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New York's Child Victims Act

Our New York Sexual Abuse and Assault Attorneys are Here to Help
It is a sad truth that many instances of sexual abuse are never reported due to the shame, stigma, and emotional trauma attached to such crimes.
However, the lens through which society sees sexual assault is changing, and laws have too. As more people are coming forward with stories of abuse and offenders are being held accountable, legislative changes are making it possible for survivors to seek justice.

What Did New York’s Child Victims Act Do?

In New York, the Child Victims Act extended existing statutes of limitations on claims of childhood sexual abuse. Under this law, survivors of abuse can file lawsuits related to such crimes well into adulthood. At Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, we can help you achieve justice against the people liable for your suffering.
For a free and confidential consultation, send us a message or call (212) 684-1880.

For a free and confidential consultation, send us a message or call (212) 684-1880.

Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations in New York

The Child Victims Act accounts for the difficulties many sexual abuse survivors face when attempting to recognize trauma and feel ready to report abuse.
With these considerations in mind, the state of New York extended the statute of limitations on cases of childhood sexual abuse to allow lawsuits to be filed until the survivor is 55 years old, beginning in 2019.

About Sexual Abuse Civil Claims

Civil lawsuits related to cases of sexual abuse provide a way to resolve your case outside of the criminal justice system. Rather than end in the offender going to jail or walking free, a successful civil lawsuit will end with you receiving compensation for the financial and non-economic damages you have suffered as a result of abuse.

Complete our contact form or call (212) 684-1880 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.

 

Liability in Sexual Abuse Civil Claims

Through a civil lawsuit, it is also possible to hold people other than the person who committed the abuse accountable. Although you can also sue the perpetrator, many lawsuits related to cases of sexual abuse are filed against other parties that are liable.

This may include:

While these parties may not have committed the abuse itself, they are still liable for in some way allowing the abuse to occur.

The defendant in a civil sexual abuse lawsuit may be a person or group in a position of power that allowed known abusers into their organization or failed to properly vet people, people who did not investigate claims and allowed abuses to continue, or other parties who were negligent in some way while abuses occurred.

We understand that no amount of money can ever truly provide a resolution for you. However, a settlement or payout can help to alleviate the financial impact of abuse. Payment through a civil lawsuit could cover the cost of therapy or other treatment methods used to address the effects of sexual abuse.

 

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP can represent you in a civil lawsuit related to sexual abuse. Our NYC sexual abuse lawyers will guide you through the legal process and ensure you understand your rights during each step of the way. It is our goal to help and support survivors of sexual abuse in the legal system.

If you would like to speak with our sexual abuse and assault lawyers in New York, complete our contact form or call (212) 684-1880 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.