Atlanta Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Child sexual abuse is one of the most devastating violations a family can endure. When abuse happens, especially by someone in a position of trust a teacher, coach, clergy member, or caregiver, it leaves not only emotional and psychological trauma but also serious legal questions. At Wetherington Law Firm, we help families take action against abusers and the institutions that failed to protect their children.

Our Atlanta child sexual abuse lawyer, Isaac Lezcano is experienced in handling child sexual abuse cases with compassion, discretion, and determination. We understand how overwhelming this situation can be, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process whether you’re seeking justice through a civil lawsuit or exploring your options after a recent or past incident of abuse. We approach each case with trauma-informed care and a strong focus on protecting your child’s privacy and emotional well-being.

If you believe your child has been sexually abused in Atlanta, Decatur or the surrounding areas, you may be able to pursue financial compensation and accountability from both the individual offender and any organization that enabled or ignored the abuse. We offer free, confidential consultations and do not charge any legal fees unless we win your case. Contact our Atlanta child sexual abuse attorneys; let us help you take the first step toward justice and healing.

Contact an Atlanta Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

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Get free case evaluation for child sexual abuse in Atlanta and any part of Georgia.

Understanding Your Legal Options After Child Sexual Abuse

When a child is sexually abused, there are often multiple layers of legal accountability. Beyond criminal prosecution of the perpetrator, the law provides a path for families to file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation and expose institutional failures that allowed the abuse to occur.

In Georgia, civil child sexual abuse lawsuits can be filed even if criminal charges are never brought or if they fail to result in a conviction. The civil system focuses on proving responsibility by a preponderance of the evidence, a lower burden of proof than in criminal trials.

You may have a claim against:

• The individual abuser
• The organization that employed or supervised them
• Any entity that ignored warning signs or failed to take reasonable action

Importantly, Georgia law has evolved to give survivors more time to come forward. The Hidden Predator Act and related statutes provide exceptions and extended time windows for filing claims, especially when abuse is discovered years after the incident.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Child Sexual Abuse in Atlanta?

One of the most critical aspects of pursuing justice in child sexual abuse cases is identifying all liable parties, not just the individual abuser. Abuse is often enabled or covered up by larger systems that prioritize reputation or profits over child safety.

Our child sexual abuse lawyer conducts thorough investigations to hold all responsible parties accountable. These may include:

1. Individual Abusers

Anyone who sexually abuses a child can be held personally liable through both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. This includes:

• Teachers and school staff
• Clergy members
• Coaches and athletic trainers
• Babysitters or caretakers
• Medical professionals or therapists
• Family members or family friends

2. Schools (Public and Private)

If the abuse occurred on school grounds or involved a school employee, the school district or private school administration may be held responsible for:

• Failing to conduct background checks
• Ignoring complaints or reports
• Allowing abusers continued access to children

We handle cases involving both public school systems and private institutions.

3. Religious Institutions

Churches, temples, mosques, and other religious organizations have been at the center of widespread abuse scandals. Civil claims can be brought against:

• The abuser
• The diocese, congregation, or governing body that employed or transferred them
• Leaders who failed to report or investigate abuse allegations

4. Daycare Centers and Childcare Providers

Licensed and unlicensed childcare providers may be liable for hiring unqualified staff, failing to supervise interactions, or failing to report suspected abuse.

5. Youth Organizations and Camps

Abuse in scouting groups, youth sports leagues, summer camps, and extracurricular programs is tragically common. If these organizations failed to screen volunteers or ignored signs of abuse, they can be held financially and legally accountable.

6. Foster Care Agencies and Group Homes

Georgia’s foster care system has faced ongoing scrutiny for failing to protect vulnerable children. Abuse in foster homes, group homes, or residential treatment facilities may warrant legal action against:

• The state or private foster agency
• Social workers and supervisors
• Third-party contractors or placement coordinators

7. Medical and Mental Health Institutions

Abuse by psychiatrists, therapists, or counselors often involves manipulation and betrayal of trust. These professionals and the institutions that employ them can face liability when abuse occurs under their care.

Why Families Trust Our Atlanta Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Child sexual abuse cases are among the most emotionally and legally complex types of litigation. They require a team that understands trauma, believes survivors, and is fully committed to both compassionate advocacy and aggressive legal action.

Here’s why families in Atlanta turn to us:

Specialized Experience

Our attorneys have successfully represented children and families in high-stakes cases involving abuse by teachers, clergy, counselors, and foster caregivers. We understand how these systems fail and how to expose those failures in court.

Trauma-Informed Approach

We work with licensed therapists and trauma specialists to ensure our legal process supports your child’s healing. We never pressure families to move faster than they’re comfortable with, and we always protect the child’s identity.

