Nevada Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault can file civil lawsuits against their abuser and other third parties, such as schools, churches, etc. Our sex abuse lawyers help victims get financial compensation by filing civil lawsuits against parties who negligently allowed the abuse to occur or failed to prevent it.

In this post, we will discuss the process of filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse in Nevada. We will look at the relevant laws regarding sexual abuse and the average settlement value of these cases.

If you were the victim of sexual abuse and want to file a sex abuse lawsuit in Nevada, contact us today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online. 

What is Considered Sex Abuse in Nevada

Sexual assault or abuse is defined as intentional sexual touching or contact without the other person’s consent and for the purpose of sexual gratification, arousal, or humiliation. In the context of a civil lawsuit, sexual abuse or assault is often referred to as sexual battery, and it can range from groping a breast to rape.

There are two key components that must be present to meet the definition of sexual abuse in Nevada. First, the sexual touching must be done intentionally. If one inadvertently grabs a student’s breast vagina in a crowded elevator or to catch them from falling, there is no intent, and it does not qualify as sexual abuse.

The second element is the lack of consent. For intentional sexual touching to qualify as abuse or assault, it must be done without mutual consent. Under Nevada law, minors under the age of 18 cannot give consent to sexual touching. Any sexual contact with a minor by an adult is automatically considered sexual battery.

So if a teacher has a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student, that would be sexual battery even if the student willingly participated and consented. The 16-year-old did not have the legal capacity to consent to sexual contact with the adult teacher.

When Can You Sue for Sexual Abuse?

In Nevada, sexual abuse or assault constitutes both a criminal offense and a civil wrongdoing. This grants sexual abuse victims the option to pursue criminal charges and/or initiate a civil lawsuit to seek financial compensation. Any individual who has suffered from sexual abuse or assault has the right to pursue either or both options.

Victims of sexual abuse can pursue a civil lawsuit regardless of whether the perpetrator faced criminal charges or a conviction. In fact, victims can bring a civil lawsuit even if they never reported the abuse to the police and even if they never told anyone about it.

The burden of proof required to establish sexual battery in a civil case is notably lighter compared to that in a criminal trial. This means that it is much easier for a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit to demonstrate the occurrence of sexual abuse or assault. So even if an offender evades criminal prosecution, they can still be held liable in a civil court of law.

Getting Money from Third Parties in Sex Abuse Lawsuits

When someone has been sexually abused or assaulted, they have the right to file a civil lawsuit and seek financial compensation for the harm they suffered. This is true even if no criminal charges were filed, and even if the victim never reported the abuse to anyone. Civil lawsuits are about holding the responsible parties accountable and securing the resources survivors need to rebuild their lives.

Who can actually be sued in a civil sex abuse case? The most obvious answer is the abuser, the person who committed the assault. A survivor can always file a lawsuit against their perpetrator. But suing just the individual abuser rarely leads to meaningful compensation. The reality is that many abusers lack the financial resources to pay a settlement or court judgment. Some may already be in prison, others may have died, and many simply do not have the assets to provide financial relief to their victims.

That is why the real focus of most sex abuse lawsuits is identifying third parties—institutions, businesses, or other entities that played a role in allowing the abuse to happen. Under civil law, third parties can be held liable for sexual abuse if their negligence contributed to or failed to prevent the abuse. These cases often involve organizations that ignored red flags, failed to act on complaints, or created environments where abuse could occur unchecked.

Who can be held liable? It depends on the circumstances, but some of the most common third-party defendants in sex abuse lawsuits include:

• Schools and school districts that ignored complaints about a teacher or failed to screen employees properly.

• Churches and religious organizations that covered up abuse by clergy members.

• Youth organizations like the Boy Scouts or sports leagues that failed to protect minors from predatory leaders or coaches.

• Businesses such as hotels, casinos, or rideshare companies that negligently hired or retained employees with a history of misconduct.

These lawsuits are about compensation, for sure. But they also push institutions to change policies, enforce safety measures, and take responsibility for the harm they enabled or ignored. The law continues to evolve in ways that hold third parties accountable, and survivors now have more legal pathways than ever to seek justice.

Nevada Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

The law in Nevada has undergone significant changes to make it easier for survivors of child sexual abuse to seek justice. These legislative updates have extended the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits, giving victims more time to hold both individual perpetrators and responsible third parties accountable.

