Gymnastics Team Sexual Abuse Lawyer

In 2023, 4.76 million Americans engaged in gymnastics. While not as popular as other youth sports, high-profile gymnasts like 16-year-old Hezly Rivera inspire many young girls to dream of becoming a woman warrior on the biggest stage of all: the Olympics. However, these gymnasts may need the help of a gymnastics team sexual abuse lawyer. 

Unfortunately, these young gymnasts may become victims of sexual abuse should a predatory individual notice them.

Gymnastics sexual abuse causes lifelong emotional consequences. Many cases involve an authority figure, such as a coach, doctor, or trainer—someone entrusted with the care and development of young athletes. 

This form of betrayal by an authority figure can leave victims with psychological scars that never heal, preventing them from enjoying a sport that meant so much to them or working with another gymnastics coach.

At Injury Lawyer Team, our sexual assault lawyers help gymnastics sex abuse victims and their families pursue legal action, an essential and empowering part of holding an abuser accountable.

How Can Our Gymnastics Team Sexual Assault Lawyers Help?

A dedicated sexual assault attorney from Injury Lawyer Team is indispensable in navigating the legal system and prioritizing your child’s safety. We understand that taking legal action after gymnastics sexual abuse can be emotionally challenging for survivors and their families.

Our legal team will always advise you on the appropriate course of action to protect your child’s best interests and ensure their well-being and security throughout the process. We are passionate advocates for survivors, working tirelessly to secure the compensation your family deserves and to protect you throughout both the legal and healing process.

Expertise and Specialization

Our sexual abuse attorneys have a proven track record of success thanks to our expertise in these cases. We have years of experience handling cases involving major organizations, whether sports organizations or religious institutions, and understand their tactics to avoid accountability.

Additionally, we’re well-versed in laws related to sex abuse cases and can seamlessly navigate these cases’ challenges.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

At Injury Lawyer Team, we pride ourselves on our meticulous investigation skills. Our legal team will gather evidence to bolster your case, including medical treatment records, professional therapist reports, and private electronic communication related to the case, to create a clear picture of the events.

Additionally, we will review the organizational policies and procedures related to sexual abuse, such as whether the organization requires doctors and coaches to have a medical assistant present when examining children.

We understand how traumatizing sexual abuse is for victims, so we use a caring and compassionate approach to interviewing all victims, witnesses, and their families to create a strong case without causing more harm.

Advocacy and Support for Survivors

Our primary goal in securing justice for victims and holding responsible parties accountable is to help you and your family heal and move on, while providing the compensation you need and supporting your long-term well-being.

Injury Lawyer Team’s process balances the needs of the sexual abuse victim with the civil court process. We will handle the paperwork and negotiate on your behalf so you can focus on recovery, protecting you from re-traumatization, and supporting the survivor’s mental health.

We want to ensure those who are sexually abused receive adequate counseling and have all the support they need to heal, so we will check in with you and guide you to appropriate resources for your needs, recognizing the lasting effects abuse can have on a survivor’s life.

Survivors of sexual abuse often require years of counseling to recover from the trauma they experienced.

Additionally, we fiercely advocate for and represent survivors in court, ensuring their stories are told and they receive the compassion they deserve from the legal system.

How Common Is Sex Abuse in Gymnastics?

One of the most well-known examples of gymnastics abuse is that of Larry Nassar, a gymnastics coach who worked with both Olympic athletes and young students of lower-level competitive gymnastics. In the past few years, the true scale of sexual abuse in gymnastics has only begun to gain recognition, especially following high-profile cases like Nassar’s.

Once sexual abuse survivors came forward, Nassar was hit with a flood of serious charges. In 2017, Nassar was convicted of federal child pornography charges. In 2018, Nassar pleaded guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual abuse in the first degree and was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison. 

Shortly after, Nassar was convicted of three more counts of criminal sexual conduct with a maximum sentence of 125 years. Nassar was the United States women’s national gymnastics team doctor for 18 years; he is serving 60 years in federal prison plus additional sentences on state charges, resulting in a de facto life sentence without parole.

