– Updated on August 18, 2025
There is no average value of a juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuit because every injury is unique. While many of these lawsuits allege the same types of abuse, the nature of the abuse suffered is different from person to person. Regardless of whether you were abused once or multiple times, you deserve justice. An Illinois juvenile detention center attorney near you can establish what you may qualify to recover and fight for you throughout the process.
What Compensation Could I Qualify to Recover?
Sexual abuse affects every part of a survivor’s life. It could do so for years, decades, or the rest of a survivor’s life. You may need ongoing therapy, be unable to work, or struggle to form relationships with others. You might also suffer from substance abuse or suicidality. An attorney from one of our co-counsels can fight for some or all of the following on your behalf:
- Medical bills, including mental health treatment and prescription medications
- Lost wages for any time you have needed to take off for your recovery, as well as lost earning capacity for the effect your abuse will have on your ability to work in the future
- Miscellaneous expenses related to the abuse you suffered and its effects
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
Abused in a Juvenile Dentention Center?
Have There Been Any Settlements?
Yes. A handful of settlements and awards have been made, although none have been in Illinois as of July 2025.
- Several settlements have been made from a $100 million fund created by the State of New Hampshire. Since its creation, the state has agreed to over $13 million in settlements and replenished the fund, according to New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR).
- According to the Los Angeles Times, L.A. County settled nearly 7,000 cases with a $4 billion settlement in April 2025.
- In March 2025, New Hampshire offered $10 million to settle a case with a man who suffered unimaginable abuse at the state-run Youth Development Center, according to WBUR.
- In May 2024, a New Hampshire jury awarded $38 million to a man who suffered horrific abuse while confined to a state-run juvenile detention center, according to NHPR. Upon learning that New Hampshire caps the state’s civil liability for each incident at $475,000, the jury reduced the award to $475,000. While the man and his legal team appealed, the judge upheld the reduction.
As of July 2025, hundreds of claims and lawsuits were still pending, so we may see more settlements and awards soon.
Do I Qualify for a Settlement?
If the following apply to you, we recommend that you call our team to learn more about filing a lawsuit. We can help you determine eligibility and connect you with one of our law firm partners near you to help with your case.
- You were previously detained in a juvenile detention center in Illinois before your 22nd birthday.
- You suffered sexual misconduct (e.g., rape, exposure of sexual organs, groping, unwanted touching, visual child sexual abuse material (i.e., “child porn” photography), or other sexual acts at a juvenile detention center.
- You know the facility and the name(s) of the person(s) who abused you (or you can give us a detailed description of them).
- The person who abused you is affiliated with the center, OR you reported the abuse and the center did not do anything to stop it.
We urge you to call us, even if you aren’t sure you meet all the criteria.
What Do the Lawsuits Allege?
Hundreds of lawsuits allege rape, forced sexual acts, emotional abuse, and battery in juvenile detention centers across Illinois and the country. Many also allege that they reported the abuse they suffered, and the administration did nothing to stop it or prevent further abuse. Others alleged that they were threatened, afraid to come forward, or didn’t know how to come forward.
Want to File a Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Claim?
How Long Do I Have to Sue a Juvenile Detention Center in Illinois?
The time you have to act depends on your age when the abuse occurred. If you were under 18, there is no statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a time limit for how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you were 18 or older when the abuse occurred, the statute of limitations depends on whether the abuse happened in a privately or publicly run facility.
- For private detention centers, the abuse must have occurred in 2015 or later.
- For publicly run centers, it should be within one year and 90 days.
What Centers Are Facing Lawsuits?
As of July 2025, at least eight publicly run facilities across Illinois are facing sexual abuse lawsuits, including:
- Illinois Youth Center – Chicago
- Illinois Youth Center – Harrisburg
- Illinois Youth Center – Joliet
- Illinois Youth Center – Kewanee
- Illinois Youth Center – Murphysboro
- Illinois Youth Center – St. Charles
- Illinois Youth Center – Valley View
- Illinois Youth Center – Warrenville
Other facilities may face lawsuits in the coming months.
Can I Recover Compensation If I File a Claim or Lawsuit Anonymously?
We understand that many survivors prefer not to have their names publicized. And yours does not have to be. You can discuss your right to privacy with your attorney and determine how to file anonymously.
Can I Afford Legal Help?
Yes. You deserve to get justice without worrying about the cost of legal help. Our co-counsels take these cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront for their help, and only if they win.
Get Help Recovering the Justice and Compensation You Need Today
You don’t need to—and shouldn’t—handle this process alone. Our team is standing by, ready to connect you with one of our law firm partners near you.
Call The Goldwater Law Firm today to get started. The initial consultation is free and confidential.
The Goldwater Law Firm is on mission to help as many people as possible with the fierce, compassionate legal aid only The Gold Standard of Injury Law can offer. If you suffered serious side effects or were diagnosed with an illness because of a defective drug or product, or if you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, Attorney Bob Goldwater and the Goldwater Law Firm is ready to serve as your compassionate partner in the fight to seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
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