Illinois Sexual Abuse Lawyer
You deserve to be believed and to be heard. Talk privately with an Illinois attorney who represents survivors with care and resolve.
Your local attorneyErvin Nevitt, Esq.
Pursuing Justice in Illinois
You can pursue justice in Illinois, and a local attorney can guide every step
If you were sexually abused or assaulted in Illinois, the civil justice system gives you a way to hold the person, and often the institution that enabled them, accountable on your own terms. A civil case is separate from any criminal case; it belongs to you, moves at a pace you can handle, and focuses on what you need to move forward. You do not have to have reported to police to speak with a lawyer.
Illinois has some of the strongest survivor protections in the country, including the removal of the filing deadline for many childhood abuse claims. That matters, because so many survivors come forward years or decades later, when they are ready. Working with an attorney who practices here means working with someone who knows Illinois courts, Illinois institutions, and how to protect your privacy throughout.
Time limits do apply, and they vary by state. Many states have recently expanded or reopened the window to file. A free, confidential call simply tells you where you stand — no pressure, no obligation.
Your local attorney
Ervin Nevitt, Esq.
Coplan & Crane, Ltd.
- 1111 Westgate Street, Oak Park, IL 60301
- Admitted: Illinois, 2014
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (2014)
Ervin Nevitt is a partner at Coplan & Crane, Ltd., serving survivors across Illinois from the firm's Oak Park and downtown Chicago offices. He represents people harmed by child sexual abuse, daycare and youth-program abuse, doctor and provider assault, and abuse within religious and sports institutions and boarding schools.
Recognized by the National Law Journal as a "Rising Star of the Plaintiff Bar" in 2024 and selected to Illinois Super Lawyers, he is a member of the American Association for Justice, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and the Cook County Bar Association. He approaches every case with discretion and a steady focus on what each survivor needs.
Handles: Child sexual abuse, Daycare and youth-program abuse, Abuse in religious and sports institutions, Boarding school and institutional abuse
Why survivors trust us
Real attorneys. Proven results. Quiet strength.
Illinois Statute of Limitations
Illinois has removed the filing deadline for many childhood sexual abuse claims
For most survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Illinois, there is no longer a civil filing deadline, which means you may be able to bring a claim no matter how much time has passed, as long as your claim was not already barred under older law. Deadlines for adult survivors and for claims against certain institutions can be shorter, so the safest step is to have an attorney review your specific situation.
- Childhood sexual abuse (civil): Illinois eliminated the statute of limitations for many childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing survivors to come forward years or decades later.
- Adult survivors (civil): Time limits are generally shorter, though "discovery" principles can affect when the clock starts. Don't assume your time has passed, ask.
- Claims against public or institutional defendants: Special notice rules and shorter windows can apply, so early review matters.
- Criminal cases: Illinois has eliminated the criminal statute of limitations for several of the most serious sexual offenses; a criminal case is handled by the state and is separate from your civil claim.
This is general information, not legal advice; deadlines depend on the facts of each case.
How We Help in Illinois
Cases our Illinois attorney handles
Every case is handled with privacy and care, whether the harm happened recently or long ago.
Child Sexual Abuse
Claims for survivors abused as children, including cases that surface years later under Illinois law.
Institutional Abuse
Abuse enabled by churches, schools, sports programs, or youth organizations that failed to protect you.
Provider & Doctor Assault
Abuse by doctors, therapists, or other trusted professionals who exploited their position.
Daycare & Youth Programs
Cases involving daycare, camps, and youth programs where supervision and safety broke down.
Simple & safe
How it works
Reach out privately
Call or fill out a short, confidential form. Tell us only what you’re comfortable sharing.
We listen & match you
We connect you with an attorney licensed in your state who handles your type of case.
You decide what’s next
Your free consultation is no-obligation. If you move forward, there’s no fee unless you win.
Illinois Questions
Common questions from Illinois survivors
Can I still file a sexual abuse claim in Illinois?
Often, yes. Illinois has removed the civil filing deadline for many childhood sexual abuse claims, so survivors can come forward decades later. Adult survivors may have shorter windows. The only way to know your options is to have an Illinois attorney review the facts of your case privately.
Can I sue an institution in Illinois, not just the abuser?
Yes, in many cases. If a school, church, daycare, sports program, or other organization knew about a risk or failed to protect you, it may share responsibility. Holding an institution accountable can also help protect others. An Illinois attorney can identify who may be liable.
Do I have to report to the police first?
No. A civil case is separate from any criminal case and is something you control. You can speak with an attorney whether or not you reported, and whether or not charges were ever filed. Your lawyer can explain how a criminal case, if any, might relate to your civil claim.
What does it cost to talk to an Illinois sexual abuse lawyer?
The first conversation is free and confidential. Survivor cases like these are typically handled on a contingency basis, which means you pay no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. You should never have to weigh your safety or healing against the cost of getting answers.
Will my case be kept confidential?
Your privacy is protected from your first call onward. Conversations with your attorney are confidential, and your lawyer can take steps to shield your identity in filings where the law allows. You decide how much you share and when.
Will I have to testify in court?
Many cases resolve without a survivor ever taking the stand. If your case does move toward trial, your attorney will prepare you carefully and advocate to protect you throughout. You will never be pushed into anything you are not ready for.
How long do I have to decide?
There is no pressure to decide today. Because some Illinois deadlines, especially for adult survivors and institutional claims, can be shorter, it helps to understand your options early. A free, private conversation costs you nothing and keeps your choices open.
What if the abuse happened many years ago?
You can still reach out. Because Illinois removed the civil deadline for many childhood abuse claims, the passage of time often does not close the door. Many survivors come forward only when they feel ready, and that is exactly when we are here to listen.
Free & confidential
Talk to an Illinois sexual abuse lawyer
Your message goes privately to our Illinois intake team. There's no pressure and no cost to reach out.
- 100% confidential — your privacy is protected
- No fee unless we win your case
- You stay in control of every step
Prefer to talk now? (877) 421-9608
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You don’t have to carry this alone.
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