Can You Sue Sports Leagues and Teams for Sexual Abuse?

The Bigger Picture: Abuse Beyond One Person

Sexual abuse in sports is never just about a single moment. It's rarely just about one person. When abuse happens, it often points to something bigger, a system that allowed it, ignored it, or even protected it. That’s why the question of accountability goes deeper than just the individual who caused harm. Survivors often ask: Can I sue the sports league or team that allowed this to happen? In New York, the answer is often yes.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sports sex abuse attorneys have worked with survivors who were harmed in youth leagues, school athletics, travel teams, and professional organizations. We’ve seen the damage these failures cause, and we’ve helped survivors fight back.

When a Sports Organization Becomes Legally Responsible

Leagues, schools, and teams have a basic duty: protect their athletes. That includes screening who they hire, supervising staff, listening to complaints, and making sure boundaries are respected. When they fail at that duty, and someone is abused as a result, they can be held liable.

Here’s when a lawsuit may be possible:

• A coach or trainer was hired without proper background checks
• Complaints or red flags were ignored
• Staff witnessed or suspected abuse but did nothing
• The environment encouraged silence or discouraged reporting
• Abuse occurred during official practices, travel, or events under their watch

Even if the person responsible is gone, the organization that allowed the harm may still be on the hook.

What a Civil Lawsuit Can Do for Survivors

You might be wondering what a lawsuit actually looks like, or if it’s worth the effort. While it’s not a decision to make lightly, many survivors find it brings more than compensation. It brings a voice. A sense of justice. And the chance to change the system.

A civil sexual abuse lawsuit can help you:

• Recover financial support for therapy, lost wages, and other needs
• Force institutions to admit what went wrong
• Protect others from going through the same thing
• Get answers that were never shared before

It’s not about revenge. It’s about truth. And for many, it’s about healing.

Suing Doesn’t Mean Going Public

This is one of the biggest concerns survivors have. And it’s valid. But you should know, New York courts allow many abuse cases to proceed anonymously. That means you can file under initials, request sealed records, and protect your identity throughout the legal process.

We take privacy seriously. From your first phone call to the last court date, we build the case around your comfort. You choose how much to share, how fast to move, and what outcome you want to seek.

What If the Abuse Happened Years Ago?

Many survivors carry this pain for years before speaking up. If that’s you, know that you’re not too late. New York has expanded its statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, thanks to survivor-focused laws like the Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act.

Even though those temporary windows have closed, you may still have time, especially if you were a minor when the abuse happened. An attorney can look at your timeline and tell you if legal action is still possible. Often, it is.

What Proof Do You Need?

Survivors often ask: Do I have enough proof? Here’s the truth: you don’t need video, confessions, or a long list of witnesses. While supporting evidence can help, your story matters.

A strong case can include:

• Your own written statement
• Messages, emails, or social media posts
• Witnesses who saw or suspected something
• Patterns of behavior in the person or organization
• Past complaints against the same coach or team

You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. That’s why we’re here. We gather the evidence, connect the dots, and support you every step.

Who Else Can Be Held Accountable?

Sometimes, more than one party shares responsibility. Depending on your case, your lawsuit could involve:

• The league or team that employed the abuser
• School districts or universities
• Training facilities or gyms
• Governing bodies like state athletic associations
• Certification agencies that failed to revoke licenses

You may also be able to file a complaint with an oversight agency. In New York, for example, the New York State Athletic Commission plays a role in regulating certain organized sports, particularly at the amateur and professional levels.

Our attorneys help determine who failed to act and how to bring those failures to light.

Financial Compensation: What Can You Recover?

No amount of money erases trauma, but financial support helps rebuild. A civil lawsuit can provide compensation for:

• Mental health treatment (past and future)
• Medical expenses tied to the abuse
• Pain and suffering
• Lost scholarships, opportunities, or earnings
• Relocation or education expenses

We also help survivors apply for support through the New York State Office of Victim Services, which can cover counseling, security, and other essential costs.

The Emotional Side of Legal Action

We won’t lie, legal action takes courage. It brings up pain. It can feel exhausting. But for many survivors, it’s also a turning point. A moment where they reclaim power, take control, and start to move forward.

You don’t have to walk this road alone. Our attorneys will:

• Explain every step in plain English
• Protect your privacy and dignity
• Never push you faster than you’re ready to go

Some clients choose to settle quietly. Others want their day in court. We respect every path, and build our strategy around your needs.

What Happens When You Contact Us

Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re filing a lawsuit tomorrow. It means you’re opening the door. You’ll speak with someone who listens. Who believes you. Who takes your story seriously.

In our first conversation, we’ll:

• Listen to what happened and how it’s affected you
• Share what legal options may be available
• Explain your rights and possible outcomes
• Let you decide if and when to move forward

You’re in charge. Always.

Horn Wright, LLP: Advocating for Survivors, Changing Systems

When sports leagues and teams fail to protect their athletes, they should be held accountable. Survivors deserve more than apologies, they deserve action, healing, and justice.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sexual abuse attorneys stand with survivors across New York. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you do it safely, privately, and on your terms.

You’ve been silenced long enough. We’re ready to listen.