual Abuse & Warning Signs

Recognizing abuse, especially in children or vulnerable adults, requires attention to emotional, behavioral, and physical changes. Warning signs may not always be physical and can include:

Sudden withdrawal or anxiety – Especially when around certain people or environments. This emotional change can indicate trauma.
Regression in behavior – Bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or other childlike behaviors returning are common in young survivors.
Physical injuries – Unexplained bruises, bleeding, or genital pain should always be medically evaluated.
Sexualized behavior or language – Especially in children, these may signal inappropriate exposure or contact.
Fear of being left alone – Or an unwillingness to attend school, camp, or church, which may indicate fear of the abuser.

If you’re unsure whether legal action applies, our contact page can help you get a confidential consultation.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Legal claims may be brought against multiple parties:

Perpetrators – The individuals who committed the abuse can be held personally liable through civil claims.
Employers or Institutions – Schools, hospitals, churches, or businesses that failed to prevent or properly respond to abuse.
Supervisors – Individuals who ignored red flags or failed to report misconduct, enabling the abuse to continue.

Liability depends on the specific facts of each case. In some instances, employers may be liable under negligent hiring, supervision, or retention laws.

Explore similar premises liability cases where institutions failed to protect victims.

How a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Can Help Survivors

Filing a civil lawsuit empowers survivors to:

Pursue financial compensation – Covering therapy, counseling, medical treatment, and other losses.
Hold abusers publicly accountable – Even when no criminal charges were filed or prosecuted.
Force institutions to change – Legal action often reveals institutional failures and leads to safety reforms.
Find closure – The legal process can validate the survivor’s experience and provide a path to healing.

Read about the case results our firm has delivered for abuse survivors.

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims

Victims of sexual abuse in Weston may be entitled to various damages. These include:

Medical and psychological care – Long-term therapy, medications, trauma counseling, and hospitalization if needed.
Pain and suffering – Recognizing the emotional and psychological toll endured.
Loss of earning capacity – Especially for child survivors whose future employment may be impacted.
Punitive damages – To punish particularly egregious behavior and deter future misconduct.

Florida juries have awarded significant verdicts in abuse cases. For example, one Palm Beach County jury awarded over $3.5 million to a survivor in 2021 (source: Florida Record).

Key Information About Sexual Abuse Claims in Weston, FL

Topic	Details
Who Can File a Claim?	Survivors of abuse, or their legal guardians (for minors or disabled individuals).
Liable Parties	Individual abusers, institutions (e.g., schools, churches, hospitals), employers, supervisors, or property owners.
Common Locations of Abuse	Medical centers, schools, churches, sports teams, youth programs, foster care homes, and detention centers.
Statute of Limitations	Varies: – Until age 25 for child abuse – 4 years from discovering the abuse – No limit for some criminal charges (Florida Statute § 95.11)
Types of Compensation Available	– Medical & therapy costs – Pain & suffering – Loss of income – Punitive damages
Confidentiality in Lawsuits	Florida allows survivors to file lawsuits anonymously to protect privacy.
Steps After Abuse	1. Seek safety and medical care 2. Report to authorities 3. Preserve evidence 4. Consult a trauma-informed attorney
Legal Support Provided by Rafaeli Law PLLC	Free consultations, no upfront fees, trauma-informed approach, and strong local representation in Weston and Broward County.
Florida Abuse Stats	Over 9,000 sexual abuse reports were made to Florida law enforcement in 2022.

Florida Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims

Florida law allows survivors to file sexual abuse claims:

Until age 25 for childhood sexual abuse (civil cases).
Within 4 years of discovering abuse or its psychological effects.
No time limit for criminal prosecution in many child sexual abuse cases.

Due to evolving legislation, it’s vital to speak with a qualified attorney about your rights. Visit our blog for updates on statute changes in Florida.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Local, Experienced Counsel – Based in Weston, we are deeply familiar with Florida’s civil laws and local court systems.
Trauma-Informed Legal Team – Sensitive to survivor needs, with a commitment to dignity and safety.
Track Record of Results – Millions recovered for victims of personal injury, malpractice, and abuse.
You Stay Anonymous – Florida courts allow confidentiality in many sexual abuse lawsuits.
No Upfront Fees – We only get paid if we win your case.

Read what past clients say about working with our compassionate legal team: View Testimonials.

Learn more about the attorneys who advocate for you at Rafaeli Law.

What to Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Abused

Taking the right steps after abuse can protect your legal rights and begin the healing process:

Get to a safe place. Your immediate safety is the top priority.
Seek medical attention. This ensures care and creates a legal record of injuries.
Report the abuse. Law enforcement, school officials, or child protective services can take immediate action.
Preserve evidence. Save clothing, text messages, photos, or journals that document the abuse.
Speak with a lawyer. Do not delay—our firm offers free, confidential consultations to guide your next steps.

For help in other serious cases, including birth injuries, our team has the legal knowledge to support families through trauma.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

Rafaeli Law is top-notch! From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. They didn’t waste any time — they moved fast, kept me informed, and went after results with real determination. You can tell they’re go-getters who truly care about their clients. If you need a law firm that’s sharp, efficient, and fights for you, I highly recommend Rafaeli Law.

Maurice M.

Kerollos A.

Can't say enough good things about Rafaeli Law. Their team is incredibly professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping you through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly sets them apart. If you're looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and results-driven legal team, Rafaeli Law is the place to go.

Heather H.

I had a great experience with Rafaeli Law after my car accident. They were professional, responsive and always made sure I understood each step of the process. A special thank you to Jindy - she was absolutely amazing. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful every time I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help after an accident.

Lorena Z.

Rafaeli Law, not only took the time to really listen to my situation but made me feel like they truly listened so they could understand and do the best they possibly could in asserting my case. In every step of the process they communicated with me. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be reaching out to them and will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Vanessa C.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Weston even if the abuse occurred years ago?

Yes. Florida law allows survivors to file civil claims within 4 years of discovering the impact of the abuse. For childhood sexual abuse, claims can be filed until the survivor turns 25.

2. Can I remain anonymous when filing a sexual abuse lawsuit in Florida?

Absolutely. Many survivors in Weston file lawsuits under a pseudonym or initials to protect their identity. Our team ensures your privacy throughout the legal process.

3. What if the abuser was never criminally charged?

You can still pursue a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges were filed. Civil cases focus on holding the abuser or enabling institution accountable for damages.

4. Who can be held liable in a sexual abuse case?

In addition to the perpetrator, schools, religious organizations, employers, or institutions may be held liable for negligence, failure to report, or inadequate supervision.

5. How long do I have to take legal action?

Statutes vary. Generally, survivors of child abuse have until age 25. Adult survivors typically have four years from the date they recognized the abuse’s effects. Seek legal advice to understand your timeline.

6. How much does it cost to hire a Weston sexual abuse attorney?

Rafaeli Law PLLC works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also offer free and confidential consultations.

7. Can I sue a school, hospital, or church in Weston for enabling sexual abuse?

Yes. Institutions that ignored red flags or failed to report abuse can be sued for negligence. We've pursued claims against organizations in both public and private sectors.

8. What types of compensation can I receive?

Survivors may receive compensation for therapy, medical bills, emotional distress, loss of income, and punitive damages.

9. What if the abuser was a family member?

You still have the right to pursue justice. Whether the abuse occurred at home or elsewhere in Weston, our attorneys will provide confidential and nonjudgmental legal guidance.

Schedule a Consultation

Get a Free Consultation

If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1500 Weston Rd Suite 200, Weston, FL 33326

info@rafaelilaw.com

Open 24 hours