What Is Sexual Abuse Compensation?
Sexual abuse compensation refers to financial support for survivors who were harmed by an abuser or by an institution that failed to protect them. These payouts recognize the profound physical and emotional impact of abuse.
Sexual abuse compensation can help cover:
- Medical care, prescriptions, and hospital stays
- Mental health therapy and counseling
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Emotional pain, trauma, and reduced quality of life
"I am actually for the first time excited for the future because I can start to put some of this behind me and feel the best that I can.”
– John M., Catholic Church Sex Abuse Survivor
Survivors can seek compensation through sexual abuse lawsuits filed against individuals, such as teachers, clergy, or doctors, as well as organizations that enabled the abuse, like school districts, religious institutions, or employers.
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse, even if it happened decades ago, we may be able to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Sex Abuse Settlements vs. Verdicts
Sexual abuse lawsuits give survivors and their families a path to justice, accountability, and financial support for the harm they’ve endured.
While every case is different, these lawsuits have led to some of the largest sexual assault settlements in U.S. history, holding powerful institutions responsible for failing to protect people who should have been protected.
Sexual abuse claims may be resolved in two main ways:
- Sex abuse settlements: Survivors and the defendant(s) agree to resolve the case for a set amount of money without going to court.
- Trial verdicts: If no settlement is reached, the case may proceed to court, where a judge or jury determines the outcome through a verdict.
Settlements often allow survivors to receive compensation sooner. In one case, we secured a $1.6 Million sex abuse settlement for a client who was assaulted by their doctor just a few months after they first contacted us.
Billions of dollars have been recovered in the last two decades through sexual abuse settlements involving churches, universities, and other trusted organizations. Compensation for sexually abused victims can help pay for counseling and other resources to rebuild their lives.
Let Sokolove Law Fight for You
Our sexual abuse lawyers can pursue a sexual abuse settlement on your behalf. Let us put our 45+ years of experience to work for you.
Top 15 Sexual Abuse Settlement Amounts
For decades, major sexual abuse settlements and verdicts have exposed systemic failures inside trusted institutions. These outcomes have helped survivors be heard and held organizations accountable for ignoring warning signs or protecting abusers instead of those in their care.
Since 2003, individuals and institutions have paid out over $13 Billion in publicly reported sexual abuse settlements and verdicts to survivors.
The top 15 sexual abuse settlements and verdicts include:
- $4.8 Billion to survivors of abuse in Los Angeles County juvenile detention and foster care facilities
- $880 Million for clergy abuse survivors in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
- Nearly $1 Billion to athletes harmed by Larry Nassar
- $38 Million for a New Hampshire man abused in a juvenile detention center
- $2.46 Billion to survivors harmed through the Boy Scouts of America
- $2.28 Billion for a woman who wasn’t protected by the LDS Church
- $690 Million to survivors of sexual abuse by a doctor at UCLA
- $490 Million for students abused by Dr. Anderson at the University of Michigan
- $852 Million to over 700 women harmed by their campus gynecologist
- $210 Million for abuse involving the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
- $100 Million to survivors of abuse by Jerry Sandusky
- $198 Million for clergy abuse involving the Diocese of San Diego
- $85 Million to survivors of abuse in the Diocese of Covington
- $100 Million for abuse involving the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County
- $85 Million to survivors of abuse in the Archdiocese of Boston
Find out more about these historic sexual abuse compensation amounts that have provided survivors with the financial resources to move forward toward healing and a brighter future.
1. $4.8 Billion LA County Sexual Abuse Settlement
In 2025, Los Angeles County agreed to a landmark $4.8 Billion sexual abuse settlement to resolve around 11,000 claims involving abuse in juvenile detention centers and foster care facilities dating back to 1959. Payouts will range between $100,000 and $3 Million per person.
There were many accounts of physical and sexual violence by staff members and other youth, along with allegations that officials ignored reports of abuse and failed to protect those in their care.
Survivors were able to sue because of a California law that suspended the statute of limitations for childhood sex abuse victims, giving them more time to take legal action and seek justice.
