Child Victims Act & Extended Filing Windows
Under New York's Child Victims Act, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may have until age 55 to file civil claims. Adult survivors generally have three years from the date of abuse to pursue compensation. If you are unsure whether your window is still open, contact us for a confidential consultation.
Your Rights as a Survivor
New York law provides survivors of sexual abuse with important protections. Under the Sexual Assault Victim Bill of Rights and related legislation, you have the right to:
- Seek financial compensation for damages you have suffered
- Receive restitution for medical costs, counseling, and therapy
- Be protected from intimidation and harassment
- Receive notification of court proceedings related to your case
Our attorneys handle these cases with the sensitivity and compassion they deserve, allowing you to focus on healing while we fight for your rights.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases
Sexual abuse survivors often have options in both the criminal justice system and civil courts:
- Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state and focus on determining the perpetrator’s guilt. You do not control the prosecution, and a criminal acquittal does not bar a civil claim.
- Civil cases allow you, as the survivor, to seek monetary damages directly. You can pursue a civil claim even if the abuser was acquitted in criminal court or was never criminally charged.
Many survivors pursue civil claims to obtain financial compensation and a sense of justice on their own terms.
Who Can Be Held Liable
In addition to the individual perpetrator, third parties who failed to prevent abuse or actively concealed it may also be held legally responsible. Potentially liable parties include:
- Hotels and hospitality businesses
- Nursing homes and care facilities
- Schools, universities, and youth organizations
- Churches and religious institutions
- Employers and businesses
- Landlords
Compensation Available
Survivors may recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering — physical and emotional
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Medical expenses, including therapy and counseling costs
- Lost wages due to the impact of the abuse
Filing Deadlines
New York’s filing deadlines for sexual abuse civil claims depend on when the abuse occurred and the survivor’s age:
- Adult survivors generally have three years from the date of abuse to file a civil claim.
- Childhood sexual abuse survivors may have until age 55 under the Child Victims Act.
If you are unsure whether you are still within the filing window, contact our attorneys for a free, confidential consultation.