Ohio Sex Abuse Lawsuits and Settlements

Victims of sexual abuse or assault in Ohio have the legal right to file civil lawsuits and seek compensation for their injuries. Victims can sue not just their abuser, but also third parties such as schools, churches or organizations that enabled the abuse to occur or covered it up.

In this post, we will provide an overview of sexual abuse lawsuits in Ohio. We will explain the statute of limitations for Ohio sex abuse lawsuits and their potential settlement value. If you have an Ohio sex abuse case, contact us today for a free online consultation or call 800-553-8082.

Ohio Sex Abuse Lawsuit News and Updates

The law is constantly evolving, especially in the fight against sex trafficking and institutional accountability. New lawsuits are filed, courts issue precedent-setting rulings, and survivors continue to come forward. We provide ongoing updates to help victims, advocates, and attorneys stay informed about key legal developments. Below is a timeline of major filings, court decisions, settlements, and legal actions related to sexual abuse lawsuits in Ohio, with a particular focus on cases involving institutions accused of turning a blind eye.

April 6, 2025 – Red Roof Inns Lawsuit Filed in Ohio

In a new lawsuit filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, a woman from Columbus, Ohio, is seeking to hold Red Roof Inns, Inc. and Red Roof Franchising, LLC accountable for their alleged role in her trafficking. The plaintiff, identified as A.O.H., alleges that she was repeatedly trafficked for sex at Red Roof hotels in the Columbus area, where her traffickers operated with little interference and, at times, apparent cooperation from hotel staff.

According to the complaint, A.O.H. was introduced to her traffickers through a friend and gradually lost control over her life as they isolated her and forced her into commercial sex acts. She alleges that the traffickers regularly rented rooms at Red Roof locations without identification, often bribing front desk employees or exchanging access to her in return for accommodations. The lawsuit describes how two rooms were typically rented—one where her traffickers stayed, and another where she was forced to engage with buyers. The complaint claims that this pattern occurred over an extended period and involved Red Roof properties across central Ohio.

The plaintiff’s traffickers reportedly told her they would never be caught because of their relationship with hotel employees, and that the activity was too common to draw attention. Only during a brief moment when one trafficker left to get food did she find the chance to escape. Since then, she has worked to regain stability and recover from the trauma she experienced.

The lawsuit argues that Red Roof had longstanding awareness of sex trafficking taking place at its hotels and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it. It asserts claims under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, alleging that the company benefited financially from a venture it knew—or should have known—involved trafficking, particularly at its Ohio properties.

March 7, 2025 – Significant Ruling in Ohio Trafficking Case

In G.M. v. Choice Hotels Int’l, Inc., the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio issued a significant ruling addressing liability for sex trafficking under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). The case involves a plaintiff, G.M., who was trafficked for sex at several hotels in Indianapolis, including a Red Roof Inn property. She alleges that hotel staff ignored clear signs of trafficking and even accepted bribes from her traffickers to remain silent.

The court struck down Red Roof Inns’ attempt to seek common law indemnification and contribution from its franchisee, Shivaya LLC. Relying on Ohio law and prior rulings, the court emphasized that the TVPRA does not permit defendants to shift liability to others, particularly when they knowingly benefited from trafficking at their properties. The ruling highlights Ohio’s growing involvement in sex trafficking litigation and underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring accountability under federal law.

While the court declined to sever and stay Red Roof Inns’ contractual indemnification claims against its franchisee, it left open the possibility of revisiting this issue after discovery. This ruling reinforces the importance of holding corporate defendants responsible for trafficking activity that occurs on their premises and sends a clear signal to hotels operating in Ohio and beyond: turning a blind eye to trafficking will not shield them from liability.

What is Sexual Abuse in Ohio?