Since then, over 300 sexual assault victims have come forward to share their stories, with the youngest victim being just eight years old at the time of the abuse. Over 300 plaintiffs sued the U.S.A. Gymnastics over Nassar’s misconduct in civil court. 

U.S.A. Gymnastics offered to pay $215 million to settle the claims related to Nassar’s misconduct, and the settlement amount eventually reached $380 million. Nassar has been referred to as the ‘pedophile doctor,’ with some victims as young as 8.

While one might assume Larry Nassar was simply one man, the long-term and heinous nature of this case demonstrates that numerous institutions, including USA Gymnastics and the USA Olympic Committee, failed to prevent sexual abuse as far back as 1992. 

Sexual abuse in gymnastics is not an isolated incident but a widespread problem that has affected the sport for decades.

For example, Michigan State University’s Dean of Osteopathic Medicine failed to ensure Nassar was following new rules that required there to be at least two adults present for sensitive procedures. He was subsequently ordered to spend one year in jail.

A subsequent survey of student-athletes around the country found that 25% of respondents reported being sexually harassed or assaulted by someone in a position of authority. Most said that coaches were most likely to be the abusers, but sports doctors and other support staff could also be to blame.

In a more recent scandal, it was found that Ohio State University refused to act despite clear evidence that the late Dr. Richard Strauss was molesting male patients, including gymnastics students, between the 1970s and 1990s. It is estimated that before he died in 2005, Strauss committed 1,429 sexual assaults and 47 rapes.

These sexual abuse cases demonstrate that major institutions, including the US Olympic Committee, ignored widespread child sexual abuse, putting thousands of innocent athletes at risk for lifelong problems. 

Many high-profile cases have alleged that U.S.A. Gymnastics failed to protect young Olympic gymnasts from sexual abuse, and the victims of Larry Nassar’s abuse included many Olympic athletes. When institutions fail to enforce protective measures, it can create an environment that protects abusers and allows misconduct to continue unchecked.

The Centers for Disease Control notes that sexual trauma can severely impact a survivor’s mental and physical health for decades, including causing substance abuse issues and cardiovascular problems. 

Sexual abuse can affect nearly every aspect of a survivor’s life, from emotional well-being to physical health. Gymnastics organizations should implement strict hiring practices to reduce the incidence of sexual abuse.

What Laws Govern Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Cases?

Gymnastics sexual abuse cases are governed by a layered set of laws that can apply at the same time, including state civil law, state criminal law, and, in some circumstances, federal statutes. 

The controlling rules often depend on where the abuse occurred, who the perpetrator was, which organization employed or supervised them, and when the survivor was able to report or connect the abuse to harm later.

What is the Statute of Limitations, and Who Can Be Sued?

Most gymnastics lawsuits are filed as civil actions against one or more of the following:

• The perpetrator
• A gym, club, or training facility
• A sports organization or governing body
• An owner, director, coach, or supervisor who allegedly enabled access, failed to act on warnings, or mishandled prior complaints

Civil claims commonly include negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention, premises liability, and other negligence-based theories. A major gatekeeper issue is the statute of limitations, which is set by state law and varies widely, including special rules for childhood sexual abuse, discovery rules, and revival windows.

Examples of state statutes that illustrate how different these civil rules can be:

• Illinois (childhood sexual abuse civil limitations framework): 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2 states that childhood sexual abuse suits must be filed within 20 years. 
• Utah (civil actions for sexual abuse of a child, including claims against non-perpetrators): Utah Code § 78B-2-308 states that a civil sexual assault lawsuit can be filed at any time. 

Practical point for gymnastics cases: Even when the perpetrator is the primary wrongdoer, civil law often determines whether an institution can be held responsible for preventable failures, such as ignoring red flags, failing to report sexual assault, allowing one-on-one access, or not removing a coach after complaints of children being sexually abused.

What is the Safe Sport Law?