Comprehensive Investigations

We don’t just file paperwork. We investigate aggressively, secure internal documents from schools or churches, work with forensic experts, and uncover cover-ups or negligent hiring practices.

No Legal Fees Unless We Win

You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Our goal is to make justice accessible to every family, regardless of financial situation.

Contact an Atlanta Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Contact Us

Get free case evaluation for child sexual abuse in Atlanta and any part of Georgia.

What Compensation Can Cover in a Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

While no financial award can undo the trauma of child sexual abuse, a successful lawsuit can provide critical resources to support your child’s recovery and future.

Medical and Therapeutic Care

• Long-term trauma counseling and psychotherapy
• Psychiatric evaluations and medication
• Hospital or emergency care following the abuse

Emotional Pain and Suffering

Courts recognize that the emotional damage caused by sexual abuse can be lifelong. Compensation is often awarded for:

• Anxiety, PTSD, or depression
• Nightmares, panic attacks, and emotional triggers
• Loss of enjoyment of life and developmental disruption

Educational and Developmental Impact

Abuse can derail a child’s academic and social development. Compensation may include:

• Educational support or tutoring
• Relocation costs to a safer school or environment
• Homeschooling or private school tuition if needed

Loss of Future Earnings

In some cases, the abuse may prevent the survivor from achieving their full earning potential due to mental health or trust issues. A claim may include projected loss of future income.

Punitive Damages

If the abuser or institution acted with extreme recklessness or attempted to cover up the abuse, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and send a message that such conduct is intolerable.

Wrongful Death (in extreme cases)

If abuse led to the child’s suicide or death due to psychological trauma or physical injury, Georgia law permits families to pursue a wrongful death claim and our wrongful death lawyer can help families get justice and compensation. 

Each case is unique, and we work closely with financial and psychological experts to calculate the full and fair value of your claim.

Why You Need an Atlanta Child Sexual Abuse Attorney

Child sexual abuse cases are among the most sensitive and complex areas of law. They involve not only serious emotional trauma but also legal challenges that can be overwhelming for families to face alone. Hiring an experienced Atlanta child sexual abuse attorney can make a critical difference in protecting your child’s rights, securing justice, and preventing future harm.

1. Navigating Georgia’s Evolving Abuse Laws

Georgia has specific laws governing the statute of limitations, institutional liability, and the rights of survivors. These laws have changed in recent years to allow more victims and families to pursue justice even years after the abuse occurred. An experienced child sexual abuse attorney can help you understand how these laws apply to your case and ensure you don’t miss important legal deadlines.

2. Investigating and Preserving Evidence

In abuse cases, especially those involving powerful institutions like schools, churches, or youth organizations, evidence can be hidden, destroyed, or manipulated. A skilled child sexual abuse lawyer in Atlanta knows how to secure internal records, uncover cover-ups, and build a compelling case. This often involves working with trauma experts, forensic investigators, and medical professionals to establish the full extent of harm.

3. Holding Institutions Accountable

Abusers rarely act alone they are often protected by systems that failed to act, ignored warning signs, or prioritized reputation over safety. A qualified child sexual abuse attorney will identify all responsible parties, including the individuals and the institutions that enabled the abuse. Whether it’s a negligent school district, a religious organization, or a childcare agency, your attorney will pursue accountability at every level.

4. Supporting Your Family Through the Legal Process

Legal action shouldn’t come at the cost of your child’s well-being. A compassionate child sexual abuse lawyer will take a trauma-informed approach to minimize re-traumatization. They will handle communications, shield your child from unnecessary exposure, and ensure your family receives the support and privacy it needs throughout the legal journey.

5. Maximizing Financial Recovery

A successful lawsuit can secure compensation to cover therapy, medical care, educational disruption, emotional trauma, and more. Without legal representation, families often underestimate the long-term impact of abuse or settle for far less than they deserve. An experienced sexual assault attorney will fight to recover the full value of your claim now and for your child’s future.

These cases demand more than legal experience; they require empathy, tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. If your child has been harmed, don’t try to face the legal system alone. Let a trusted Atlanta child sexual abuse lawyer stand beside your family and fight for the accountability and healing you deserve.

Speak to an Atlanta Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Confidence

If you suspect or know that your child has been sexually abused, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Our team is here to listen, believe, and act without pressure or judgment.

All consultations are 100% confidential. You are not obligated to move forward, and you will never be charged for simply speaking with us. But time matters. Delays can affect your ability to recover evidence or take legal action under Georgia’s evolving statute of limitations.

Contact us now to speak directly with an experienced Atlanta child sexual abuse lawyer. Let us fight for the justice and accountability your child deserves.

Contact an Atlanta Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Contact Us

Get free case evaluation for child sexual abuse in Atlanta and any part of Georgia.