Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
If you have been the victim of sex abuse, you deserve justice. Taking legal action requires a great deal of courage and conviction, and an experienced Pennsylvania sex abuse lawyer is here to support you and fight to hold those responsible accountable.
The sexual abuse and assault attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC are committed to achieving justice for clients like you. We take our responsibility to you seriously and will fight for you no matter how much effort it takes.
Navigate This Page
- The Attorneys at Cordisco & Saile Support Survivors of Sexual Abuse in PA
- What To Expect When You First Reach Out to a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- How Does Pennsylvania Define Sexual Abuse?
- What Are Some Common Settings Where Sexual Abuse Happens?
- Who Can Be Legally Liable in a Sexual Abuse Case?
- What Legal Options Do Survivors Have?
- How Cordisco & Saile Protects Privacy and Confidentiality
- What Evidence Can Help Support a Sexual Abuse Case?
- How Long Do Survivors Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim in Pennsylvania?
- Let Our Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Lawyers Help You
The Attorneys at Cordisco & Saile Support Survivors of Sexual Abuse in PA
Our Pennsylvania sexual assault and abuse lawyers provide empathetic, personalized service to clients in your position. We focus exclusively on this type of case and leverage our specialized knowledge to advocate for you and protect your rights, both in and out of court.
We have represented Pennsylvanians for over 30 years and are deeply rooted in the communities we serve. We understand state and district court systems and know the area judges as neighbors. When we advocate for you, they listen.
Our experienced attorneys have won numerous local and national awards, such as the following:
- Co-founder John F. Cordisco, a former Pennsylvania State Representative, has been named one of the American Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Lawyers and has earned recognition from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.
- Michael L. Saile Jr., the firm’s managing attorney, has been named one of National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers and is a recipient of Attorney and Practice Magazine’s Top 10 Attorney award.
Attorneys, judges, and insurance companies know our reputation, and we use that trust to benefit you. We are your advocates during what we understand is a difficult and courage-testing time. We focus on you so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
I reached out to Cordisco & Saile about abuse that happened to me many years ago, told them my story, and they were so quick to respond with kindness and professionalism. I spoke with the paralegal, Barbara, and then Steve DeBonis. Barbara was so kind, patient, empathetic, and informative as I discussed my trauma and the direction I’d like to take. Steve gave me so much helpful information, including phone numbers and laws surrounding how I could move forward to press charges. I am grateful for their kindness and professionalism when it comes to such a sensitive matter. Highly recommend if you’re looking for someone to represent you and hold your story.
As someone who has never had to contact an attorney’s office, I can 100% say Barb made me feel comfortable, validated, and cared for right off the bat. Her guidance and demeanor have been so welcoming, and she has made me feel so comfortable with beginning this process. I am very new to this, but I feel very genuinely well taken care of from people that WANT to help!
I had a great experience here. My attorney, Michael Saile, and my case manager, Jocelyn Salazar, did a thorough review of my case and made sure I was happy with the outcomes. I would recommend them if you not only want to feel well represented but also want to be treated with kindness.
What To Expect When You First Reach Out to a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
When you contact one of our sexual abuse attorneys, the first thing we will do is schedule a consultation. During this meeting, you’ll discuss the details with a compassionate and experienced attorney.
The attorney will inquire about the basics of your case, including what happened, who was involved, and how it affected your life. They will likely also ask whether you’ve reported the abuse or assault and to whom.
You can ask the attorney questions about the process and inquire about the attorney’s background and experiences in cases like yours. The lawyer will advise you of your rights and legal options and explain what to expect.
You control how much you share and can stop the discussion anytime. It’s essential that you feel comfortable with your lawyer.
Our sexual abuse attorneys have extensive experience handling these first steps with care and sensitivity. We know this may be the first time you’ve disclosed your abuse, and we are here to make it a safe experience.
How Does Pennsylvania Define Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a blanket term that includes any form of involuntary or non-consensual sexual conduct. It includes rape and other forms of sexual assault, indecent assault, exploitation, molestation, verbal harassment, stalking, and more. Perpetrators of sexual abuse typically take advantage of vulnerable individuals and use power imbalances to prey on victims.
In particular, Pennsylvania’s child sex abuse laws cover a broad category of sexual misconduct against children. The general legal definition of sexual abuse and exploitation is “the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement or coercion of a child to engage in or assist another individual to engage in sexually explicit conduct.”
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse of any kind, our attorneys can help you seek justice while handling your case with sensitivity, empathy, and understanding.
What Are Some Common Settings Where Sexual Abuse Happens?
Sexual abuse and assault can happen anywhere, and anyone can be a victim. However, it is most common when a power differential gives the perpetrator influence over the victim. Child sex abuse happens when an adult takes advantage of a young person’s trust and vulnerability.
Unfortunately, child sex abuse often occurs in schools, camps, foster homes, medical settings, and churches. Clergy abuse is particularly prevalent.
Adults can also be victims of sexual abuse and assault. As with children, abuse of adults is more common where one person has power over another. Workplace sexual harassment is an unfortunately common scenario, as is taxi or rideshare sexual assault.