For youth sports and amateur athletics, federal law includes a reporting structure that can be relevant to gymnastics programs, especially where a covered adult learns facts giving reason to suspect child abuse, including sexual abuse, in connection with a covered amateur sports setting.

The “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017” amends federal law to require reporting “as soon as possible,” defined as within a 24-hour period, for covered individuals in certain amateur sports contexts. This includes reporting sexual assault. 

• Public Law 115-126: reporting provisions and definition of “as soon as possible” as within 24 hours

This federal reporting structure can intersect with, but does not replace, state-mandated reporter laws and state child abuse reporting systems. In practice, a gymnastics sexual assault case may involve both the state reporting statute and the federal Safe Sport reporting requirement, depending on the organization and the individual’s role.

How Does the Law Work for Young Gymnasts Traveling Overseas?

When abuse occurs outside the United States, several legal questions arise immediately: which country has primary jurisdiction, whether U.S. federal law reaches the conduct, and whether a U.S. civil court can hear claims against a U.S.-based perpetrator or organization.

A key federal statute in travel-related abuse scenarios is:

• Illicit sexual conduct in foreign places legislation can apply to cases involving sex abuse overseas, particularly if a coach travels with the team with the intent of committing sex abuse crimes. A sexual assault attorney can help you learn whether this law impacts your case. 

In addition to potential criminal jurisdiction, a survivor may still pursue legal action in a U.S. forum against a U.S.-based defendant. Still, the case can involve complex issues such as choice of law, personal jurisdiction, forum non conveniens arguments, evidence located abroad where the interactions occurred, and the impact of foreign proceedings on U.S. litigation.

Are There Other Legal Issues That Impact Cases?

Depending on the defendant and setting, additional laws can become outcome-determinative:

• Claims against public entities may trigger special notice rules and immunities under state law
• School-based gymnastics programs may raise education law and civil rights issues, in addition to tort law, depending on the institution and facts
• Confidentiality, privilege, and protective order rules often affect records, internal complaints, and third-party discovery

A lawyer experienced in sexual assault suits can help you learn how these laws will impact your case. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for Gymnastics Sexual Abuse?

Institutional sexual abuse like that in gymnastics organizations may implicate numerous parties, as many may have been privy to the abuse but have done nothing to stop it. 

In a sexual abuse case, it is important to recognize that the majority of gymnastics sexual abuse victims are underage, which complicates the reporting and recognition of abuse. Our legal team will ensure that all liable parties are held accountable.

Gymnastics Coaches and Instructors

Coaches and instructors, being the ones who spend the most time with athletes, are often the ones who perpetrate sexual abuse. Abuse usually occurs when coaches and athletes interact unsupervised, especially in private rooms or during travel. Limited supervision, private training, and travel for competitions create environments conducive to sexual abuse in gymnastics.

Team Doctors and Medical Professionals

Doctors and other medical professionals are mandated reporters and must disclose any potential sexual abuse to the authorities. They also have a responsibility to ensure survivors receive appropriate medical care, which is essential for both immediate and long-term recovery. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable.

It is important to note that grooming tactics used by perpetrators often involve giving gifts or special treatment to the victim.

Gymnastics Organizations

Organizations that oversee gymnastics clubs or teams must be actively engaged, providing necessary oversight to prevent sexual abuse or exploitation. 

This includes implementing strict protocols for private lessons, such as requiring at least two adults to be present during these sessions to help prevent sexual abuse. 

However, they may create a culture of silence and enable abuse because they don’t want to lose prestige or because they believe the instructors are too valuable to lose as partners.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

Any organization, association, or official who knows about gymnastics sexual abuse is professionally and morally obligated to report the issue to the proper authorities and demand a full investigation. 

Consulting a sexual assault lawyer can help ensure that these legal obligations are met and that survivors receive the support and advocacy they need throughout the process. Additionally, communication between athletes and adults should be monitored and occur through channels that include parents or guardians to help prevent abuse and ensure transparency. 