The legal definition of sexual abuse or sexual assault in Ohio closely mirrors the definitions used in other states. Under Ohio law, sexual abuse generally involves intentional sexual touching without consent. There are two essential components to this definition:

1. Sexual touching, and
2. Lack of consent.

Sexual touching refers to contact with another person’s sexual or intimate parts with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify. This is detailed in the Ohio Revised Code under § 2907.01(B), which defines “sexual contact” as any touching of an erogenous zone of another, including the thighs, genitals, buttocks, pubic region, or, if the person is female, a breast. For example, accidentally brushing against someone in an elevator does not qualify. But intentionally groping someone’s breasts or genitals does qualify as sexual contact.

The second critical component is lack of consent. If the sexual contact occurs without consent, it is considered abuse or assault under Ohio law. Consent is addressed in several statutes, including:§ 2907.02 (Rape) and § 2907.05 (Gross Sexual Imposition).

Additionally, under Ohio law, individuals under the age of 18 cannot legally give consent to sexual activity. This means that any sexual contact between an adult and a minor is automatically considered sexual abuse, regardless of whether the minor appeared to agree. The legal incapacity of minors to consent is covered in § 2907.04 (Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor).

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse in Ohio?

Sexual abuse victims can always sue the individual who abused them. Usually, however, suing the abusers is somewhat pointless because you won’t be able to get any money from them. Chances are they are either broke, dead, or in jail.

The key to getting compensation in a sex abuse lawsuit is finding a company, school, or other third party with deep pockets (or insurance) to hold liable for negligence. Ohio law allows abuse victims to file civil lawsuits against third parties who were negligent in failing to prevent or stop the abuse. Common third-party defendants in sex abuse civil lawsuits include schools, churches, or organizations such as the Boy Scouts. If you can show that one of these organizations had a duty to prevent or stop the abuse and failed to do so, they can be held legally liable for damages.

For example, if a teacher abused you at your school,

the school could potentially be liable for negligently failing to stop the abuse or investigate prior complaints against the teacher. Also, if you were sexually abused or assaulted in a dimly lit parking lot, you could sue the parking lot owner for negligent security.

Ohio Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Recent civil lawsuits and investigations have revealed that sexual abuse of inmates at Ohio juvenile detention centers has been a major problem for decades. A growing number of former juvenile inmates in Ohio are now seeking justice by filing civil sex abuse lawsuits against the state and the Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS).

ODYS operates three primary juvenile detention and correctional facilities across the state:

• Cuyahoga Hills JCF – Highland Hills, OH
• Indian River JCF – Massillon, OH
• Circleville JCF – Circleville, OH

Ohio, like many other states, has a dark history of sexual abuse of juvenile inmates in its correctional facilities that goes back decades. A number of high-profile lawsuits, federal investigations, and criminal prosecutions have highlighted the fact that sexual abuse is a major problem within the Ohio juvenile correctional system.

Anyone who was the victim of sexual abuse or assault while they were a juvenile inmate in Ohio has the right to file a juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuit against ODYS. A large number of victims have already come forward and filed lawsuits against ODYS and the state, claiming that they were negligent in failing to protect juvenile inmates from sexual abuse and assault.

Ohio Residential Treatment Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Ohio sex abuse attorneys are uncovering the full extent of abuse in residential treatment centers—facilities that were supposed to help children heal, not traumatize them further. This wave of lawsuits stems from deeply disturbing allegations of sexual abuse, physical harm, and institutional neglect at residential treatment centers across the state. These are not isolated incidents. These are systemic failures, enabled by for-profit healthcare corporations that too often put their bottom line ahead of children’s safety.

Lawsuits filed across Ohio are shedding light on the disturbing reality inside these facilities, many of which are run by national behavioral health giants like Universal Health Services (UHS) and Acadia Healthcare. These lawsuits allege that companies responsible for children’s care failed to provide even basic protections, creating environments where predators could thrive. Inadequate staffing, lack of background checks, improper use of restraints, and total disregard for warning signs are common themes.

