Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Maine

Accountability, Healing, and Justice for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

Organizations and individuals who allow and perpetrate sexual abuse of a child must be held accountable. The psychological, emotional, and physical impact of such an experience can alter the course of a victim’s life. No child should face such trauma.

The Berman & Simmons Sexual Abuse Survivors Practice Team specializes in sexual abuse cases and provides compassionate counsel for individuals of all ages who suffered sexual abuse as children. We are the regional leader in sex abuse cases and work nationally with other law firms to guide clients through what can be a very difficult and emotional process.

In 2021, Practice Group Leader Michael Bigos testified in the legislature on several bills to help survivors and was present when Maine Governor Janet Mills signed the new law to extend the statute of limitations. We’ve also presented and taught other trial lawyers at a national convention how to find insurance coverage for victims of sexual abuse and win these challenging, yet vitally important cases.

If you experienced child sexual abuse at school, as part of a religious organization, attending daycare, or while participating in a youth sports activity, we welcome the opportunity to assist you in obtaining the healing, closure, and justice you deserve.

You Can Now Pursue a Child Sex Abuse Claim in Maine No Matter How Long Ago the Abuse Occurred

Each case of childhood sexual abuse is as unique as it is tragic. Similarly, the way each victim reacts to an act or pattern of abuse is also unique. Many victims bury the pain, trauma, or perceived shame of their experience as a necessary survival mechanism. For many years, those who carried such burdens alone for years or decades until they were ready to come forward could not file a claim in Maine and seek justice under the law because the abuse occurred too far in the past.

But Maine legislators later recognized that it should never be too late for child sexual abuse victims to hold perpetrators responsible for the pain and harm they caused. In 2000, Maine expanded the statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits, but not for everyone.  That meant many adult victims of child sexual abuse still could not pursue claims against their abusers.

Berman & Simmons was a leader in helping get the law changed and was there when Maine Governor Janet Mills signed the bill into law.

Now, any victim of childhood sexual abuse can file a lawsuit against their abuser no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. The new law takes effect on October 18, 2021. If you were a victim of child sexual abuse and decided not to take legal action because you thought it was too late to do so, Berman & Simmons stands ready to help you move forward with your claim immediately.

We Recognize and Respect the Courage It Takes to Come Forward

The decision to reach out to a lawyer and potentially sue your perpetrators and others who may be responsible for your pain is a difficult and monumental one. We recognize the incredible courage it takes for you to come forward and share your story and that it may trigger or resurface traumatic memories and intense emotions.

Our lawyers have received trauma-informed training and specialize in working with survivors. We will work with you in a manner that acknowledges the difficulty of discussing your experiences. With empathy, respect, patience, and a steadfast dedication to your well-being, we will listen to you and guide you through the process at every step. Our lawyers are committed to maintaining confidentiality, respecting personal boundaries, and standing up against people and institutions intent on silencing your voice.

Maine’s First Trauma-informed Legal Team for Survivor Claims

Survivors deserve the best representation. That’s why Berman & Simmons sought professional training from experts in the field of sexual assault response services to teach us the best practices in working with survivors of sexual assault and abuse.  We will work hard to give you choices, provide a supportive attorney-client relationship, and help hold perpetrators accountable and win your case.  By bringing your claim, you can help prevent future abuse and keep the community safer.

We are also committed to forming the best team to represent you. On select cases, you may work with a group of one to four lawyers to match the firepower needed to overcome the legal battle – some are larger than others – to win your case. As a Berman & Simmons client, you won’t go through any of this alone.

Bringing Accountability to Institutional Abuse

Boy Scouts of America

As one of the largest youth organizations in America, Boy Scouts of America is responsible for screening troop leaders and investigating complaints within the organization. Official Boy Scout records show that over 12,000 cases of abuse were reported to the organization between 1944 and 2016.

To date, over 85,000 people have made sexual abuse claims against the Scouts, with accusers ranging in age from eight to 93. We are taking on the organization because they failed to protect the children who trusted them. We are a leader in Maine claims against the Boy Scouts of America in the bankruptcy litigation.

Religious Institutions

Child sexual abuse occurs across religions and denominations. Children and families trust the religious leaders of their community, and that trust is sometimes abused. The Catholic Church receives hundreds of accusations of abuse by clerics every year, with minimal response from the Vatican.  Our job is to support you regardless of your beliefs, your background, or the institution’s size.

Currently, we are spearheading several claims against the Catholic Diocese in Maine.

Private Schools, and Private Youth Sports, Activities, and Clubs

Leaders of private schools and those involved in youth sports, activities, sleepaway camps, and clubs are responsible for the safety of the children with whom they work. When they fail, children suffer. Coaches, teachers, and volunteers are looked up to by the children entrusted to them. We work to hold institutions accountable for their actions.

Other Settings for Sexual Abuse

Many child sexual abusers are respected members of their community who have easy access to children in doctors offices, schools, clubs, and churches. But sexual abuse can occur in other settings, including the home. Sadly, most sexual abuse of children takes place in a residence, often by a relative or trusted family member. Sexual abuse of patients by medical providers has also been reported, while sexual assault of college students continues to be an underreported problem.

Committed and Compassionate Attorneys Ready to Help You Move Forward

Every day, the lawyers of Berman & Simmons fight on behalf of those who cannot win alone. We make it our goal to bring justice to those who need it most, and we will stop at nothing to achieve it. Our staff and attorneys will listen to your story and provide the support you need. We will help you by offering solutions, legal advice, and closure. Whether or not you move forward with a lawsuit, our discussions will always remain completely confidential.

If you suffered sexual abuse as a child and are ready to speak with one of our Maine child sexual abuse attorneys and learn more about your rights, please contact us to arrange a free, confidential initial consultation.