2. $880 Million Archdiocese of Los Angeles Clergy Abuse Settlement
In 2024, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to resolve 1,353 clergy sexual abuse claims for $880 Million in what is believed to be the largest single child sexual abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese.
If the $880 Million sexual abuse settlement were divided evenly among the survivors, each would receive about $650,000 before legal fees and other deductions. Actual award amounts will vary based on individual circumstances.
“While there is no amount of money that can replace what was taken from these 1,353 brave individuals who have suffered in silence for decades, there is justice in accountability.”
– Attorneys on the Plaintiffs' Liason Committee
The Archdiocese had previously paid $740 Million in sexual abuse settlements, bringing the total to more than $1.5 Billion.
3. $1 Billion Larry Nassar and University of Michigan Sexual Abuse Settlement
Survivors of sports physician Larry Nassar secured a series of settlements totaling nearly $1 Billion after decades of abuse disguised as medical treatment. Many reported abuse that occurred when they were preteens and continued into their 20s.
Michigan State University, where Nassar worked, paid $500 Million in 2018, and USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee reached a $380 Million settlement in 2021. These settlements were paid to more than 500 survivors.
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice agreed to pay $138.7 Million to 139 survivors for the FBI’s failure to act on early warnings.
4. $38 Million NH Youth Detention Center Sexual Abuse Verdict
In 2024, a New Hampshire jury awarded $38 Million to a man who was sexually abused as a teenager while in state custody at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester. His testimony detailed years of abuse, including sexual assault, physical violence, and prolonged isolation.
Jurors found the state negligent for failing to protect him from staff who held unchecked power over vulnerable children. The verdict included $20 Million in punitive damages, reflecting the severity of the trauma and the state’s responsibility.
This was the first case to reach trial among more than 1,100 lawsuits filed by former residents alleging decades of systemic abuse at the state-run youth facility.
5. $2.46 Billion Boy Scout Sexual Abuse Settlement
In 2023, the Boy Scouts of America reached a $2.46 Billion settlement to resolve claims by more than 82,000 men who reported being abused as children. Survivors alleged decades of misconduct and cover-ups that allowed known predators to remain in positions of authority.
Under the Boy Scout sexual abuse settlement, survivors may qualify for payouts between $3,500 and $2.7 Million, depending on factors like the severity of the abuse and the age of the victim when it occurred.
More than 12,400 survivors are now over the age of 70, and more than 2,200 are over 80, showing that justice is possible even decades after abuse has occurred.
6. $2.28 Billion Mormon Church Sex Abuse Verdict
In 2023, a California jury awarded $2.28 Billion to a woman abused by her stepfather from ages 5 to 14. The lawsuit also named the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alleging that Church officials ignored repeated warnings and used intimidation tactics to keep the abuse hidden.
The abuse occurred during the 1980s at the family's home and during events and meetings of their local Mormon Church congregation. The abuse brought the survivor "to the brink of suicide," according to the lawsuit.
While the jury award exceeded $2 Billion, the Church settled its portion of the case for $1 Million but denied any wrongdoing.
7. $690 Million UCLA Sexual Abuse Settlement
Between 2021 and 2023, the University of California, Los Angeles reached multiple settlements totaling about $690 Million with former patients of former UCLA gynecologist Dr. James Heaps. Hundreds of women accused Heaps of sexual abuse over his 35-year career.
Survivors claim the university ignored complaints, allowed Heaps to continue practicing, and failed to act even after warning signs emerged.
The most recent settlement awarded $374.4 Million to 312 women, adding to prior settlements of $316 Million with other patients. Under that settlement, about 6,600 patients were eligible for between $2,500 to $250,000.
8. $490 Million University of Michigan Sexual Abuse Settlement
In 2022, the University of Michigan resolved claims from about 1,050 survivors of abuse by Dr. Robert Anderson. Roughly $460 Million was designated for current claimants, with another $30 Million set aside for future claims.
