Sexual Abuse Lawyers Ottawa
Ottawa Survivors Can Hold Institutions Accountable — No Matter How Long Ago It Happened
As Canada's capital, Ottawa is home to some of the country's most powerful institutions. When those institutions fail survivors, Kotak Law is here to hold them accountable — confidentially, and at no cost unless we win.
Free consultation · Contingency fee — no upfront costs · Fully confidential
You are not out of time. Ontario law is on your side.
No limitation period for sexual assault claims in Ontario
Ottawa & Eastern Ontario
Holding Ottawa's Institutions Accountable — Including the Most Powerful Ones
Ottawa is not just a city — it is the seat of federal government, home to national institutions, major universities, large hospital networks, and some of Canada's most established religious organizations. It is also a bilingual city with a large francophone community, and survivors here deserve access to justice regardless of the language in which they live their lives.
When institutions in positions of trust — schools, churches, hospitals, government bodies, or sports organizations — fail to protect those in their care, civil law provides a path to accountability and compensation that the criminal system often cannot. You do not need a police report, a criminal charge, or a prior legal proceeding of any kind to pursue a civil claim.
Our Ottawa consultations are conducted virtually by secure video conference, which many survivors find more comfortable and accessible. We also have an office at 1 Rideau Street should you prefer to meet in person. Everything discussed is fully protected by solicitor-client privilege from the moment we speak. There is no obligation to proceed.
Who Can Be Held Responsible
Individuals and Institutions Can Both Be Sued
Ottawa's size and institutional character means that abuse has occurred across a wide range of settings — and that the organizations behind that abuse often have significant legal and financial resources. We know how to take them on. Civil liability can attach to any organization that knew or should have known about a risk of harm and failed to act.
- Ottawa-Carleton District School Board & Ottawa Catholic School Board
- University of Ottawa, Carleton University & other post-secondary institutions
- The Ottawa Hospital & other healthcare providers
- Federal government departments and agencies
- Religious institutions and churches
- Sports clubs, leagues, and coaching staff
- Youth programs, camps, and community organizations
- Employers and workplace supervisors
What You May Recover
Compensation in Civil Sexual Abuse Claims
A civil claim is not about reliving the past — it is about securing the resources and recognition you need to move forward. Ontario courts can award damages across several categories.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the emotional and physical distress caused by the abuse, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Therapy & Care Costs
Reimbursement for past and future counselling, psychological treatment, and medical care directly related to the abuse.
Loss of Income
If the trauma affected your education, career, or earning capacity — past or future — you can claim for that economic loss.
Punitive Damages
Where conduct was particularly egregious, courts may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future harm.
Ontario Law
There Is No Deadline to Come Forward
The Ontario Limitations Act has been amended to remove limitation periods for civil sexual assault claims entirely. Whether the abuse happened last year or thirty years ago, you have the legal right to pursue a civil lawsuit.
This applies to childhood sexual abuse, abuse by a person in a position of trust or authority, institutional abuse, and historical cases — even where no criminal charges were ever laid, or where charges were laid but did not result in a conviction.
The civil standard of proof is lower than the criminal standard. You do not need a criminal conviction — or even a police report — to pursue a civil claim.
Civil court vs. criminal court: In criminal proceedings, you are a witness to the state's case. In a civil lawsuit, you control the process. You are the plaintiff. The goal is compensation and accountability — on your terms.
You can pursue a civil claim even if there is an active criminal investigation, or if the criminal case has already concluded.
Our Ottawa Office
Why Ottawa Survivors Choose Kotak Law
Nainesh Kotak has been practising personal injury and civil litigation law in Ontario since 1994. Kotak Law serves survivors across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, with an office at 1 Rideau Street and consultations available by secure video conference — which most Ottawa clients find more accessible and comfortable. We have direct access to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa for matters that proceed to litigation.