Facilities in Ohio Facing Allegations or Heightened Scrutiny:

1. Foundations for Living (Mansfield) – Operated by UHS, this adolescent psychiatric and behavioral facility has drawn multiple complaints of unsafe conditions, poor supervision, and inadequate staff training. The Ohio Department of Health has investigated reports of neglect at the facility, raising serious concerns about resident safety.
2. Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry (Columbus) – Also run by UHS, this hospital has faced allegations involving improper use of restraints and failure to protect minors receiving treatment for severe mental illness.
3. The Village Network (Statewide) – With campuses in Wooster, Newark, and Canton, this network provides treatment for abused, neglected, and at-risk youth. While it receives substantial state funding, it has faced scrutiny over staff conduct and supervision failures.
4. Youth Villages (Cincinnati) – Though based in Tennessee, Youth Villages operates programs in Ohio and has faced criticism nationally for its handling of abuse allegations. Facilities under their umbrella have come under fire for employing unqualified staff and mishandling reports of misconduct.
5. Buckeye Ranch (Grove City) – One of Ohio’s largest behavioral health nonprofits serving children, Buckeye Ranch has been the subject of previous investigations into staff conduct, safety protocol violations, and use of seclusion rooms.

Additional Facilities of Concern

Based on prior allegations, inspection reports, and patterns of institutional neglect seen nationwide, the following facilities may also come under scrutiny:

• Cleveland Christian Home (Cleveland) – A provider for at-risk youth, long plagued by high staff turnover and limited oversight, increasing vulnerability for abuse to go unchecked.
• Crossroads Health (Cincinnati) – A community-based behavioral health organization, Crossroads has faced concerns about the adequacy of supervision in residential programs serving children and teens.
• New Directions (Cleveland) – Specializing in adolescent addiction recovery, this program has received complaints regarding inadequate staff training—conditions that often coincide with increased risk of sexual misconduct.
• Hannah Neil Center for Children (Columbus) – Offers intensive behavioral therapy for children. Concerns have been raised about the use of punitive discipline and the qualifications of those overseeing treatment.
• Bellefaire JCB (Shaker Heights) – A longstanding treatment facility with residential and outpatient care. Past incidents have prompted questions about whether safety protocols and reporting mechanisms were truly protecting children.

This is about more than just lawsuits. It’s about exposing the dangerous environments created when facilities ignore red flags and regulators fail to hold them accountable. It’s about forcing a conversation around mandatory reporting laws, enforcing criminal statutes on sexual contact, and demanding reforms to prevent this from continuing.

Victims and their families deserve justice.

These lawsuits aim not just to compensate the children harmed but to reform the residential treatment industry—starting in Ohio. The goal is clear: eliminate systemic abuse, force accountability, and ensure no child is ever treated as expendable in the name of profit.

Statute of Limitations for Ohio Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Ohio’s statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse is longer than it is for cases in which the abuse was by an adult. When the sexual abuse occurred when the victim was a minor (under 18) they have until their 30^th birthday to file a civil sex abuse lawsuit (O.R.C. 2305.111). The period for adult victims of rape and sexual assault is much shorter. According to O.R.C. 2305.111(B)(1), adult victims have one year to sue a known abuser.

Efforts to Change the Statute of Limitations for Sex Abuse in Ohio

Ohio’s state legislature is currently considering a new law (Ohio H.B. 124) that would extend the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse lawsuits. Under the proposed new law, the SOL for victims of child sexual abuse would be extended another 25 years. So instead of their 30^th birthday, abuse victims would have until their 55^th birthday to file a civil lawsuit.

Efforts to reform laws related to childhood sexual abuse have gained momentum in Ohio, driven by concerns over the inadequate protection of victims. Lawmakers have proposed several bills aimed at enhancing child protection, including a ban on sexual grooming and extending the statute of limitations for civil claims against abusers and those who enabled them.

But the progress is so slow. Four of the five bills remain stalled in House committees, including the critical legislation to extend the statute of limitations to age 55 for civil claims. Ohio’s current laws have been criticized for being among the most restrictive in the nation, limiting the time victims have to seek justice.

Advocates argue convincingly that the existing statute of limitations protects powerful institutions more than it does victims, particularly when those institutions have a history of shielding abusers. Efforts to extend the statute of limitations have faced significant opposition, often due to concerns about the financial implications for organizations that could be held liable for past abuses.  Other jurisdictions have managed this problem quite well when they have created a path to justice for child molestation, and it would be the same in Ohio.

