Sexual Assault Settlement Amounts & Average (September 2025)

Few crimes can upend your life like a sexual assault can. Whether you’re the victim of date rape, an assault by a stranger, or abuse through an institution like a church or school, you deserve justice.

When it comes to seeking justice for sexual assault, prosecuting the perpetrator is often just one small part of it. A personal injury lawyer focusing on sexual assault cases may be able to help you recover compensation.

But before you begin the process of seeking compensation, you may wonder—how much can you reasonably expect to recover? Here’s a closer look.

Average Sexual Assault Settlement

According to our September 2025 research, one law firm reported an average settlement range of $30,000 to $40,000, with cases that went to trial reaching between $115,000 and $20 million. Another reported settlements averaged $30,000 to $50,000, while a third reported an exact average of $50,000. By analyzing five law firms, we can estimate that the average settlement for sexual abuse is approximately $43,000 and typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. For childhood molestation cases, settlements are generally higher, ranging from $450,000 to $950,000. These larger payouts reflect the severe and long-lasting trauma associated with such cases.

Nursing Home and Workplace Sexual Assault Settlements

Furthermore, according to the research, two law firms reported average workplace sexual abuse settlements of $37,000 and $53,000, with cases that go to trial averaging around $217,000. One law firm stated that for nursing home sexual assault cases, settlement amounts are generally higher, averaging between $75,000 and $1,000,000. Similarly, Uber sexual assault settlements range from $10,000 to $500,000. Factors such as the severity of the assault and the company’s responsibility impact the payout. These numbers show how settlement amounts can vary greatly depending on the type of case and whether it is resolved through settlement or trial.

Average Sexual Assault Settlements by Law Firms

*Average settlement amounts were collected from law firms in September 2025.

How Are Sexual Assault Settlements Paid Out?

If your case is successful, your compensation will generally go through your lawyer’s office first. Your attorney will deduct their contingency fee and then distribute the settlement to you.

However, you may choose from a few payout structures:

Lump-Sum Payment

With this option, you receive your complete payout all at once.

Structured Settlement

This option allows you to receive your settlement gradually over time.

Trust Funds

Less commonly, your payout may be placed in a trust. This may be helpful if you want to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and other government benefits.

Recent Settlement Examples of Sexual Assault Cases

Here are five recent U.S. sexual assault settlements:

• Michael Gilpatrick (New Hampshire) received $10 million from the state in 2025 after alleging he was gang-raped by staff at a youth detention center in the 1990s.
• McDonald’s Franchisee (Pittsburgh, PA) settled for $4.35 million in 2024 after a 14-year-old employee was raped in 2021 by her manager, who was a registered sex offender.
• Columbia University – Dr. Robert Hadden agreed to pay $750 million in 2025 to 576 women who were sexually abused by a former university gynecologist. The per-case average is approximately $1.3 million.
• Los Angeles County Juvenile Facilities approved a $4 billion settlement in 2025 to resolve nearly 7,000 sexual abuse claims involving staff at juvenile facilities dating back to 1959.
• Amayah Blair – Homewood-Flossmoor High School (Illinois) reached a $3.5 million settlement in 2025 after a lawsuit alleged the school failed to protect student Amayah Blair from sexual assault by another student in 2022. The district denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the payout.

Key Factors That Determine Sexual Assault Settlement Amounts

Here is a list of factors that affect how much compensation sexually abused victims may receive:

• Severity of Harm: More serious physical or emotional injuries often lead to higher payouts, especially when long-term effects are involved.
• Evidence: Strong documentation like medical records, therapy notes, or witness statements can significantly boost a claim’s value.
• Age of the Victim: Younger victims, especially children, usually receive higher compensation due to their vulnerability and long-term impact.
• Defendant’s Conduct: If the offender acted maliciously or has a history of abuse, payouts may include punitive damages.
• Jurisdiction: Some states award higher damages due to favorable laws or jury tendencies.
• Institutional Liability: Abuse involving organizations - such as churches in clergy sexual abuse cases - may result in larger settlements due to their responsibility and the risk of public backlash.
• Legal Representation: A skilled attorney can negotiate better terms and build a stronger case, often leading to higher compensation.

How Long Does It Take to Reach a Settlement?

Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to predict how long your case will take to settle. However, these general estimates may give you a clearer idea:

If Your Case Settles Out of Court

These cases are usually resolved most efficiently. The process of negotiation can sometimes be lengthy, but often, cases settled out of court take about six to 18 months.

If Your Case Goes to Trial

If your case cannot be settled, it will likely be decided in court. The civil trial process can take considerable time, and cases decided in court often take two to four years to resolve.

If Your Case Involves an Institution

If your lawsuit is against a university, a health system or another institution, your case may take longer. These cases tend to be more legally complex, especially if there are multiple plaintiffs and/or multiple defendants involved.

The Role of Evidence in Sexual Assault Settlements

Evidence is important in getting a fair settlement for sexual assault cases. Medical records, police reports, and witness statements can make a victim’s case stronger. Good evidence makes it harder for the other side to argue and can lead to higher payouts. Victims should keep any proof they have and work with a lawyer to present it clearly and build a strong case.

Finding the Right Lawyer for a Sexual Assault Case

Every legal case has its challenges. However, rape and sexual assault cases can be extraordinarily emotionally difficult to navigate. When choosing a lawyer to represent you, you don’t just need someone with legal skill; you need someone you feel comfortable talking to about your case.

At ConsumerShield, we’re committed to matching people like you with pre-vetted, highly qualified lawyers nearby. It only takes a few minutes to get started. Fill out our contact form for a free initial case review.