New York has some of the strongest survivor protection laws in the country. The Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act opened new windows for accountability. No matter when the abuse occurred, we listen with compassion and fight with aggression — for you.
It depends on when the abuse occurred and your age at the time. The Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act created look-back windows for previously time-barred claims. Some windows have closed, but new legislation is continuously being considered. Call us immediately — we review your specific circumstances and tell you honestly what options remain.
A criminal case is brought by the government to punish the perpetrator with prison time. A civil lawsuit is brought by you to obtain financial compensation for your injuries, trauma, therapy costs, and other damages. The two can proceed simultaneously, and a civil case can succeed even if a criminal case failed or was never filed. You don't need a criminal conviction to win a civil case.
Often yes — and institutional defendants are frequently the more important target because they have greater assets and insurance. If the institution knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to act, they share liability. In cases of active cover-up, they may face punitive damages.
Not necessarily. Courts regularly permit survivors to proceed under pseudonym ("Jane Doe"/"John Doe"). We request this protection in every case and fight to maintain your privacy throughout the litigation. Whether it's granted depends on the court and jurisdiction.
Absolutely. Our initial consultation is completely confidential, involves no obligation whatsoever, and you can end the conversation at any time. Many of our clients speak with us for months before deciding whether to pursue a case. We are here whenever you are ready.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Evidence disappears fast — don't wait.
New York's Child Victims Act (CVA), signed in 2019, permanently extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors. If you are currently under age 55 and were abused as a child in New York, you may have a valid civil claim — against your abuser, against the institution that employed them, or both.
⚠️ Important: The look-back window that allowed survivors of any age to file previously time-barred claims closed permanently on August 14, 2021. If you missed it, you cannot use it. But the age-55 civil statute of limitations is permanent law — if you are under 55, your right to file a new claim still exists. The Adult Survivors Act window (for those abused as adults) also closed November 23, 2023.