Despite the challenges,

there is hope that public pressure and growing awareness will lead to meaningful legal reforms. Advocates believe that continued efforts and increased public support are essential to change Ohio’s laws to protect victims better and hold abusers and enablers accountable.

Priest Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Ohio

A still-growing number of lawsuits have been filed against Catholic dioceses in Ohio alleging sexual abuse by priests and other clergy members. These lawsuits seek accountability and restitution for survivors who claim they were abused as children while under the care of trusted church officials.

This litigation has been fueled in part by the disclosure of internal diocesan records naming 225 priests and clergy with credible accusations of child sexual abuse across Ohio’s six dioceses, from Cincinnati to Steubenville. While Ohio’s current statute of limitations restricts some survivors from pursuing legal action, the recent legislative proposals we discuss above could really change the landscape.

In response to mounting public pressure and a growing demand for accountability, Ohio’s six Catholic dioceses have disclosed the names of priests and other clergy members with credible allegations of child sexual abuse. This transparency effort follows nationwide scrutiny of the Catholic Church’s handling of sexual abuse and the release of similar lists across the United States. In Ohio, these revelations expose the widespread nature of abuse and its historical prevalence, with cases dating back to the 1950s. Alleged abuse took place across a wide range of settings, including parishes, schools, and other church-operated institutions, impacting thousands of individuals and communities.

This is a breakdown by diocese, detailing the number of accused:

1. Archdiocese of Cincinnati – 67 accused priests and clergy members
2. Diocese of Columbus – 53 accused priests and clergy members
3. Diocese of Youngstown – 36 accused priests and clergy members
4. Diocese of Cleveland – 25 accused priests and clergy members
5. Diocese of Toledo – 25 accused priests and clergy members
6. Diocese of Steubenville – 19 accused priests and clergy members

How were so many priests accused of sexual abuse, and they still kept their jobs?  Priest abuse lawsuits often focus on allegations that dioceses knowingly allowed priests with credible accusations of abuse to continue serving in positions where they had access to minors. Claims often cite the “priest shuffling” practice, in which accused clergy were tragically transferred to different parishes rather than removed from ministry, allowing them to pick up the abuse elsewhere, knowing the Church had their back.

These disclosures underscore the scale and depth of abuse allegations within Ohio’s Catholic institutions. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati, as the largest in the state, lists the highest number of accused individuals, with allegations stretching back to the mid-20th century. Similarly, the Diocese of Columbus, with over 50 names on its list, faces scrutiny for the long duration over which abuse reportedly took place.

Additional Patterns and Limitations in Disclosures

While these lists represent an effort to bring transparency, experts in clergy abuse cases note several concerning patterns. Reports indicate that some clergy were transferred between parishes even after allegations were known, an issue that survivor advocates believe contributed to prolonged abuse. The practice, known informally as “priest shuffling,” has been heavily criticized and remains a point of contention in Ohio. Legal experts and advocacy groups have called for independent investigations and external audits of church records to ensure

full accountability.

Additionally, survivor advocates argue that even the term “credible accusation” is ambiguous, as it allows each diocese discretion in determining whether a claim meets their internal threshold. Many clergy abuse survivors express frustration with the Catholic Church’s lack of a uniform, transparent standard for reporting abuse and for classifying allegations as credible.

Ohio Sex Abuse Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Survivors of sexual abuse in Ohio who pursue civil lawsuits may be entitled to substantial compensation, particularly when their claims overcome procedural hurdles and involve defendants with the financial ability to pay. Like other personal injury cases, successful plaintiffs in Ohio sex abuse lawsuits can seek damages for a wide range of harms, including:

• Past and future medical expenses (e.g., therapy, psychiatric care, hospitalizations)

• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Punitive damages, in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct

What distinguishes sexual abuse settlements from typical personal injury claims is the profound emotional and psychological harm at the center of these cases. Survivors often carry the trauma of abuse for decades, and juries—when cases go to trial—are typically moved by the testimony of survivors, particularly in cases involving child sexual abuse. This empathy translates into high jury verdicts and, in turn, robust pre-trial settlement offers.

