The negligence of people in power can allow abuses to occur, making those negligent parties equally responsible for resulting damages. Through a lawsuit, victims of sexual abuse and assault can hold all liable parties accountable.
Contact Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo & Plotkin LLP to speak with our sexual abuse and assault attorneys in New York. We will support you throughout your case and are available to answer your questions.
For a free consultation with our legal team, send us a message or call (212) 684-1880.
Sexual abuse and assault are criminal offenses. A person who commits either crime can potentially be sentenced to prison or required to register as a sex offender, which carries several restrictions for the offender.
Cases of sexual abuse and assault can also be the subject of civil lawsuits. In civil court, victims of sexual abuse and assault can pursue financial compensation for the damages resulting from assault. This may include the cost of medical treatment or therapy, but more commonly will account for non-economic damages. Civil claims provide victims with an outlet for recovering compensation for the mental anguish and emotional distress they have endured as a result of sexual abuse or assault. Although money cannot reverse these effects, civil claims are a way for victims to achieve justice outside of criminal court.
Additionally, civil claims related to sexual abuse and assault give victims an opportunity to hold parties other than the offender accountable for negligence. Sexual abuse and assault can result when third-party negligence allows abuses to occur, and can continue if responsible parties do not respond to reports.
In cases of sexual abuse and assault, the person who commits the offense can face criminal charges and civil liability. However, it is also possible — and common — for the negligence of others to allow abuse and assault to occur. Businesses and entities that do not implement adequate security measures, do not conduct extensive background checks of their employees, or fail to respond to reports of sexual abuse and assault can be held liable for incidents that result from their negligence. Lawsuits can be filed against these parties to recover damages.
The following entities can be held liable for sexual abuse and assault in civil court:
Sexual abuse and assault claims must be filed within a certain amount of time.The statute of limitations is a law that establishes that timeline. Adherence to the statute of limitations is crucial in order for a claim to be approved.
In the state of New York, victims of childhood sexual abuse and assault can file lawsuits against offenders and liable third parties until they are 55 years old. The state is also allowing a period between August 14, 2019 and August 13, 2020, when any victim of childhood sexual abuse and assault can file a lawsuit. Claims will be permitted during this period regardless of their age, how long ago the abuse occurred, or whether the case would have been viable under the previous statute of limitations laws.
The Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo & Plotkin LLP legal team can help you navigate a sexual abuse lawsuit. We are dedicated to achieving justice and protecting the rights of survivors.
Call (212) 684-1880 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our sexual abuse and assault lawyers in New York.
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