When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Greenville SC Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure. Survivors often face emotional, physical, and psychological challenges that can last a lifetime. In addition to coping with these hardships, many victims struggle with the legal system, unsure of how to hold their abuser accountable. At Lanier Law Group, we stand with survivors in Greenville, South Carolina, offering unwavering support and aggressive legal representation.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse, you are not alone. Our firm is committed to seeking justice, holding those responsible accountable, and fighting for the compensation survivors deserve. We understand the courage it takes to step forward, and we are here to guide you through the legal process every step of the way.

Understanding Sexual Abuse Cases in South Carolina

Sexual abuse can occur in a variety of settings, including homes, workplaces, schools, religious institutions, and nursing homes. In South Carolina, survivors have legal options to hold abusers, as well as negligent institutions, responsible for their suffering.

Sexual abuse cases can involve:

Assault by a family member, friend, or acquaintance
Abuse in schools or daycare centers
Misconduct by clergy or religious leaders
Assault in the workplace
Nursing home sexual abuse
Online exploitation and trafficking

To get started, call 919-342-1368 today.

In many cases, perpetrators are people the victim knows and trusts, making it even more difficult for survivors to come forward. However, our firm works tirelessly to help survivors break the silence, seek justice, and reclaim their power.

South Carolina Sexual Abuse Laws: What Survivors Need to Know

South Carolina has strict laws in place to protect victims of sexual abuse, ensuring that responsible parties can be held accountable through both criminal and civil legal actions.

Survivors have the right to seek justice in the criminal court system, where abusers may face prison time and other penalties, as well as in civil lawsuits, which allow victims to pursue financial compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Criminal Cases in Sexual Abuse Claims

In South Carolina, sexual abuse crimes can be prosecuted by the state, with the goal of punishing the offender and preventing future harm. If found guilty, an abuser may face significant legal consequences, including imprisonment, fines, probation, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

However, while a criminal conviction can help provide justice, it does not offer survivors financial compensation or other forms of personal relief for the trauma they have endured. Criminal cases also require a higher burden of proof, meaning that the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse Survivors

A civil lawsuit is separate from a criminal case and focuses on securing financial compensation for survivors. These claims allow victims to hold not only their abuser accountable but also any institutions or organizations that enabled the abuse. Schools, religious institutions, employers, and other entities may be legally responsible if they failed to prevent or properly respond to abuse under their supervision.

Compensation in civil cases can cover a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, psychological therapy, lost wages, and emotional distress. Unlike criminal cases, civil lawsuits have a lower burden of proof, meaning survivors have a greater chance of obtaining justice through a successful claim.

How Lanier Law Group Helps Survivors Navigate the Legal System

Our attorneys understand the complexities of South Carolina’s sexual abuse laws and work aggressively to help survivors pursue justice through all available legal avenues.

Whether you are considering filing a civil lawsuit, want to understand your rights in a criminal case, or need guidance on how to move forward, our team is here to help. With extensive experience handling sexual abuse cases, we are committed to holding abusers — and the institutions that protect them — fully accountable. Survivors deserve justice, and we are prepared to fight for them every step of the way.

Can I Sue an Institution for Sexual Abuse?

In many cases, abuse occurs because an institution failed to protect victims. Schools, churches, employers, and nursing homes have a duty to prevent, investigate, and address abuse. When they fail in this responsibility, they may be held liable in a civil lawsuit.

You may have a claim against an institution if:

A school failed to protect students from an abusive teacher
A church ignored or covered up sexual misconduct
A workplace failed to take action against harassment or assault
A nursing home allowed abuse by staff or other residents

At Lanier Law Group, we aggressively pursue claims against negligent institutions. We don’t back down from tough opponents, no matter how powerful they may be.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Cases in South Carolina

South Carolina law allows survivors of sexual abuse to file lawsuits within a specific time frame, known as the statute of limitations. This law determines how long a survivor has to pursue legal action, whether through criminal charges or a civil lawsuit. While some cases have strict deadlines, others may allow for extended filing periods, particularly when minors or institutional negligence are involved.

Time Limits for Criminal Charges

The statute of limitations for criminal sexual abuse cases in South Carolina varies depending on the severity of the offense. For many serious sexual crimes, including child sexual abuse and certain forms of assault, there is no time limit on prosecution. This means that survivors can report the crime and seek criminal charges against their abuser at any point in their lifetime. However, some lesser offenses may have deadlines for prosecution, which is why it is important to speak with an attorney to determine whether criminal charges are still an option.

Time Limits for Civil Lawsuits

Survivors who wish to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser — or against an institution that failed to prevent the abuse — generally have three years from the date of the abuse or the date they discovered its impact to take legal action.

That said, in cases involving minors or institutional negligence, the law may allow for exceptions that extend the deadline. Many survivors do not immediately recognize the full extent of their trauma or may have been unable to come forward due to fear, manipulation, or other factors. Because of this, South Carolina law may provide additional time for survivors to file a claim in certain circumstances.

