New York Sex Abuse Lawyers

Sexual abuse is defined as any type of sexual contact against a person who has not given their consent. While minors are most often the targets of abuse, adults can be sexually abused as well. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

In some cases, even seemingly “consensual” acts can constitute sexual abuse. One example includes relationships between inmates and staff at jails or prisons. Under New York Law, inmates are not able to consent to sexual contact with corrections officers, prison staff, contractors, or volunteers who provide inmate services. This means that any sexual contact between inmates and prison staff is sexual abuse.

Other examples of sexual abuse:

• Unwanted groping or touching
• Sexual contact through threats, intimidation, or physical force
• An adult initiating sexual contact with a minor
• Sexual assault and rape
• Sexual contact with individuals who cannot consent due to intoxication, cognitive impairment, or mental illness

Even if your abuse occurred years or decades ago, you may still have grounds to bring a claim thanks to the Adult Survivor’s Act.

Under the ASA, a temporary one-year lookback window was created to allow victims who were abused as adults at any time in the past to bring claims. The law provides new opportunities for survivors with claims that would typically be barred by the statute of limitations. This means legal actions that were not possible in the past can be revisited and survivors can pursue justice at last. The law allows for claims to be filed against the abuser as well as public and private institutions that were aware of the abuse, or should have reasonably known, to be held accountable.

If you were sexually abused in the State of New York at any time after you turned 18 years of age, you may qualify for a lawsuit under the Adult Survivors Act. We urge you to act quickly and speak with us about your legal rights.

The amount awarded in any settlement or verdict will vary based on the facts of a case.

The extent of the trauma suffered in the incident, the long-term impact on the mental and emotional health of the victim, and whether the institution was aware that abuse was occurring all come into play when negotiating the terms of a settlement, or when seeking justice in court. Generally, sexual abuse lawsuits seek a financial recovery for damages such as:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Anguish and emotional injuries
• Medical bills and lost income
• Costs of therapy and psychological counseling
• Future medical and mental health expenses
• Other economic and non-economic damages

Because sex abuse lawsuits are fact-specific, the best way to evaluate the potential value of your case is to have it reviewed by a New York sex abuse attorney from our team. At Levy Konigsberg, we offer FREE and confidential consultations.

Just as anyone can be a victim of sexual abuse, so too can anyone be an abuser. Often, abuse is committed by individuals in positions of trust and supervisory roles, including professions and positions that allow offenders to take advantage of vulnerability or a lack of oversight.

In sexual abuse lawsuits handled by our firm in New York, we have worked with survivors who have been abused by many different types of offenders. Some examples include:

• Teachers, professors, and administrators in schools and educational settings.
• Caretakers, nurses, day care workers, and others who care for children or vulnerable adults.
• Doctors, such as the pediatric endocrinologist Reginald Archibald, who was found to have a long and extensive history of sexual abuse against his pediatric patients at Rockefeller University Hospital in Manhattan.
• Correctional officers and other jail or prison staff, such as the male guards and volunteers who have abused female inmates at various jails and prisons across New York.
• Youth sports and youth organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America.

Sexual abuse can have profound and long-lasting effects on survivors. The effects can vary depending on various factors such as the age of the survivor, the duration and severity of the abuse, and the availability of support systems. Some common effects of sexual abuse may include:

• Physical consequences: Sexual abuse can result in physical injuries, pain, and discomfort. It can also lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other reproductive health issues.
• Emotional and psychological impact: Survivors of sexual abuse may experience a range of emotional and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), feelings of shame, guilt, fear, anger, and low self-esteem.
• Behavioral changes: Survivors of sexual abuse may exhibit changes in behavior such as withdrawal, avoidance of certain situations or places, self-harming behaviors, substance abuse, eating disorders, or engaging in risky behaviors.
• Impact on mental health: Sexual abuse can significantly impact mental health and contribute to the development of mental health disorders.
• Social and relational consequences: Survivors may face challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. They may experience difficulties in establishing trust, setting boundaries, or experiencing intimacy. They may also isolate themselves from others or struggle with social interactions.
• Impact on self-perception: Sexual abuse can deeply affect a survivor's sense of self-worth, self-image, and personal identity. It may lead to feelings of shame, self-blame, and a distorted perception of oneself.

It's important to note that each individual's experience and response to sexual abuse is unique. Recovery from sexual abuse is a complex process, and seeking professional support from therapists, counselors, or support groups can be crucial in healing and rebuilding one's life.

Sexual assault and abuse are crimes, and offenders can face serious charges and prison time for their actions. But while criminal charges are important in promoting accountability and providing some sense of justice to victims, they are not a meaningful source of compensation. Instead, survivors will need to bring their own legal action to recover damages.

At Levy Konigsberg, our attorneys represent sexual survivors in civil lawsuits that seek to hold all at-fault parties accountable. This includes the institutions, employers, and supervisory entities that failed to properly vet their staff, investigate allegations, or take the appropriate measures to stop and prevent abuse. Sometimes, it includes institutions that engaged in willful concealment and cover-ups.

Whether your abuser is deceased, in prison, or has never formally been charged in connection to your claims, you may still have grounds to pursue a civil lawsuit. Our team can review your case to determine who can be held accountable and how we can help.

Many victims of sex abuse are hesitant to come forward and speak about their experience. They may have been threatened to remain quiet, may be fearful of consequences for stepping forward, or may simply be unable to process their abuse. Many adults who were abused as children also feel shame about what occurred and take years of self-discovery to comes to terms with what happened.

Although a temporary lookback window created under the NY Child Victim’s Act has closed, state law does recognize that it takes time for survivors to process abuse they experienced as minors. As such, there are circumstances in which victims of child sex abuse have until the age of 55 to file civil claims.

If you were sexually abused as a child, please contact us so we can discuss your rights and available legal options. We can explain the New York statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits and whether you have grounds to pursue a claim.

All law firms are unique, both in approach and the talents of their legal team. At Levy Konigsberg, you will find a team of dedicated professionals with more than 30 years of experience in complex and high-stakes cases. Our attorneys have the compassion, breadth of knowledge, vast experience, and history of positive case outcomes you want on your side. Our lawyers are committed to personal legal service, and as a leader in this field, provide the firepower needed to take on even the most powerful opponents.

Our NY sex abuse lawyers offer no-cost, private consultations and handle cases on contingency – which means there’s no fee unless we win. We understand the delicate nature of these matters and the need for total privacy and discretion. To speak with a lawyer, contact us.