Extended Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse Claims

Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.215, individuals who were sexually abused as children now have until their 38th birthday to file a civil lawsuit against negligent third parties. This timeframe includes:

• The victim’s age of majority (18), plus an additional 20 years to take legal action.
• The right to file against institutions and third parties that failed to prevent or enabled the abuse, such as schools, churches, or youth organizations.

These changes reflect a growing recognition that survivors of child sex abuse often need decades to process their trauma and come forward. By extending the statute of limitations, Nevada joins a national movement aimed at holding institutions accountable for failing to protect children from abuse.

No Time Limit for Lawsuits Against Individual Perpetrators

Unlike claims against third parties, lawsuits against the individual who committed the abuse are not subject to any statute of limitations. This means that, regardless of when the abuse occurred, victims can pursue civil claims against their abusers at any time.

Retroactive Application of Nevada’s New Law

The revised statute applies retroactively, allowing victims whose claims had expired under previous laws to file lawsuits. However, this retroactive revival has limits:

• Survivors who had not yet turned 38 when the new law took effect can still file claims.
• Victims who were already over 38 when the law changed are not eligible for revived claims.

This mirrors similar legislative updates in other states, where lawmakers have sought to provide meaningful legal pathways for long-silenced survivors to seek justice.

Nevada Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Nevada has become a focal point in the growing wave of lawsuits targeting sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers. For decades, these facilities have been plagued by allegations of staff misconduct, peer-on-peer assaults, and systemic failures that left vulnerable children unprotected. Historically, detention centers operated with little oversight and minimal accountability, making them breeding grounds for abuse.

But times are changing. Survivors are coming forward, societal attitudes have shifted, and the legal system is responding with a zero-tolerance approach to institutions that fail to protect minors in their care. More lawsuits are being filed, not just against individual perpetrators, but against the entire system that allowed the abuse to happen. These cases expose widespread negligence, from supervisors who ignored red flags to administrators who failed to enforce basic safeguards.

The rise in sex abuse lawsuits involving Nevada’s juvenile detention facilities is not just about justice for individual victims—it’s about forcing meaningful reform. The goal is clear: these centers must become safe places for rehabilitation, not environments of trauma and exploitation. Litigation is increasingly holding facilities accountable, compelling them to implement better training, stronger oversight, and policies that prioritize safety over secrecy.

Below are the juvenile detention centers in Nevada that have faced or may face sex abuse lawsuits:

Here are the juvenile detention centers in Nevada that have faced or may face sex abuse lawsuits:

1. 1. Clark County Juvenile Detention Center – Las Vegas
      The Clark County Juvenile Detention Center is one of Nevada’s largest and most well-known juvenile detention facilities. It serves as a temporary holding center for youth between the ages of 8 and 18 awaiting court proceedings, placement in long-term rehabilitation programs, or transfer to other juvenile justice facilities. Clark County is probably not the worst center, but many awful things have happened here.

   2. Washoe County Juvenile Services – Reno
      Provides probation supervision, case management, and detention services. Past complaints have pointed to issues with inadequate staffing and supervision, and we know these are harbingers of sex abuse.

   3. Nevada Youth Training Center (NYTC) – Elko
      This facility has been the subject of multiple lawsuits alleging sexual and physical abuse of juveniles by staff. Former detainees have reported mistreatment, leading to legal actions against the state and the Division of Child and Family Services.

   4. Caliente Youth Center – Caliente
      Houses both male and female juveniles. While not the focus of high-profile lawsuits, its remote location raises concerns about the ability of detainees to report abuse and receive proper oversight.

   5. Spring Mountain Youth Camp – Las Vegas
      A camp-style detention center that focuses on rehabilitation through structured activities.

   6. Red Rock Academy – Las Vegas
      There have been reports of mistreatment within this facility, raising concerns about the treatment of juveniles. While no large-scale lawsuits have been filed, issues related to staff behavior have been flagged.

   7. Rite of Passage – Silver State Academy
      One of the most concerning juvenile facilities in Nevada, with a federal report indicating that nearly 18 percent of detainees reported sexual abuse by staff—three times the national average. A former group leader was charged with sexually assaulting multiple teens.

   8. Never Give Up Youth Healing Center – Nye County (Closed May 2023)
      This facility was shut down following multiple allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Reports of mistreatment led to its closure, and legal action is ongoing.