Our sex abuse attorneys handle a wide array of sex abuse cases involving various institutions and scenarios. We know that abuse can often be hidden and hard to detect, and we’re committed to bringing as many cases as possible to light. We are experienced in handling extremely sensitive matters and take your privacy seriously.
Serving Clients Across Pennsylvania
Who Can Be Legally Liable in a Sexual Abuse Case?
A sexual assault or abuse case can involve one or more liable parties. Perpetrators do not always act alone; those who support or enable them can also be legally responsible for what happened.
For example, an organization or institution can be liable for taking reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, failing to report it, or covering it up. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each incident and identify the responsible parties.
What Legal Options Do Survivors Have?
Depending on what happened and when, survivors of sexual abuse may be able to seek justice through civil claims, criminal charges, or both. There may also be the option to file a complaint with the institution where the abuse occurred.
To pursue criminal charges, the victim would report the abuse to law enforcement. Prosecutors will ultimately decide whether to bring criminal charges against the perpetrator, which could result in jail time.
Meanwhile, a victim could also file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and any party or institution that enabled the abuse or was otherwise responsible for it. In a civil case, the victim can seek compensation for their losses, including medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
As sex abuse lawyers in Pennsylvania, we understand potential local, state, and federal legal pathways. There are many paths to justice, and we’re here to help you do what feels right.
How Cordisco & Saile Protects Privacy and Confidentiality
Our PA sexual abuse lawyers understand what it takes for you to come forward. We know that choosing to disclose what happened carries a significant emotional weight, and a major part of our job is to alleviate the burden.
We take your privacy seriously, with secure storage of your case information and a deep commitment to confidentiality.
What Evidence Can Help Support a Sexual Abuse Case?
Anything that documents the incident is valuable for your attorney to have. That includes personal journals, communications with witnesses or perpetrators, and related medical records.
If you have limited documentation, don’t worry. Our sexual abuse injury lawyers will obtain documents, consult experts, and investigate incidents, even if they happened a long time ago.
How Long Do Survivors Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim in Pennsylvania?
As in many states, the deadlines for filing a sexual assault claim in Pennsylvania are continuously evolving. One major change happened in 2019, when the state extended the statute of limitations for child victims. Now, someone who experienced sexual abuse as a child has until age 55 to file a civil lawsuit. If the person was 18 to 23 years old when the abuse occurred, they have until age 30 to file.
However, those changes were not retroactive. Thus, the previous deadline applies to incidents that occurred after 2018. Minor victims harmed before 2019 generally have until their 30th birthday to file suit.
Adult victims typically have two years to file suit, but lawmakers frequently propose legislation that would affect this and other time limits. Select exceptions may also exist. An attorney can help you identify the window that’s most likely to apply in your case.
Let Our Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Lawyers Help You
Deciding whether to pursue legal action in an abuse or assault case is a big step. A Pennsylvania sex abuse lawyer from Cordisco & Saile LLC can discuss your options and guide you through the process, from gathering evidence to helping you pursue compensation.
Standing up for your legal rights takes courage and conviction. We’re here to help. Call 215-642-2335 or contact us online for a free consultation.
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Our Attorneys
Real Stories. Real Results.
“I was in a serious accident in 2021. My injuries were new however they mimicked some of the injuries I received in a 2017 accident. After treating with 2 doctors, both who stated my injuries were permanent, I was recommended to Cordisco & Saile. My attorney, Steven DeBonis, was wonderful. He listened and guided me through the process. He worked endlessly to ensure I received a proper settlement. I am so grateful for his effort and kindness. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed someone to fight for them. The staff was friendly, informative and helpful. They are the best legal team around. Thank you for all you have done.”
I had a slip and fall on Saturday, December 21, 2024. I waited a few days before calling Barbara’s firm and when I decided to reach out, I left a message late at night on the 23rd. First thing Christmas Eve day, Barbara calls me to let me know. She received the message and wanted to chat about my fall. She was extremely professional, detailed the process, and what they would look for in terms of backup documentation, but also instilled a sense of safety and security because she was kind, compassionate and empathetic. She gave the distinct impression that my case would be well researched thoroughly but also be done ethically without having me jump through a whole lot of extra hoops. Five stars, would highly recommend.”
“I had a car accident in January 2019. I called Cordisco and Saile. Michael Saile Jr. worked with me along with his associate Steve, and para legal Michele. They treated me with kindness and respect. I had injuries to my neck and spine. I went through months of physical therapy. The person who t- boned my car had no license, registration or insurance, therefore Mr. Saile had to put together a lawsuit against my own insurance company. I had limited tort insurance but Mr. Saile and his people fought to get me the most money that I was entitled to from my insurance company. It took four years due to the pandemic but they kept at it until they reached the maximum. I cannot thank them enough. Everyone in their office worked very hard for me. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who has had an accident, or any legal work.”
We’re here to listen, help you understand your legal options, and support you during this difficult time. Remember, there is never any cost or obligation when you call our team to learn about your options.
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- A legal professional will reach out to you during your preferred time within 24 hours.
- We will send you information about our law firm and the process of filing a lawsuit.
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