The case involved allegations spanning the 1960s to 2003, when Anderson worked with students, athletes, and others at the university. Most of his victims were men who participated in football, track, and wrestling, and many were Black.
“They’ve shown that over the last half century… [they’re] uninterested in student safety as a priority.”
– Jon Vaughn, University of Michigan Sexual Abuse Survivor
9. $852 Million USC Sexual Abuse Settlement
In 2021, the University of Southern California agreed to settle claims from more than 700 women who accused campus gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall of sexual abuse. When combined with an earlier class action settlement, the USC sexual abuse settlement exceeded $1 Billion.
The $215 Million class action provided compensation to about 17,000 former patients, with payments starting at $2,500 and scaling upward based on the severity of abuse.
Hundreds of women opted out and pursued individual sexual abuse lawsuits, which significantly increased the overall payout. Many survivors say these settlements represent long-overdue accountability for decades of institutional failures.
10. $210 Million Minneapolis Catholic Church Settlement
In 2018, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis agreed to settle claims from 450 survivors of clergy sexual abuse as part of a bankruptcy reorganization.
The Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2015, 2 years after Minnesota passed the Child Victims Act, which opened a 3-year window eliminating the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse.
The legislative change led to hundreds of survivors filing claims against institutions, including the Catholic Church.
11. $100 Million Jerry Sandusky & Penn State Sexual Abuse Settlement
By 2014, Penn State University had paid sexual assault settlements to at least 33 survivors of former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. The initial $93 Million Penn State sexual abuse settlement averaged about $2.8 Million per survivor, with additional claims later bringing the total above $100 Million.
Sandusky used his role at Penn State and his youth charity, The Second Mile, to gain access to vulnerable boys and sexually abuse them over many years. Some incidents occurred in campus facilities where he had unrestricted access and authority.
Concerns about Sandusky’s behavior were reported to university officials long before his arrest. Institutional failures to act allowed the abuse to continue for decades, contributing to significant fallout at the university.
12. $198 Million San Diego Catholic Church Settlement
In 2007, the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego agreed to settle 144 clergy sexual abuse claims after more than 4 years of litigation and bankruptcy proceedings for $198.1 Million. Survivors accused the Church of using delay tactics to dodge their responsibility.
The Diocese initially offered about $95 Million, while sexual assault lawyers for the survivors were seeking about $200 Million.
“No settlement will ever magically restore hundreds of stolen childhoods, betrayed psyches, shattered self-esteem and damaged relationships. But a settlement can be an important first step in healing, exposure, accountability and prevention.”
– Joelle Casteix, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
13. $85 Million Kentucky Catholic Church Settlement
In 2006, the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky agreed to settle 361 clergy sexual abuse claims for $85 Million. Individual sexual abuse settlement amounts ranged from $5,000 to $450,000, with an additional fund set aside for extraordinary claims and counseling costs.
The settlement involves survivors who were abused over a period of 50 years by priests in a massive diocese that once included 57 counties in the state.
The class action sexual abuse settlement was separate from an earlier $10.8 Million settlement resolving an additional 58 cases.
14. $100 Million California Roman Catholic Church Settlement
In 2004, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County, California reached a $100 Million clergy sexual abuse settlement with 87 survivors.
As part of the agreement, the Diocese consented to release confidential personnel files on accused clergy after judicial review. Survivors viewed this transparency as an important step toward accountability, since many of the documents highlighted years of failures to remove accused priests.
The settlement helped survivors access compensation for therapy and other recovery needs while forcing the Diocese to acknowledge institutional wrongdoing.
15. $85 Million Boston Catholic Church Sex Abuse Settlement
In 2003, the Archdiocese of Boston agreed to settle more than 500 clergy sexual abuse lawsuits, marking the first major payout in the U.S. Catholic Church abuse scandal. Survivors received between $80,000 and $300,000 each, and some parents were awarded $20,000.
The agreement marked a turning point in the national Catholic Church abuse scandal, becoming the first major payout that drew widespread public attention.