However, many fail to act out of fear of losing funding or damaging professional relationships, making them culpable.

What Damages Can Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Victims Recover?

For a gymnastics sexual abuse civil case, seeking justice involves not only gaining compensation for the trauma that the victim endured but also holding perpetrators accountable through the civil process. 

These damages can encompass several elements, from financial losses such as medical expenses related to treatment and recovery, to emotional harm. 

Survivors of sexual abuse in gymnastics, such as those involved in the USA Gymnastics suit, can pursue criminal charges, file civil lawsuits for damages, and participate in the sport’s internal reporting process against coaches, trainers, doctors, and any other authority figure involved. 

Compensatory Damages

• Medical bills and payment for future medical treatment
• Visiting sports doctors to treat physical injuries
• Therapy and counseling expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning potential

Punitive Damages

These damages are intended to punish the perpetrator and deter reoffending. The courts award them, but they may apply only in certain cases. 

Money cannot make the betrayal committed vanish, but punitive damages can prevent sex abuse from occurring again. A settlement can help assault victims get the help they need on their healing journey. When you work with us, justice involves gaining compensation. 

How Do You File a Sex Abuse Lawsuit With a Gymnastics Team Sexual Assault Attorney?

Our gymnastics sexual abuse attorneys will guide you through all aspects of your case, including filing all necessary paperwork and negotiations. We understand that, for many survivors, taking legal action is an important way to get justice and begin the healing process. Many law firms also offer free consultations for victims of gymnastics sexual abuse to discuss their legal options.

Reporting the Abuse

First, you should report the abuse to law enforcement and the relevant sports organizations. Reporting to law enforcement can initiate a criminal case against the perpetrator, an important step toward seeking justice and protecting your child’s safety. If necessary, you may also need to involve child protective services.

It is important to understand that victims of sexual abuse often do not realize that they are being abused and may fear telling their parents about it.

After you have reported the abuse to the proper authorities, contact us immediately so we can begin developing your case and gathering strong evidence.

Filing a Civil Lawsuit

When filing a lawsuit, we will identify who is liable and name them in a complaint, along with the alleged gymnastics sexual abuse that occurred. This is part of the civil process, which involves holding perpetrators accountable through a lawsuit and seeking compensation for survivors. 

We’ll determine which statutes of limitations apply—these vary by state, and some allow extensions for victims under 18—and ensure we have sufficient time to pursue a case.

Discovery Process

During this step, we will gather evidence, such as medical reports, documentation of medical expenses, or private communications, and complete witness depositions. Survivors of sexual abuse may require years of counseling to process the trauma they experienced, and records of such ongoing treatment are important evidence.

Settlement Negotiations

To spare victims of sexual abuse from the rigors of a trial, we attempt to settle out of court first. We constantly push for maximum compensation and are familiar with the tactics organizations use to reduce your settlement, using our strong negotiation skills to hold them accountable.

Trial

In some cases, reaching a settlement is impossible, and we will file a lawsuit to ensure you receive fair compensation. We will present the facts of the case before a judge or jury, provide all the evidence we have gathered, and ensure your story is heard. Throughout this process, we’ll stay in regular communication and balance your participation with your need for healing.

How Long Do Victims Have to File Gymnastics Sexual Assault Cases?

The statute of limitations will vary by jurisdiction. For child sexual abuse, there is often a longer statute of limitations, as courts understand that children may not immediately disclose what has happened to them. However, it’s essential to act fast to ensure we have time to file a lawsuit if necessary. You should call us as soon as possible after you learn of the sexual abuse.

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Representing Sexual Assault Victims

Injury Lawyer Team is committed to helping all sexual abuse survivors get justice through a civil legal process. We have recovered millions for our clients and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win.

We offer a confidential consultation, providing a safe and private space for survivors or their families to discuss their case, seek advice, and understand their legal options without fear of disclosure or judgment. Many experienced attorneys offer a free, confidential consultation.

To schedule your confidential consultation today, call us 24/7 at 866-757-6452 or use our online contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.