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Karl Truman: Trusted Child Sexual Abuse Case Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Offices in Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN
Child sexual abuse is among the most devastating harms a family can endure. When an institution, organization, or individual enabled that abuse or failed to protect your child, civil law provides a path to accountability and compensation that the criminal justice system alone cannot deliver.
Attorney Karl Truman brings the discipline and leadership of a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army to every child sexual abuse civil case. We handle these cases with the seriousness, confidentiality, and compassion they demand. Our civil claim does not depend on a criminal conviction. The burden of proof is lower, and justice for your family does not have to wait for the criminal courts.
Our legal team handles:
- Civil claims against abusers, institutions, schools, churches, and youth organizations
- Negligent supervision claims against organizations that failed to protect your child
- Cases involving teachers, coaches, clergy, camp counselors, and other authority figures
- Claims against institutions that knew or should have known about abuse and failed to act
- Confidential representation designed to protect survivor privacy throughout the process
No fees unless we win. Available 24/7 throughout Louisville, Southern Indiana, and all of Kentucky and Indiana.
Count on the Colonel
Retired Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army
Karl Truman: Trusted Child Sexual Abuse Case Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Cases
A civil lawsuit for child sexual abuse is entirely separate from any criminal case. In a civil claim, you are not trying to send someone to prison. You are seeking financial accountability and acknowledgment of harm from the abuser and from any institution that enabled or concealed the abuse.
Institutions are often the deepest source of accountability in these cases. Schools, churches, youth organizations, sports programs, and other entities frequently knew about warning signs or prior complaints and failed to act. When that failure contributed to your child’s abuse, those institutions can be held civilly liable.
Time is Critical
Both Kentucky and Indiana have expanded their statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse civil claims in recent years, reflecting growing national recognition that survivors often cannot come forward until adulthood. These deadlines are complex and vary based on when the abuse occurred and when the survivor discovered its connection to their harm. Contact us immediately so we can determine what deadlines apply to your specific situation.
Why Child Sexual Abuse Case Cases Are Different
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Civil vs. Criminal
A criminal case requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A civil case uses a preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning it is more likely than not the abuse occurred. Civil justice does not require a criminal conviction or even a criminal charge.
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Institutional Liability
Organizations that employed or supervised the abuser may be liable if they ignored warning signs, failed to conduct background checks, received prior complaints, or created conditions that enabled abuse. This is often where the largest accountability lies.
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Confidentiality
We protect survivor and family privacy throughout the civil process. Many cases can be resolved through confidential settlements. We discuss all options with you before any public filing.
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Expanded SOL
Kentucky and Indiana have both changed their statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse claims. Do not assume your case is time-barred without speaking to us first. The law may protect you even if the abuse occurred years ago.
How We Handle Child Sexual Abuse Case Cases
From the moment you call, we take over the legal fight. You focus on recovery. We handle everything else.
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Thorough Investigation
We move immediately to build the strongest possible case: gathering records, securing evidence, consulting experts, and documenting every aspect of your situation before anything is lost or altered.
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Handle All Paperwork
From insurance claims to medical records, legal filings, and demand letters, we manage every detail so you can focus on healing. You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case.
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Fight for What You Deserve
The party on the other side of your claim has professionals working to minimize what they pay you. We deal with them directly and protect you from every tactic designed to undervalue your claim.
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Trial-Ready Representation
While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial. The other side knows we will not back down, and that gives us the leverage to secure maximum compensation.
Knowledge Center
Child Sexual Abuse Case Resources
Free educational guides and resources to help you understand your rights, the legal process, and how to protect your claim.
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Update: Greater Clark County School District Sex Abuse Lawsuit
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Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive answers about personal injury law in Kentucky and Indiana. Find the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.
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Can we file a civil lawsuit even if criminal charges were never filed?
Yes. Civil and criminal cases are entirely separate. A civil lawsuit does not require a criminal conviction, a guilty plea, or even a criminal charge. The civil burden of proof is lower, and many families successfully pursue civil justice when the criminal system has not acted or has not produced a conviction.
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Can we sue the institution where the abuse occurred, not just the abuser?
In many cases, yes. Schools, churches, sports organizations, youth programs, and other entities can be held civilly liable when they failed to conduct proper background checks, ignored warning signs, received prior complaints and failed to act, or created an environment where abuse could occur. Institutional liability is often the most significant source of financial accountability.
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What if the abuse happened years ago? Is it too late to file?
Not necessarily. Both Kentucky and Indiana have expanded their statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse civil claims. The deadlines are complex and depend on when the abuse occurred and other factors. Contact us before assuming your case is time-barred. We will evaluate your specific situation at no cost.
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Will filing a civil lawsuit expose my child's identity publicly?
We take confidentiality extremely seriously. Many cases are resolved through confidential settlements. We discuss all privacy options with you before any filing and work to protect your family’s identity throughout the process.
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What compensation can a civil lawsuit recover?
A civil claim can recover compensation for medical and psychological treatment costs, ongoing therapy needs, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, educational disruption and lost earning capacity, and in some cases punitive damages when institutional conduct was especially egregious.
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How much does a child sexual abuse civil attorney cost?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.
Still Have Questions About Your Child Sexual Abuse Case
Get personalized answers from Colonel Karl Truman and our experienced legal team during your free consultation.
Serving Personal Injury Victims Across Kentucky & Indiana
Karl Truman Injury Law represents clients in Louisville, Jeffersonville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, and throughout Kentucky and Indiana. We handle car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall cases, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, dog bites, premises liability, and all types of personal injury claims. Available 24/7 for free consultations.