We have experience pursuing claims against large and well-resourced defendants, including government-affiliated institutions and major organizations that have the means to mount a significant legal defence. We are not intimidated by powerful opponents — and we have the litigation experience to match them.
We only ever act for survivors. We never represent institutions, insurers, or abusers. Our loyalty is always entirely with you.
For survivors seeking independent support in Ottawa, the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC) provides free, confidential crisis support, counselling, and advocacy in both English and French — entirely independent of any legal process.
(613) 434-0123 · info@kotaklaw.com · kotaklaw.com
How It Works
Your Path Forward — Four Steps
We aim to make the legal process as low-stress as possible. Most cases resolve without you ever having to step inside a courtroom.
Private Consultation
You speak with us in confidence by secure video conference — our preferred method for Ottawa clients — or by phone. We listen to your story without judgment, explain your legal options honestly, and tell you whether you have a viable claim. There is no obligation to proceed.
Case Assessment
We review the facts, identify all responsible parties, and outline a realistic path forward — including the types of compensation you may be entitled to and the likely timeline.
Building the Case
We gather evidence, engage expert witnesses — including psychologists, economists, and medical professionals — and construct the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Resolution
We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If necessary, we take the case to trial. We do not settle for less than you deserve, and we keep you informed at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ottawa Survivors Ask Us Most
Is there a time limit to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Ontario?
No. Ontario removed the limitation period for civil sexual assault claims entirely. You can file a claim regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred — whether it was last year or several decades ago.
This applies to childhood sexual abuse, abuse by a person in a position of trust (such as a teacher, coach, or doctor), and institutional abuse cases. There is no deadline.
Do I need to have reported the abuse to the police to file a civil lawsuit?
No. The civil and criminal systems are entirely separate. You can pursue a civil claim whether or not you ever reported the abuse to police, and regardless of whether charges were laid or what the outcome of any criminal proceeding was.
A civil claim can proceed even if the abuser was acquitted in criminal court. The standard of proof in a civil case — balance of probabilities — is lower than the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.
What does it cost to hire Kotak Law for a sexual abuse case?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay legal fees only if we successfully recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation to proceed.
Can I sue the institution — not just the individual abuser?
Yes, and in many cases the institution bears significant legal responsibility. Organizations — including school boards, churches, sports organizations, hospitals, and employers — have a duty to protect people in their care. If an institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to act, it may be held liable alongside the individual abuser.
Institutional defendants often have deeper resources and insurance coverage than individual abusers, which can be an important factor in recovering meaningful compensation.
Can I file a claim against a federal government institution?
Yes. Ottawa's unique character as the nation's capital means that some abuse occurs within federally regulated workplaces or government-affiliated organizations. Civil claims can be brought against federal institutions, though the procedural rules differ in some respects from purely provincial claims. We will advise you specifically on what applies to your situation.
Will I have to go to court and testify?
Most civil sexual abuse cases resolve through negotiated settlement before trial. We work to reach a fair resolution without requiring you to testify in open court. If a settlement cannot be achieved, we will prepare you thoroughly and advocate on your behalf at every stage.
Your comfort and wellbeing guide how we approach every case.
Can I pursue a civil claim at the same time as a criminal case?
Yes. A civil lawsuit can proceed concurrently with a criminal investigation or prosecution. The two processes are independent. We will advise you on how to coordinate both effectively to protect your interests in each proceeding.
Is my consultation truly confidential?
Yes. Everything you share with us is protected by solicitor-client privilege from the moment you speak with our team. We will not contact you through channels that could compromise your privacy, and there is no obligation to proceed after the consultation.
If it is easier, we can arrange a callback at a time and number that is safe and private for you — just let us know.
Take the First Step — Confidentially
Your story deserves to be heard. Our Ottawa team is ready to listen. The consultation is free, private, and carries no obligation to proceed.
Call (613) 434-0123Or request a confidential callback — we will reach you at a time that is safe and convenient.
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