OHIO

Ohio Sexual Abuse Attorney
— Holding Institutions Accountable

Phillips & Associates represents survivors of sexual abuse by churches, schools, rideshare drivers, and other institutions throughout the state of Ohio. Compassionate. Confidential. No fee unless we win.

No Fee Unless We Win
100% Confidential
Free Case Evaluation
Ohio Licensed Attorneys
Survivors Only — No Defense Work

Speak With a Ohio Sexual Abuse Attorney Today — Free & Confidential

Institutional abuse casts a long shadow across Ohio's diverse communities. Whether it's the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the sprawling Columbus City School District, or the critical transportation hubs in Cleveland and Toledo, such as the busy Port of Cleveland, survivors often face daunting challenges. Our legal team is dedicated to assisting those in cities like Akron, Dayton, and Canton who have suffered abuse within these and other trusted organizations, providing a path toward healing and justice.

  • No upfront costs. Contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win.
  • Attorney-client privilege from day one. Everything is confidential.
  • Anonymous filing available. Proceed as "Jane Doe" or "John Doe" in Ohio court.
  • Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.111 protection. Ohio's Child Victims Act may allow you to file even if decades have passed.
  • English & Spanish. Serving all of Ohio, 24/7.
1-800-681-5000

Free consultation · No obligation · Available 24/7

Institutional Sexual Abuse in Ohio

Across Ohio, from the urban centers of Columbus and Cleveland to the more rural expanses of Appalachian Ohio, institutions have sometimes failed in their duty to protect the vulnerable. We meticulously investigate cases involving entities like the Diocese of Cleveland, the University of Cincinnati, and major healthcare providers such as University Hospitals, ensuring that negligent organizations are held responsible for the profound trauma inflicted upon survivors within their care.

Phillips & Associates has experience pursuing claims against institutions throughout Ohio, including religious organizations, school districts, and other entities that failed to protect survivors.

Call for a Free Consultation

Uber & Lyft Sexual Assault Claims in Ohio

The rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has brought convenience, but also new risks, particularly in Ohio's most active urban areas. Survivors in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo who have experienced sexual assault during rideshare trips face unique legal challenges. We are committed to holding rideshare companies and their drivers accountable, addressing the specific nuances of these cases to secure compensation and prevent future incidents across the state.

When a rideshare driver commits sexual assault in Ohio, the survivor may have civil claims against the driver personally, Uber Technologies, Inc., and Lyft, Inc. for negligent hiring, inadequate background checks, and failure to protect passengers.

Call for a Free Consultation

The Powerful Institutions We Hold Accountable in OHIO

The trust placed in institutions is profound, and when that trust is shattered by sexual abuse, the impact reverberates throughout Ohio's communities. Our firm is dedicated to uncovering the truth and securing justice for survivors against a wide array of negligent organizations.

Religious Institutions

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Diocese of Columbus, along with other religious bodies across counties like Franklin and Cuyahoga, have faced allegations of abuse, and we represent survivors seeking justice from these powerful institutions.

Schools & Universities

From the Columbus City School District to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and public school systems throughout Ohio, we advocate for students who have endured abuse within educational environments.

Rideshare Companies

Uber and Lyft for negligent driver screening, inadequate background checks, and failure to protect passengers from sexual assault throughout Ohio.

Hotels & Employers

Hotel corridors in downtown Cleveland, convention centers in Columbus, and hospitality establishments in tourist destinations like Put-in-Bay have unfortunately been sites of abuse, and we represent survivors against negligent hotel operators and employers.

Government Entities

We hold government entities accountable, addressing abuse cases involving county agencies in Franklin or Hamilton counties, or state-run programs that failed to protect individuals in their care.

Healthcare Providers

Major hospital systems such as OhioHealth and University Hospitals, along with other healthcare providers across the state, are not immune to these claims, and we represent patients who have suffered abuse in medical settings.

Your Legal Rights as a Survivor in Ohio

What Compensation May Be Available

  • Medical and psychological treatment costs
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, emotional distress
  • Punitive damages against institutions that covered up abuse
  • Long-term trauma and impact on quality of life

Your Rights as a Survivor in Ohio

  • Right to a confidential consultation
  • Right to pursue civil action regardless of criminal outcome
  • Protection from retaliation for reporting abuse
  • Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.111 revival window for past childhood abuse
  • No upfront legal fees — contingency representation

How the Process Works

1

Private Case Review & Strategic Planning

Your journey begins with a discreet and empathetic conversation. We'll listen attentively to your experience, discuss the specific circumstances of your case within the context of Ohio law, and outline a clear, personalized legal strategy tailored to your needs, all without any cost or obligation.

2

Thorough Investigation & Evidence Compilation

Our team will meticulously gather all necessary evidence, from institutional records in Columbus to police reports in Cleveland, and witness testimonies across Ohio. We leverage our extensive resources to build a robust case, ensuring every detail is uncovered to support your claim for justice.

