Sexually Assaulted by a Teacher or Member of the Clergy?

Compensation May Be Available to You

At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we have been committed to standing with survivors of sexual assault, especially those harmed in environments meant to protect and nurture.

With over 30 years of legal excellence, our firm has built a reputation for delivering justice in sensitive, complex cases. Our attorneys have been recognized for their dedication and integrity.

We understand how these violations can affect lives. Pursuing justice requires not just legal skills but also compassion and understanding for the survivors. Our team has successfully handled high-profile abuse cases and won some of the largest compensation awards in the state for our clients.

Now is the time to take the first step toward reclaiming your power and starting the healing process. We can provide:

  • Award-winning legal representation: We have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. Our attorneys are leaders when it comes to pursuing these claims.
  • Proven track record of success: With decades of experience handling abuse cases, we have recovered settlements and verdicts for our clients, including the largest-ever damage award in the Miracle Meadows case.
  • Client-centered legal help: Coming forward with these claims is a brave move, and we’ll take steps to prioritize your comfort, privacy, and well-being throughout the process.
  • Respected advocates: Over the years, our lawyers have earned the respect of peers, courts, and clients for their unwavering dedication to justice.

Our Attorneys Are Ready to Help You Move Forward

R. Scott Long
Raj A. Shah

The Silent Epidemic of Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse affects millions of lives. According to data from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), one in four girls and one in six boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. Many of these institutions that should be a safe space, such as schools and religious organizations, are the settings for this harm.

An estimated account from the NSVRC states that 12% of sexual assaults of minors go unreported. For adult victims, those numbers rise dramatically to 63% of unreported cases. Victims often face shame, fear, or institutional pressure to remain silent. All survivors need to have advocates who can guide them through the legal process and fight for their rights.

We are here to help survivors break the silence, seek justice, and find healing. You are not alone, and we are here to stand by your side.

Abuse in Schools Erodes Trust in the System

Schools should be places for learning, growth, and safety. Unfortunately, thousands of students each year face abuse from teachers, coaches, or other school personnel. According to the U.S. Department of Education study, an estimated 10% of K-12 students have experienced some form of sexual misconduct by school staff during their academic careers.

Too often, these cases are mishandled or swept under the rug. School administrations may try to protect their reputation over the safety of students. With that, they fail to take appropriate action against perpetrators. High-profile cases across the country and in West Virginia have been alarming and show systemic failures. Not only did they create an environment where the abuse could occur, but when confronted about the problem, these institutions failed to address the matter.

At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we can uncover these injustices. Allow us to investigate these institutional cover-ups and hold schools accountable for their negligence.

Exposing the Cover-Ups of Clergy Abuse

Many people turn to religion for guidance, trust, and faith. However, for thousands of survivors, these presumed safe spaces have become the setting for sexual abuse. According to a report from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, over 20,000 individuals in the United States have been abused by Catholic clergy between 1950 and 2018. However, that is only the Roman Catholic Church. There are many more cases emerging from other religious denominations that involve youth ministers, spiritual advisors, and pastors who have used their positions of power to abuse minor children.

These cases are complicated, and they often need the assistance of an experienced law firm. Many survivors face emotional and spiritual turmoil. They have to grapple with both the trauma of the abuse and the betrayal of their faith. Religious organizations deny, delay, or dismiss claims when faced with an accusation against a clergy or staff member. Often, they choose to protect abusers over bringing them to justice.

Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, has been at the forefront of exposing these betrayals. Our team has successfully litigated against major religious institutions.

Your Voice Matters.

Take Action with Hendrickson & Long, PLLC

Taking the step to speak out about abuse is an act of incredible courage. We are here to support you every step of the way. When you work with us, you can expect:

  • Confidential consultations: Your story will be handled with care, compassion, and privacy.
  • Experienced legal assistance: We’ll build a strong case to help you hold those parties accountable for their actions.
  • Compassionate guidance: Our attorneys are committed to helping you achieve justice and seek compensation while prioritizing your healing.

All of these cases have one glaring factor: the institutions that were meant to protect you and others failed in their duty. We will not allow that to happen with your case. We know that these abusers must face the consequences of their actions.

Let us at Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, be your legal advocate throughout this process. We’re here to fight for accountability and ensure no survivor stands alone.

There are time limits for filing claims that could impact your ability to seek justice. Fill out the form above to get in touch with one of our sexual abuse lawyers in West Virginia.