   9. China Spring Youth Camp – Gardnerville
      Provides residential treatment for male juvenile offenders. There are concerns about staff oversight, the effectiveness of its rehabilitative programs, and the overall treatment of detainees.

   10. Aurora Pines Girls Facility – Minden
       The female counterpart to China Spring Youth Camp. While there have been no public allegations of abuse, concerns about staffing and facility conditions remain.

   11. Jan Evans Juvenile Justice Center – Reno
       A secure detention facility for juveniles in Washoe County. No known abuse allegations, but regular oversight is necessary to ensure safety.

   12. Murphy Bernardini Juvenile Detention Center – Carson City
       Offers secure detention and rehabilitation programs. While not implicated in lawsuits, facilities of this nature must enforce strict protections against abuse.

   13. Elko County Juvenile Detention Center – Elko
       Serves juvenile offenders in Elko County. No major public reports of abuse, but continued monitoring is essential.

   14. Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center – Stateline
       Provides detention and probation services. Proper staffing and oversight remain critical to maintaining a safe environment.

   15. Leighton Hall Juvenile Detention Center – Winnemucca
       Operates a secure detention program for juvenile offenders. No widely reported lawsuits, but ongoing supervision is necessary.

   16. Desert Willow Treatment Center – Las Vegas
       Primarily a mental health treatment facility for juveniles. Though not a traditional detention center, such facilities must have strong ethical safeguards to prevent abuse.

   17. Seven Hills Behavioral Health Hospital – Henderson
       Provides mental health services for juveniles and has faced past complaints about patient treatment. Strict safeguards are needed to protect at-risk youth.

   18. Western Nevada Regional Youth Center – Silver Springs
       A regional juvenile detention center that has been flagged for concerns about proper training and oversight.

   19. Summit View Youth Center – Las Vegas
       Previously closed due to staffing and management issues but has since reopened.

   20. Aurora Pines Facility – Douglas County
       This is a juvenile residential treatment center designed to provide rehabilitative services for young offenders, particularly focusing on behavioral therapy, education, and structured programming. It serves as the female counterpart to the China Spring Youth Camp, offering services tailored to adolescent girls who have been involved in the juvenile justice system.

   21. Douglas County Youth Detention Facility – Stateline
       A small detention center serving Douglas County. Oversight is essential to maintain proper standards of care.

   22. Humboldt County Juvenile Detention Center – Winnemucca.
       This facility operates as a secure detention center for juveniles held on delinquency charges or probation violations.

   23. Pershing County Juvenile Detention Center – Lovelock

   24. Lincoln County Juvenile Detention Center – Pioche

   25. White Pine County Juvenile Detention Facility – Ely

Nevada Residential Treatment Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Residential treatment centers provide inpatient mental health and behavioral care. Recent investigations and reports have shown that sexual abuse of resident patients at these facilities is a widespread problem. This has prompted a growing tide of residential treatment center sex abuse lawsuits across the country.

Lawsuits and investigative reports have revealed that many of the largest for-profit behavioral health companies, including Universal Health Services (UHS) and Acadia Healthcare, have been at the center of sexual abuse scandals at their facilities. Survivors have come forward alleging that staff members, including therapists and medical professionals, sexually exploited patients, while administrators failed to intervene despite clear warning signs. Additionally, allegations of staff members failing to report abuse, improperly restraining patients, and creating environments where peer-on-peer sexual abuse occurred have plagued both companies.

UHS, which owns and operates over 300 behavioral health facilities in Nevada and across the United States, has faced numerous lawsuits and federal investigations related to sexual abuse and patient mistreatment. Reports from BuzzFeed News, The Atlantic, and federal agencies have detailed a pattern of understaffing, lack of proper oversight, and a corporate culture that prioritizes profits over patient safety. Facilities owned by UHS have been accused of ignoring reports of sexual misconduct, retaliating against staff who report abuse, and keeping patients admitted for financial gain rather than medical necessity.

Acadia Healthcare, another major provider of behavioral health services, has also been the subject of multiple sexual abuse lawsuits filed by former patients and their families. Investigations into Acadia-run facilities have uncovered widespread allegations of sexual assault, failure to properly vet staff members, and cover-ups of abuse claims. The company has been linked to high-profile cases involving minors in residential care being abused by staff and fellow residents, prompting calls for stricter oversight and regulation.