Determining Your Legal Options

Even if you believe too much time has passed, it is always worth consulting with a Greenville, South Carolina sexual abuse attorney to explore your legal options. Our team at Lanier Law Group will carefully evaluate your case, determine whether you are eligible to file a claim, and guide you through the legal process.

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Survivors

Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to significant financial compensation for the harm they have endured. While no amount of money can erase the trauma, holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable can provide the resources needed for recovery and a sense of justice. Compensation in a sexual abuse lawsuit typically falls into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the tangible, financial losses that a survivor experiences as a result of the abuse. These may include medical expenses for physical injuries, hospital visits, or long-term healthcare needs. Many survivors also require therapy and counseling to address the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse.

If the trauma has interfered with a survivor’s ability to work, lost wages and reduced earning potential may also be factored into the claim. Our attorneys work with experts to calculate the full scope of financial losses and ensure survivors receive the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages account for the emotional and psychological toll of sexual abuse. Survivors often experience pain and suffering, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other long-term effects that impact their daily lives. While these damages do not have a direct monetary value, courts recognize their profound impact and award compensation accordingly.

Punitive Damages

In cases where gross negligence or institutional misconduct played a role in enabling the abuse, courts may award punitive damages. These damages serve as a form of punishment for the responsible parties and send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

Why Choose Lanier Law Group?

At Lanier Law Group, we have built a reputation as one of the most aggressive and dedicated personal injury law firms. Our team has handled more sexual abuse cases than any other firm in North Carolina, and we bring that same level of commitment and experience to survivors in South Carolina. Every attorney at our firm has undergone extensive training in trauma-informed best practices, ensuring that survivors feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the legal process.

Compassionate Representation

We understand that coming forward about sexual abuse is one of the most difficult steps a survivor can take. Our legal team creates a safe, judgment-free space where clients can share their stories and receive the support they need.

Aggressive Legal Advocacy

We do not back down from powerful institutions or individuals who attempt to silence survivors. Our attorneys fight relentlessly to hold abusers and negligent organizations accountable, ensuring that justice is served.

Extensive Experience

Our firm has decades of experience handling complex and high-stakes sexual abuse cases. We have successfully represented survivors in lawsuits against individuals, employers, schools, religious organizations, and other institutions that allowed abuse to occur.

No Fees Unless We Win

We believe that every survivor deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Justice, Accountability, and a Voice

Survivors deserve more than just a legal victory — they deserve to reclaim their power and tell their stories on their own terms. At Lanier Law Group, we are here to make sure that happens.

We are committed to standing by survivors every step of the way, providing both fierce advocacy and compassionate support. Our firm has the resources, experience, and determination to take on even the most challenging cases, no matter who the opponent is.

How to Get Started with Your Case

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse in Greenville, South Carolina, taking legal action can be an important step in reclaiming your power and seeking justice. We understand that coming forward is not easy, but you do not have to go through this alone. Our team is here to provide confidential, compassionate, and strong legal support while guiding you through every step of the process.

The first step is to schedule a free and confidential consultation. You can call our office or fill out our online contact form to speak with a member of our legal team. During this initial conversation, we will listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss your options with complete discretion and respect for your privacy.

Once we understand the details of your situation, we will conduct a comprehensive case evaluation. Our attorneys will review any available evidence, assess potential legal claims, and explain the possible courses of action. Whether you are seeking financial compensation, accountability for an institution, or justice against an individual, we will help you understand the best path forward.

If you decide to move forward, we will aggressively pursue justice on your behalf. Our legal team will handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements and, if necessary, taking your case to trial. Throughout this process, we will provide unwavering support, ensuring that you feel safe, empowered, and heard. Contact Lanier Law Group today to take the first step toward justice and healing.

Contact a Greenville Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

Survivors of sexual abuse deserve justice, accountability, and unwavering support. At Lanier Law Group, we are committed to standing by your side, fighting for your rights, and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable. No matter how powerful the abuser or institution may be, we have the experience, resources, and determination to take them on.

Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard. Don’t wait to take action — justice starts with a single step. Call us today at 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced sexual abuse attorney. Let us help you take back your power and move forward with strength, dignity, and confidence.

Your road to recovery starts now. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

We Won't Back Down

Lanier Law Group is Here When Results Matter Most

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*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys

$4.8 Million

Settlement

A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.

$3.1 Million

Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury

The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.

$1.375 Million

Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence

Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.

$1.2 Million

Birth Injury/Developmental Delay

Our client suffers from a severe developmental delay following a birth injury when there were signs of fetal distress that were not responded to.

$500,000

Botched Gall Bladder Surgery

Our client suffered an injury to their common bile duct during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

$425,000

Surgical Error

A client had their bowel perforated during a ventral hernia repair.

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results

"20 out of 10 stars."

There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.

- Diane W.

"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"

I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!

- Phillip J.

"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"

Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.

- Mario H.

"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"

The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.

- Timothy M.

"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"

The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.

- Malinda P.

Respect. Integrity. Passion.

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We Never Back Down

Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.