Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. stands with survivors of childhood sexual abuse by seeking justice for our clients. Our mission not only facilitates healing for these victims but also seeks to hold these perpetrators and institutions accountable. 

Our survivors carry the crushing burden of their trauma for years – perhaps even decades – staying silent for fear of retribution, embarrassment, or because no one will believe them and too much time has passed. Our attorneys at GPW understand the courage it takes to come forward and speak your truth. The more survivors coming forward through our representation is instrumental in uncovering more harm and allowing us to hold these abusers and institutions accountable to help prevent others from being harmed in the future. 

Sexual Abuse at Residential Treatment Centers and Juvenile Detention Centers

Residential treatment facilities (RTFs) are entrusted to provide rehabilitation, care, and therapy to minors suffering from a wide range of illnesses or behavioral problems. Juvenile detention centers (JDC) are institutions where minors who committed crimes or who are thought to be on the path to delinquency are often placed. At their core, JDCs and RTFs function to provide rehabilitation for minors. Sadly, this is not always the case. In 2024, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee report determined systemic widespread problems at multiple RTFs in Pennsylvania and throughout the country that led to numerous instances of sexual abuse between staff and residents under their care. GPW is committed to helping these minor victims of sexual assault and abuse seek justice for their injuries. 

Systemic problems that enabled abuse have been uncovered through investigations, legal actions, and reports at the following youth RTFs and JDCs across Pennsylvania and West Virginia:

If you or someone you love was sexually abused at a Pennsylvania or West Virginia RTF or JDC you may be entitled to compensation. Survivors are able to file lawsuits if the following criteria is met:

• Abuse occurred at a treatment facility in Pennsylvania or West Virginia
• Abuse was committed by staff or others affiliated with the institutions
• No action was taken after abuse was reported
• Survivors must be born after November 26, 1989

When a survivor makes the difficult decision to speak out, an experienced attorney can provide critical support and guidance. At Goldberg, Persky & White, we help navigate the complex legal system, ensuring the survivor’s voice is heard, seeking justice long after the abuse occurred. It’s never too late to come forward and speak out. Shift the burden to those who truly deserve to bear the responsibility. 

Contact Jason Luckasevic today.  Jason Luckasevic is a shareholder with Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. Jason currently spends his time handling cases in the personal injury department. In that capacity, Jason litigates automobile accidents, slip and fall, personal injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, rape, and medical malpractice cases.  Jason’s primary focus has turned to handling hundreds of juvenile sexual abuse cases involving treatment centers and detention centers throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia including Abraxas, George Jr. Republic, Pressley Ridge, River Park and many others. 

Attorney Jason Luckasevic is the most recognizable lawyer in the country for sports brain injury lawsuits.  Jason filed the first two lawsuits against the National Football League on behalf of more than 120 retired players for their chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) brain injuries resulting in over a billion dollar in settlement awards to former players.  Jason has also successfully litigated brain injury cases against the NCAA, Colleges, the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation and many other sports and leagues.  

Sources

Ali Rogan, Satvi Sunkara, “Why Children and Teens in Residential Treatment Centers are Vulnerable to Abuse,” PBS News Weekend (July 13, 2024). [Link]

Chairman’s News, “Wyden Investigation Exposes Systemic Taxpayer-Funded Child Abuse and Neglect in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities,” United States Senate Committee on Finance (June 12, 2024).

United States Senate, “Warehouses of Neglect: How Taxpayers Are Funding Systemic Abuse in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities,”(2024). [Link]

Kenny Cooper, “Damaged, Traumatized and Broken by the System’: Former Residents Sue Pa. Juvenile Detention Centers for Institutionalized Child Abuse,” WHYY (July 31, 2024). [Link]