These high-profile sexual abuse lawsuit settlements show that survivors have the power to demand accountability and secure meaningful compensation to aid in the healing process.
No matter where the abuse occurred or how long ago it happened, it’s worth reaching out to Sokolove Law to see if you may be eligible for a sexual assault settlement. Our team is ready to listen, support you, and explain your legal options.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may qualify for a sexual abuse lawsuit settlement. It costs nothing to speak with us.
How to Seek a Sexual Abuse Settlement
At Sokolove Law, we understand the lasting trauma of sexual abuse and how it can affect every aspect of a survivor’s life, from emotional well-being to physical health and financial stability.
We also know that the idea of filing a lawsuit may feel overwhelming. That’s why our team handles all the legal work of pursuing a sexual abuse settlement, so you can focus on your healing and recovery.
Our sexual abuse lawyers can:
- Provide a free case review to see if you may qualify to file a sexual abuse lawsuit
- Collect evidence, like medical records, witness testimony, and institutional documents, to build a strong case on your behalf
- File your sexual abuse claim against the perpetrator and any organizations that enabled the abuse before the statute of limitations expires
- Negotiate a sexual abuse lawsuit settlement that provides financial support as quickly as possible
- Fight for you in court and pursue compensation from a jury verdict, if necessary
Even if the abuse happened years ago, some states have extended or eliminated the statute of limitations altogether. This change allows survivors to come forward, share their stories, and seek the justice they deserve.
Taking legal action may seem daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Sokolove Law, we can level the playing field against powerful institutions, providing both legal guidance and compassionate support at every step.
See If You Can Take Action
Contact our sexual abuse attorneys to learn more about your legal options. A member of our team is available 24/7, and there's no cost to speak with us.
What's the Average Settlement for a Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
The average settlement for sexual assault can range from thousands of dollars to more than $1 Million in severe cases. Factors like the age of the survivor, the duration and severity of the abuse, and whether there was an institutional cover-up can all influence the amount of compensation.
Learn more about these factors and how they may impact the amount of any sexual assault lawsuit settlements you may receive.
Type & Severity of Abuse
More severe or repeated instances of violence often lead to higher sexual abuse settlement amounts. Courts may also award punitive damages in these cases to hold perpetrators or institutions accountable for failing to prevent or stop the abuse.
For example, a New Hampshire jury awarded $38 Million, including $20 Million in punitive damages, to a survivor who endured years of sexual assault and isolation at a state-run youth detention facility.
Long-Term Effects
Survivors who face lasting trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or other mental health struggles, may be entitled to greater compensation.
Sex abuse settlement amounts often account for both immediate treatment costs and the long-term expenses of therapy, medical care, and lost earning capacity.
Victim’s Age
Childhood sexual abuse cases typically result in larger settlements. Because minors are especially vulnerable, the long-term harm and recovery needs are often greater, leading to higher compensation.
When the abuse occurs at an institution that is legally responsible for a child’s safety, the stakes are even higher. The historic $4.8 Billion settlement in Los Angeles County involved thousands of children who were abused in juvenile detention or foster care.
Duration of Abuse
When abuse occurs over many years, especially in schools, churches, or health care settings, settlement amounts tend to increase.
Ongoing abuse that reflects institutional negligence may also result in punitive damages, further raising the total recovery.
Strength of Evidence
Documentation, witness testimony, and law enforcement or institutional records can strengthen a lawsuit. Strong evidence may help increase the likelihood of a successful outcome, encouraging defendants to settle rather than risk a public trial.
However, even if you’re not sure about the evidence, we can help gather medical records, employment or school files, police reports, or texts that show where you were and who had access to you. You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out for help.
Institutional Accountability
If organizations ignored complaints, concealed misconduct, or failed to protect victims, additional compensation may be awarded. These damages not only raise the settlement amount but also help ensure institutions are held responsible for their failures.
“They knew all along that I’d been molested, so to put me through this is unconscionable.”
