Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Maine

News Alert (6/23/21): This week the State of Maine changed the statute of limitations for those born before August 11, 1970, who were sexually abused as children, allowing them to pursue civil claims against their abuser.

• Read editorial: “Maine took a small step to empower survivors of child sex abuse”
• Read news article: “Maine lists barrier to bringing child sex abuse suits”

If you experienced child sexual abuse while you were at school, as part of a religious organization, attending a day care or while participating in a youth sports activity, we are here to help. Whether the abuse occurred yesterday or 20 years ago, or whether it was a one-time incident or an ongoing occurrence, child sexual abuse is a painful trauma no one should ever have to endure. Our goal is to provide you the platform and resources to fight back and get the justice you deserve.

Our lawyers are trained to treat your case with the understanding and commitment it deserves. We see each case as unique and respect all client wishes for confidentiality. If you were the victim of sexual abuse don’t wait, the attorneys at Berman & Simmons have the knowledge and experience to help navigate your claim. In fact, we’ve presented best practices at a national legal convention, teaching other lawyers how to find insurance coverage for victims of sexual abuse and win cases.

At Berman & Simmons, there is no case too small to represent and no abuser too large to take on.

Working with You to Hold Sexual Abusers Accountable

Sexual abuse claims present a web of emotional and psychological challenges.

We understand how hard it can be to come forward as a survivor of childhood sexual assault. Braving cultural stigma, reliving past trauma, and facing those responsible for your pain is difficult and takes immense courage. We also realize aggressive pursuit of sexual abuse claims and the fact-intensive nature of these cases can trigger painful memories and feelings.

Discovering the heinous nature of such conduct, how and when it comes to light, and the impact it has had on your life requires us to maintain a delicate balance of sensitivity and diligence.  We’re mindful of these issues and prepared to empower you with a voice to share your story, while we fight for your rights.

Forming the Best Team to Stand by Your Side

Our lawyers are committed to maintaining confidentiality, respecting personal boundaries, and standing up against people and institutions intent on silencing your voice. We are also committed to forming the best team to represent you. On select cases, you may work with a team of 2-4 lawyers. As our client, you don’t have to go through any of this alone. Together, we can help you take on the most powerful.

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. Total numbers of abusers and survivors are expected to be much higher. We are here to take on the organization when they fail to protect the children who trusted them.

Facing over 300 lawsuits from men who say they were sexually abused as Scouts, the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy in February 2020. In doing so, the organization will also create a trust to provide compensation to victims.

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. Amid the wave of sex abuse lawsuits against the church, at least 20 Catholic dioceses in the U.S. have filed for bankruptcy. It is our job to support you regardless of your beliefs, your background or the size of the institution.

Youth Sports/Activities

Leaders involved in youth sports and activities are responsible for the safety of the children they’re working with. When they fail at this, 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.

Experienced Attorneys Ready to Help

Berman & Simmons’ lawyers are widely acknowledged as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine. But for us, that it is not enough. With our unique resources and talent, we strive to be among the very best in the country. We have worked hard to build a team of lawyers that are ready to defend you.

Every day our lawyers 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 are committed to listening to your story and providing the support you need. We will help you by providing solutions, legal advice, and closure.

A Team Approach for Our Clients

Get Peace of Mind

It never hurts to consult an attorney regardless of whether you decide to move forward.

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  We understand that recalling and discussing the details of your abuse can be extremely difficult and will work with you to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible

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  The lawyers of Berman & Simmons will advise you of your rights and advocate on your behalf

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  Our attorneys will make sure everything is completely confidential and nothing moves forward unless you’re ready to pursue legal action

We'll Take Care of the Heavy Lifting