Residential Treatment Centers in Nevada

Several residential treatment facilities operate across Nevada, many of which are owned by UHS and Acadia Healthcare. These include:

• Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital – Las Vegas
  This 83-bed psychiatric hospital provides short-term inpatient and outpatient mental health services. It treats adolescents and adults with mental health disorders and substance use issues. Previously associated with Aurora Behavioral Health Care, its current ownership details remain unclear.

• Seven Hills Hospital – Henderson
  A 134-bed behavioral health hospital owned and operated by Acadia Healthcare. It offers inpatient and residential treatment for adolescents, adults, and seniors dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. Acadia Healthcare has faced legal scrutiny regarding its handling of patient safety and treatment at multiple facilities across the country.

• Desert Hope Treatment Center – Las Vegas
  This facility provides medical detoxification, residential inpatient programs, and intensive outpatient services for individuals recovering from substance abuse. While not affiliated with UHS or Acadia Healthcare, it plays a key role in Nevada’s addiction treatment landscape.

• Renown Health – Reno
  The largest not-for-profit healthcare network in Northern Nevada, Renown Health operates multiple behavioral health facilities. It provides a full range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient mental health care.

• Vitality Unlimited – Elko and Carson City
  This organization offers residential treatment programs for substance abuse and behavioral health issues. It provides both inpatient and outpatient services for individuals struggling with addiction.

• Never Give Up Youth Healing Center – Amargosa Valley
  This facility was permanently shut down in May 2023 following widespread reports of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. Several staff members were criminally charged for sexually abusing minors in their care. A state investigation uncovered severe mistreatment of residents, leading to the revocation of its license.

• Rite of Passage – Silver State Academy – Yerington
  A long-term juvenile treatment facility that has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by staff members. Investigations found that nearly 18% of youth residents reported experiencing sexual abuse, a significantly higher rate than the national average for similar facilities.

• Sierra Sage Treatment Center – Yerington
  This center provides residential treatment for adolescent females with behavioral and emotional issues. While it has not been the subject of high-profile abuse allegations, it requires strong oversight to ensure proper care and safety.

• Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital – Reno
  A large psychiatric hospital offering mental health and substance abuse treatment services for adults and adolescents. It provides both inpatient and outpatient care and is one of the most significant behavioral health facilities in the region.

• Spring Mountain Treatment Center – Las Vegas
  This facility provides psychiatric services and residential treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. It offers crisis intervention and specialized programs for those struggling with severe mental health disorders.

• Summit View Youth Center – Las Vegas
  A juvenile correctional facility that has been criticized for poor conditions, lack of oversight, and allegations of abuse. It houses juvenile offenders and has been the subject of investigations into mistreatment and substandard care.

UHS Treatment Facilities

Our sex abuse lawyers have a particular interest in any UHS hospitals. They are called Valley Health System in Nevada and they include:

• Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center – A 226-bed hospital in Las Vegas providing emergency care, cardiology, and women’s health services.

• Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center – A 364-bed facility offering comprehensive medical services, including rehabilitation.

• Summerlin Hospital Medical Center – A 485-bed hospital specializing in pediatrics, cardiology, and oncology.

• Valley Hospital Medical Center – A 409-bed facility with advanced cardiovascular care and stroke treatment.

• Henderson Hospital – A 303-bed hospital providing emergency and cardiac care.

• Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center – Located in Las Vegas, offering a range of general healthcare services.

• Willow Springs Center – Reno – This 116-bed psychiatric hospital is owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS). It specializes in treating children and adolescents (ages 12-17) with severe psychiatric and behavioral health disorders. UHS has been the subject of lawsuits and investigations nationwide regarding allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and inadequate oversight at some of its behavioral health facilities.

• Valley Health Specialty Hospital – A Las Vegas facility focused on specialized medical care.

Nevada Sexual Abuse Settlements and Verdicts

In Nevada, settlement amounts and jury payouts in sex abuse lawsuits are influenced by a multitude of factors.  It is not easy to put a compensation amount on these cases.

The key variables that insurance companies and, ultimately, juries look at in calculating compensation include the nature and severity of the abuse, the duration over which the incidents occurred, and the age and vulnerability of the victim. The emotional and psychological toll on the victim, as well as any physical injuries sustained, are also critical considerations in determining compensation.

Of course, from a settlement perspective, the ability to pay is key.  So none of the other variables matter if you do not have a defendant who can pay a settlement or judgment.