– Michael B., Catholic Church Sex Abuse Survivor
Get Help Pursuing Sexual Abuse Settlements
Sexual abuse has caused lasting harm to countless survivors and families across the country. Lawsuits have revealed how institutions, from churches and schools to sports organizations and universities, often ignored complaints or covered up abuse.
At Sokolove Law, our sexual abuse lawyers can work to hold those who caused you harm accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll stand up for you, giving you a powerful voice in the legal system.
Find out why survivors trust Sokolove Law:
- Over 45 years of experience taking on powerful institutions
- More than $10.1 Billion total recovered for victims of injustice
- National reach, serving survivors in all 50 states
- No financial risk — you pay nothing unless we secure money for you
Call (800) 995-1212 right now or fill out our contact form to see if we may be able to pursue a sexual abuse settlement for you.
Sexual Abuse Settlement FAQs
What is a settlement in a sexual abuse case?
In an assault case, sexual abuse settlement amounts are legal agreements where the survivor receives compensation from the perpetrator or a responsible institution, often without having to go to court. Settlements can help cover costs like therapy, medical care, lost wages, and the emotional toll of abuse.
Many survivors choose settlements because they provide a faster, more private resolution compared to a trial. In some cases, institutions also agree to changes in policies or safeguards as part of the settlement to help prevent future abuse.
Get a free case review now to see if we can help you pursue a sexual abuse settlement.
How much compensation can you get for sexual abuse?
The amount of compensation awarded in a sexual abuse case can vary widely. Survivors have received anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances. For example, Penn State settled 33 sex abuse lawsuits for $93 Million, which works out to about $2.8 Million per person.
Key factors that influence sexual abuse compensation include the age of the survivor, the severity and duration of the abuse, the long-term emotional and financial impact, and whether an institution attempted to cover up the misconduct.
At Sokolove Law, our sexual assault attorneys can review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand what your claim may be worth. Call (800) 995-1212 now to get started.
How much can I sue for sexual abuse?
There’s no set amount you can sue for in a sexual abuse case. Some sexual abuse lawsuit settlements have awarded $10,000, while others have awarded over $1,000,000. The value of a sexual assault case depends on the damages you’ve suffered.
Survivors may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Counseling: Ongoing costs for mental health care, including trauma therapy or psychiatric support
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When abuse interferes with your ability to maintain relationships, activities, or daily routines
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: If the abuse impacts your ability to work now or in the future
- Medical expenses: Costs of hospital visits, medications, or other treatments related to the abuse
- Pain and suffering: The emotional toll of trauma, including depression, anxiety, and other long-term effects
In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish perpetrators or institutions for covering up misconduct or failing to protect victims.
What is the largest sexual abuse settlement?
The largest known sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history is $4 Billion, reached by Los Angeles County to resolve nearly 7,000 claims of abuse in juvenile detention and foster care facilities.
The LA County sexual abuse settlement involved misconduct dating back to 1959 and represented decades of systemic failures to protect vulnerable children.
How long does a sexual assault lawsuit take to settle?
Once a sexual assault lawsuit settlement has been finalized, survivors usually receive compensation within 1-2 months. The exact timing can depend on how many people are included in the settlement and whether court approval is required.
What is the average settlement for sexual abuse?
The average sexual assault settlement is based on multiple factors, like the severity of the abuse, its long-term effects, and whether an institution enabled the abuse.
In a University of Michigan sexual abuse case, the average was about $438,000 per person, but many survivors have recovered far higher amounts based on the specifics of their case. In one case, we secured a $1.6 Million sex abuse settlement for a client who was sexually abused by their doctor.
If you have a case, our sexual abuse attorneys may be able to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us now to take the first step toward justice.
What are average settlements for sexual abuse in care facilities?
While every case is unique, studies indicate that the average settlement for abuse in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities is around $400,000. However, sexual abuse cases often result in higher payouts because of the severe trauma involved and the vulnerability of residents.
Are sexual abuse settlements taxable?
In many cases, compensation for physical injuries or physical sickness is not considered taxable under federal law. Because sexual abuse can cause both physical and emotional harm, much of a settlement is typically tax-free.
