A recent investigatory article from The Atlantic alleging a decades-long history of sexual abuse committed by a prominent youth hockey coach is sending shockwaves through the Chicagoland hockey community. The article profiles several male hockey players who allege that for over three decades, Thomas “Chico” Adrahtas sexually assaulted and abused them during their playing careers… Read More
Accusing the Enabler — Organizational Liability for Child Sexual Abuse
According to the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, more than 2,000 cases of child sexual abuse are reported every year in the Windy City. Notably, those are only the reported cases; meaning the actual incidence of child sexual abuse is even greater. Of course, Chicago isn’t alone. Nationwide, 1 in 7 girls and 1 out of 25… Read More
IL Attorney General Investigates Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Claims
Over the past several years, information about rampant sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the Catholic Church has slowly begun to come to light. In August of this year, the Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, opened an investigation into this abuse following the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report that identified at least seven… Read More
New Law Allowing Corporate Liability for Online Sex Trafficking
For years, classified advertising websites like Backpage.com, Craigslist, eBay Classifieds, Eros, Massage Troll, Cityxguide and others have become a primary channel for sex trafficking. These internet companies provide a forum for anonymous individuals to sell or solicit prostitution, as well as sex trafficking of children. Until now, these online companies have been shielded from criminal and… Read More
Corporate Liability for Sexual Assault in Workplace
Recent scandals involving high-profile celebrities accused of sexual assault, and the “Me Too” movement, have rightfully pushed the problem of sexual assault in the workplace to the forefront of mainstream conversation. Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that often results in lifelong emotional (and sometimes physical) pain. Sexual abuse and assault is not something that… Read More
PTSD Following Traumatic Injuries
Many people are aware that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may occur after serving in combat or following an assault. But PTSD can also develop after suffering a traumatic injury in an accident, such as a car crash or explosion. We also commonly see clients who have developed PTSD following sexual abuse or assault. What is… Read More
Corporate Civil Liability for Sexual Abuse
Most people are unaware that for nearly every criminal act, there is a corresponding civil cause of action. For instance, survivors or criminal sexual assault, abuse or molestation always have a viable civil cause of action against the perpetrator for the common law and statutory “torts” of sexual assault, abuse or battery. The problem is that… Read More
Adoption Negligence or Wrongful Adoption Actions
It’s difficult to think of a more selfless act than adopting a child, especially considering that according to recent foster care statistics there are over 415,000 children currently in the foster care system. Adoptive and foster parents rely on the information the agency involved gives to them about the adopted child to make an informed decision about… Read More
Title IX Sexual Assault Cases
One of today’s biggest hot topic issues is that of sexual assault on college campuses. In 2014, almost 100 colleges in the U.S. reported incidents of 10 or more rape cases occurring on campus, with some totaling over 40 incidents at a single school. This year alone (and there are still two full months remaining… Read More
Spinal Cord Injury During Spinal Surgery
Spinal Cord Surgery Risks All surgical procedures have risks of complications. Patients who have spinal cord surgery should be aware that there is a risk of severe complications that sometimes are unavoidable. However, some complications associated with lifelong pain or disability can occur as the result of negligence or malpractice by the surgeon or the… Read More