3

Formal Filing & Courtroom Advocacy

Once prepared, we will formally file your lawsuit within the appropriate Ohio court system, such as the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in Columbus. We will then vigorously represent your interests through all legal proceedings, advocating fiercely on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.

4

Determined Negotiation & Trial Readiness

We engage in aggressive negotiations with opposing parties, always striving for a fair settlement that fully addresses your damages. Should a settlement not be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial, presenting a compelling argument before an Ohio jury to achieve a just outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions — Ohio Sexual Abuse Attorney

We handle a wide range of cases in Ohio, including clergy abuse within the Archdiocese of Ohio, teacher misconduct in Ohio school districts, rideshare assaults involving Lyft and Uber, hotel abuse in cities across Ohio, and misconduct by Ohio law enforcement or other city employees. We also represent survivors of abuse in healthcare facilities like Ohio medical centers and major Ohio hospitals.
Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.111 — the Ohio Child Victims Act — eliminated the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse civil claims. This means that if you were abused as a child in Ohio, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Our attorneys can evaluate whether Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.111 applies to your specific situation.
Yes. Everything you share with Phillips & Associates is protected by attorney-client privilege from the moment you first contact us. We will never share your information without your explicit consent. You can speak freely about your experience knowing your privacy is fully protected.
Survivors in Ohio may be able to recover compensation for medical and psychological treatment costs, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in cases involving institutional cover-ups, punitive damages. Every case is unique, and our attorneys will give you an honest assessment of what may be available in your situation.
No. Phillips & Associates works on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no financial risk to you. We only get paid when you win.
Ohio law provides extended statutes of limitations for sexual abuse survivors. For adult survivors, the deadline is generally 10 years from the last act of abuse or 3 years from discovery of psychological injury. For childhood sexual abuse, Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.111 has eliminated the statute of limitations entirely for civil claims. Contact us as soon as possible to understand the deadlines that apply to your case.
In many cases, yes. Ohio courts allow sexual abuse survivors to proceed as ‘Jane Doe’ or ‘John Doe’ plaintiffs, protecting your identity throughout the legal process. Our attorneys will work to protect your privacy to the greatest extent possible under Ohio law.
Ohio’s Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.111 law may allow you to file a civil lawsuit even if the abuse occurred decades ago. The law was specifically designed to give survivors who were previously time-barred a new opportunity to seek justice. Our attorneys will evaluate whether your case qualifies under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.111 or other Ohio statutes.
We have extensive experience holding powerful Ohio institutions accountable. We conduct thorough investigations, obtain records, identify all responsible parties, and work with expert witnesses to build the strongest possible case. We are not intimidated by large institutions or their legal teams, and we are fully prepared to take cases to trial if necessary.
We represent survivors exclusively — we never represent institutions, corporations, or defendants. Our attorneys have deep experience with Ohio’s Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.111 law, institutional liability, and the unique legal landscape of Ohio County. We offer free, confidential consultations with no obligation, and we work on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing unless we win.

Start Your Free Consultation — Ohio

Free & confidential. No obligation. No fee unless we win. Available 24/7.

Local Courts Handling Sexual Abuse Civil Cases in Ohio

Sexual abuse civil lawsuits in Ohio are filed in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division. Ohio’s civil court system allows survivors to pursue compensation independently of any criminal proceedings. Phillips & Associates handles all court filings on your behalf — you never have to navigate the courthouse alone.
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division📍 375 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
This court handles a wide range of civil cases, including personal injury lawsuits such as those filed by sexual abuse survivors seeking justice and compensation.

Resources for Sexual Abuse Survivors in Ohio

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse in Ohio, the following organizations provide confidential crisis support, counseling, and advocacy. These resources are independent of legal representation — they are here to help you heal and understand your options.

Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence — Local Resource
Provides crisis support, advocacy, and resources for survivors of sexual assault in Ohio.

Ohio Attorney General — Sexual Assault Resources — Statewide
Official Ohio Attorney General resource page for sexual assault survivors.

Ohio Attorney General's Crime Victim Compensation Program — Statewide
State program that reimburses crime-related expenses for eligible victims of sexual assault in Ohio.

RAINN — National Sexual Assault Hotline — National
Nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE).

Phillips & Associates is not affiliated with any of the above organizations. These links are provided as a public service to help survivors in Ohio find support. If you are ready to explore your legal options, contact our team for a free, confidential consultation.

¿Habla español? Nuestro equipo está disponible para ayudarle de forma confidencial y sin costo inicial. Si usted o un ser querido ha sufrido abuso sexual, llámenos hoy — estamos aquí para escucharle.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

You do not have to carry this alone. Phillips & Associates is here to listen, to fight for you, and to hold those responsible accountable. Your consultation is free, confidential, and available 24/7.