- Last Modified: September 1, 2026
If you or your child experienced sexual abuse, the effects can reach far beyond the abuse itself. Hite Law Firm Trial Lawyers advocates for children and families throughout South Carolina. Our child sexual abuse attorneys help victims pursue legal claims against individuals and organizations that may be responsible.
Our team understands the care these cases require. We put your needs first while pursuing accountability and protecting your legal rights. With deep roots in South Carolina, we are proud to advocate for vulnerable children and their families.
To discuss your situation with our experienced and compassionate child abuse lawyers, contact us in the way you feel most comfortable. Call Hite Law Firm or send us a message online to begin.
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Speak With Our AttorneysLegal Help for Child Sexual Abuse in South Carolina
If you or your child experienced sexual abuse, the team at Hite Law Firm wants to help you. A civil claim may seek compensation for physical injuries, emotional harm, treatment, therapy, and other abuse-related losses.
Our attorneys have experience representing children and families affected by abuse. We pursue accountability while putting your needs and legal rights first.
Here is what we want you to know about child sexual abuse claims in South Carolina:
South Carolina Laws Protect Children From Sexual Abuse
South Carolina law criminalizes several forms of sexual conduct involving minors. S.C. Code § 16-3-655 addresses criminal sexual conduct with minors based on age and other circumstances.
Consent also may not provide a defense when the law determines a minor cannot legally consent. South Carolina courts have addressed consent in cases involving sexual conduct with minors.
Civil Claims for Child Sexual Abuse in South Carolina
Criminal charges and civil sexual abuse claims are separate legal proceedings. Prosecutors decide whether to pursue criminal charges against an alleged offender.
A victim may also have grounds to pursue a civil claim. Civil cases can seek financial compensation from people or organizations that may be legally responsible.
The burden of proof also differs between criminal and civil cases. A criminal conviction is not always required to pursue a civil sexual abuse claim.
When Organizations May Be Liable for Child Sexual Abuse
Schools, churches, youth organizations, and other institutions may have responsibilities to protect children in their care. Liability may arise when an organization’s negligence contributes to abuse or allows it to continue.
Potential issues may include inadequate supervision, negligent hiring, or failures to investigate reported concerns. An organization may also face scrutiny over how it responds to allegations of sexual abuse.
Every case depends on its facts and the organization’s legal responsibilities. Our attorneys investigate whether individuals or organizations may be held accountable through a civil claim.
Child Sexual Abuse Claims Without Physical Injuries
Child sexual abuse can cause physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Its effects may reach a victim’s relationships, education, employment, and other parts of life.
A visible physical injury is not always necessary to pursue a child sexual abuse claim. A claim may instead involve emotional distress, psychological harm, treatment costs, or other damages related to the abuse.
Our attorneys evaluate the circumstances and resulting harm when determining what compensation may be available.
South Carolina Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Claims
South Carolina law gives victims additional time to pursue certain civil claims involving child sexual abuse. S.C. Code § 15-3-555 establishes specific filing deadlines for these claims.
A claim generally must begin before the later of two deadlines. One is the victim’s twenty-seventh birthday. The other is three years after discovering the connection between the injury and the abuse.
These rules may allow some victims to pursue claims years after the abuse occurs. However, the applicable deadline depends on the circumstances of each case.
How Our South Carolina Child Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help
Hite Law Firm advocates for children and adults who experience sexual abuse as minors. Our attorneys understand that these cases require careful, personal attention.
We investigate potential claims, identify parties who may be responsible, and explain the legal options available to you. Our team handles the legal process while keeping your needs and interests at the center of your case.
Contact Hite Law Firm to discuss your situation and learn how our team may help.
Questions About a Child Sexual Abuse Claim?
Our attorneys can help you understand your legal options and what may come next.
Discuss Your SituationHolding Organizations Accountable for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
Organizations that serve children may be legally responsible when their actions or negligence contribute to sexual abuse. These cases can involve:
- Public and private schools
- Daycares and preschools
- Churches and religious organizations
- Sports leagues and youth organizations
- Summer camps
- Group care facilities
- Civic groups and charities
- Hospitals and mental health facilities
Potential claims may involve negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, ignored complaints, or failures to respond appropriately to reported abuse. Some cases may also involve efforts to conceal misconduct or protect an alleged offender.
Children in foster care may face additional risks when the people responsible for their safety fail to protect them. Foster care abuse may involve foster parents, caregivers, agencies, or others responsible for a child’s placement and supervision.
Our attorneys investigate what the organization knew, how it responded, and whether its actions contributed to the harm. We pursue evidence that helps establish responsibility and supports the victim’s civil claim.
Hite Law Firm is prepared to challenge organizations and insurers that dispute responsibility. Our trial lawyers put victims first and pursue accountability from those who may be legally responsible.
Representing Children and Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Hite Law Firm represents children and adults who experience sexual abuse during childhood. Each client deserves representation that reflects their circumstances, needs, and legal rights.
Cases involving minors may require special consideration of the child’s current needs and the abuse’s potential long-term effects. Children with disabilities may also face unique barriers to reporting abuse or communicating what happened. Our attorneys understand the additional considerations that may arise in special needs child abuse claims.
South Carolina law provides extended filing periods for certain child sexual abuse claims. Our attorneys evaluate the applicable deadlines and explain the options available based on your circumstances.
Throughout your case, our team protects your interests and keeps your needs at the center of our representation.
Experience Advocating for Children and Sexual Abuse Victims
Child sexual abuse cases require attorneys who understand the legal issues and the care these claims demand. Hite Law Firm has a longstanding focus on representing children and victims of abuse in South Carolina.
Two of our case results include a $3.75 million jury verdict against DSS in a child abuse case. Our attorneys have also obtained a confidential jury verdict in a foster child sexual abuse case.
These results reflect our experience handling serious claims involving children and organizations responsible for their care. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our trial lawyers investigate the facts, pursue available evidence, and prepare cases with litigation in mind. Throughout that process, we keep the victim’s needs and legal interests at the center of our representation.
Talk to a South Carolina Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you or your child experienced sexual abuse, you do not have to determine your legal options alone. Hite Law Firm is here to listen and help you understand what may come next.
Our attorneys can discuss your situation, answer your questions, and evaluate potential options for pursuing accountability. We approach these conversations with the privacy, care, and respect they deserve.
Contact Hite Law Firm to speak with a South Carolina child sexual abuse attorney about your situation.
Our Attorneys Advocate for Victims
Hite Law Firm represents children and adults seeking accountability for childhood sexual abuse.
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