In Ohio, claims that (1) survive statute of limitations challenges and (2) name institutional defendants with deep pockets—such as school districts, youth organizations, or religious institutions—often result in substantial settlements, many of which are confidential. These cases frequently involve allegations of systemic failure to report, supervise, or intervene, which juries and judges may consider especially egregious.

A powerful driver of settlement value in these cases is reputational risk. Schools, churches, residential treatment facilities, and other third-party defendants face intense public scrutiny when accused of enabling abuse or turning a blind eye. To avoid prolonged litigation, damaging media coverage, and potential punitive damages at trial, many organizations are highly motivated to settle early and for more considerable settlements than they might in a traditional tort case. This reputational exposure is a key leverage point for survivors and their attorneys that really drives sexual abuse settlement payouts.

Regrettably, in lawsuits against school districts or state-run facilities, Ohio’s tort law tries to impose caps on non-economic damages. However, these limits can often be challenged or bypassed when there is evidence of reckless conduct or constitutional violations, which is easy to prove in so many of these awful cases. Plaintiffs’ attorneys routinely argue for exceptions to these caps, particularly when institutional coverups or gross negligence are alleged.

Ultimately, while no amount of money can erase the harm caused by sexual abuse, civil lawsuits offer survivors a powerful tool to hold institutions accountable and obtain the financial support they need for healing. The settlement amounts in these cases reflect not just the economic damages, but also society’s recognition of the lasting pain caused by abuse, and the responsibility of those who failed to prevent it.

Example Ohio Sex Abuse Verdicts and Settlements

Below are some examples of Ohio sex abuse settlement amounts and jury payouts.  Why are these amounts so low?  The best Ohio sex abuse lawsuits settle.  These are most cases that have gone to trial.

What to Expect in an Ohio Sex Abuse Lawsuit

If you are considering filing a sex abuse lawsuit in Ohio, it is entirely normal to feel uncertain about the process. Survivors often ask: How long will this take? Will I have to testify? What does the legal process look like? Below is a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect when pursuing a civil sexual abuse claim in Ohio.

Step-by-Step Overview

• Initial Consultation (Free)
  You will meet with an attorney to review your case confidentially. This can be by phone.  You will discuss what happened, who may be responsible, and what legal options are available.

• Case Investigation and Record Collection
  Your legal team will gather medical documentation, school or organizational records, and any prior complaints that may demonstrate the institution knew or should have known about the abuse.

• Filing the Lawsuit
  If your case has legal merit, your attorney will file a civil complaint in court. This document will name the abuser and potentially a third-party institution such as a school, church, or residential facility that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse.

• Pretrial Process (Discovery)
  Both sides exchange evidence and take sworn testimony from witnesses during a phase called pre-trial discovery. This process can take several months and often leads to meaningful settlement discussions.

• Settlement Negotiations
  Most sexual abuse lawsuits are resolved through settlement before reaching trial. If the case is strong and involves a financially capable defendant, your attorney may negotiate a settlement that compensates you fairly without the need to go to court.

• Going to Trial (If Necessary)
  If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial. This is rare, but it happens. Your attorney will prepare you thoroughly and protect your interests throughout the process. Survivors are often allowed to testify privately or with accommodations.

• Settlement Compensation and Closure
  If you win at trial or agree to a settlement, you will receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and other damages. While financial compensation is what this is all about, many survivors find that the legal process also brings validation, accountability, and a measure of closure.

Do I Have to Testify?

Not always. In fact, not usually. Most sex abuse lawsuits are resolved through confidential settlements, and survivors are never required to testify in open court. If your case does get to the point where you need to give a deposition or trial testimony,  your attorney should guide you every step and work to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout the process.

Contact Us About Ohio Sex Abuse Lawsuits

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