  That is why almost every sex abuse lawsuit you see in Nevada involves institutions like schools, police, churches, or juvenile detention centers.

Below is a list of sample settlement amounts and jury payouts in such cases, highlighting the variability and factors influencing the final compensation awarded.

• $2,500,000 Settlement: Following a study by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice on sexual abuse of children within the Nevada Catholic Church, the Diocese of Las Vegas and the Diocese of Reno announced that they were paying $2.5 million in compensation to a group of victims of clergy sex abuse. The sexual abuse involved 8 priests and occurred between the 1950s and the late 1990s.
• $200,000 Settlement: A kindergarten student alleged that she was sexually assaulted twice by a male classmate at Ronzone Elementary School. The family sued the Clark County School District, alleging that the child reported both incidents to two different teachers, but neither took action. The settlement funds will go toward the child’s counseling.
• $200,000 Settlement: A minor plaintiff was sexually molested while at a day care center. The plaintiff contended that the day care center failed to follow up on complaints or properly supervise the day care center where other minor children were molested by their pre-school teacher.
• $500,000 Verdict: The plaintiff claimed he suffered an incident of sexual molestation as a child committed by a priest working for the defendant, Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. The plaintiff contended the defendant sent the priest, who was a known child molesting agent because of previous complaints about him over several decades, to Nevada, where the defendant knew he would have unlimited access to children; the plaintiff claimed the defendant was negligent in failing to warn the police, parishioners, children or parents of the Nevada parish about the priest’s long history of sexually molesting children and allowing the priest to go to Nevada with a good recommendation to his new Bishop, even though it knew about the priest’s sexual history. The defendant claimed there was no duty to warn because there was no special relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff on his negligence claim but not on the fraud or punitive damages claims.
• $120,835 Settlement: The plaintiff, a female minor, was sexually abused over 3 months on at least seven different occasions. The abuse was discovered when she went to the hospital and an examination found signs of abuse and found that she contracted an STD as a result. She sued the individual who committed the abuse and his employer.
• $160,000 Settlement: A 15-year-old mentally handicapped girl was attending an adaptive recreation program run by the city of Las Vegas when another program participant (an 18-year-old male) allegedly kissed her on the mouth and groped her genitals several times without her consent as they rode a bus to and from a bowling alley. She sued the city for negligence.
• $120,000 Settlement: A 4-year-old boy was placed in a foster home where he was sexually abused by another child who was also in the home. He sued the county social services department for negligently placing him in a home when it knew about the other child’s aggressive tendencies.
• $38,000 Settlement: A female high-school student alleged that he school counselor and basketball coach sexually abused her. She sued the school district alleging that it knew or should have known about the teacher’s actions and did nothing to stop them.

Nevada Sex Abuse News & Updates

The legal landscape surrounding sexual abuse cases is constantly evolving, with new lawsuits shaping the way survivors seek justice and institutions are held accountable. Changes in statutes of limitations, federal protections like the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and increased public scrutiny have made it more difficult for organizations to ignore or cover up abuse within their systems. Survivors are now more empowered than ever to come forward, aided by stronger legal frameworks, growing societal awareness, and dedicated attorneys pushing for systemic reform.

The recent wave of lawsuits reflects an important shift in accountability—whether it is law enforcement, school districts, corporations, or private institutions, no entity is immune from legal scrutiny if they fail to protect individuals in their care. The following cases illustrate how the courts are responding to these allegations, the challenges survivors face in their pursuit of justice, and the ongoing legal battles that continue to redefine institutional responsibility.

April 8, 2025: Horse Trial Postponed

The sex abuse trial of Nathan Chasing Horse, a former actor from Dances with Wolves, has been postponed again, now scheduled to begin August 4 in Las Vegas. Chasing Horse faces 21 felony charges, including sexual assault of minors, kidnapping, and producing child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors allege he used his status as a self-proclaimed Lakota medicine man to exploit Indigenous women and girls for decades. The trial has faced numerous delays since his 2023 arrest, including a dismissed indictment due to grand jury errors, later refiled with additional charges. He remains jailed as lawmakers increasingly focus on crimes against Native women.

Contact Us About Nevada Sex Abuse Lawsuits

If you were the victim of sexual abuse and want to file a sex abuse lawsuit in Nevada, contact us today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.