Suing Schools or Universities for Sports-Related Sexual Abuse

When Schools Fail to Protect Their Athletes

Schools and universities should be places of growth, mentorship, and opportunity, especially for student-athletes. But when sports programs become the setting for sexual abuse, that trust gets shattered. Some students are harmed not only by an abuser but by a school that failed to prevent it, ignored the signs, or tried to keep it quiet.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sexual abuse attorneys have worked with student-athletes across New York who experienced abuse at the hands of coaches, trainers, or teammates. When a school or university failed to act, or worse, tried to cover it up. We helped those survivors hold the institution accountable.

If you or your child has experienced sports-related sexual abuse in an educational setting, you may have the right to sue the school. Legal action isn’t just about compensation. It’s about acknowledgment, change, and protecting others.

When Is a School Legally Responsible?

A school or university can be held legally responsible if it knew, or should have known, about abuse and didn’t act. That includes situations where:

• The school ignored complaints or red flags
• Staff failed to report suspected abuse to authorities
• There were no clear safety policies in place
• An abusive coach or trainer had a known history but was kept on staff

In some cases, abuse happens because schools place too much trust in one person. They allow unchecked power, lack oversight, or skip proper background checks. When that negligence leads to harm, survivors can pursue a civil lawsuit.

Abuse Doesn’t Always Look the Same

Sexual abuse in school sports settings can be physical, emotional, or coercive. It may include:

• Inappropriate touching during coaching or medical treatment
• Harassment through texts, comments, or isolation
• Pressure to engage in sexual behavior in exchange for playing time or opportunities
• Being punished or benched after rejecting advances

In many cases, the abuse is slow and confusing. Survivors often don’t recognize it right away. And by the time they do, they may feel isolated or ashamed. That’s how abuse works, it’s about control and silence.

The Role of Title IX in Lawsuits Against Schools

Title IX is a federal law that requires schools to provide an education free from sex-based discrimination. That includes protecting students from sexual abuse and harassment.

Under Title IX, you have the right to:

• Report abuse and have your complaint taken seriously
• Receive accommodations like class changes or no-contact orders
• Be protected from retaliation

If a school mishandles your report or fails to provide support, that may be a Title IX violation. In New York, survivors can file a Title IX lawsuit along with a civil claim for damages.

What a Lawsuit Can Do for Survivors

Filing a lawsuit can feel overwhelming. But many survivors say it gave them a sense of control they hadn’t felt in years. It can also bring accountability to schools that failed to act.

A lawsuit may help you recover:

• Medical and therapy costs
• Emotional pain and trauma
• Lost academic or athletic opportunities
• Punitive damages against the institution

Even if the abuse happened years ago, you may still be able to file. In New York, survivors of childhood sexual abuse often have until age 55 to bring a civil claim.

What If You Signed a Waiver or Release?

Many athletic programs require students or parents to sign waivers before participating. These documents usually cover injuries, but not abuse. A school can’t legally protect itself from being sued for failing to stop sexual abuse. If you’re unsure whether a document you signed affects your rights, a qualified attorney can help you review it.

How Long Do You Have to Sue?

New York law extends the time survivors have to file. If the abuse happened when you were under 18, you often have until age 55. For adult survivors, the limit is typically three years from the date you discovered the harm.

Laws can shift, and deadlines can vary depending on who the abuser was, how the school responded, and whether the abuse was part of a larger pattern. That’s why it’s important to speak with someone who understands the system.

Support Systems Outside the Courtroom

Legal action is one path, but not the only one. Survivors often need emotional and practical support beyond what a lawsuit provides.

If you're not ready to file but want help, consider contacting:

• The New York State Education Department’s Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability, which oversees misconduct investigations related to certified school employees
• The New York State Office of Victim Services, which helps with therapy, emergency housing, and victim compensation

You’re allowed to ask questions, explore options, and take your time. Just know that support is available, with or without legal action.

Why Suing Isn’t About Revenge, It’s About Responsibility

Some survivors hesitate to sue a school because they don’t want to hurt its reputation. Others worry about how teammates or administrators will react. These fears are valid. But here’s the truth: legal accountability doesn’t destroy a school. It pushes it to do better.

By filing a lawsuit, survivors often:

• Prevent future abuse
• Encourage institutions to improve training and reporting systems
• Help others feel less alone

We’ve worked with student-athletes who once felt powerless. They now lead conversations about safety and change. That power is real. And it starts with taking the first step.

Let’s Talk About What Happened, On Your Terms

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sexual abuse attorneys help student-athletes and their families make informed choices. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights clearly, and support you through the entire process. Whether you want to pursue legal action now or just need to understand your options, we’re here.

You don’t have to carry this alone. And you’re not wrong for wanting justice.