Sexually Abused as a Child in New York?
Morgan & Morgan Can Help.
Child abuse is a tragic reality that affects families across the country, including in New York State. From physical and emotional abuse to neglect and sexual exploitation, children in vulnerable situations often suffer in silence. At Morgan & Morgan, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of these victims and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
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Morgan & Morgan received $120M for a 25-yr-old paralyzed by a vehicle. The trial focused on driver negligence and city responsibility.
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Morgan & Morgan received $16.4M for a woman in a rear-end car accident case after original firm couldn't help. Our attorneys worked hard for a successful outcome, beating pre-trial offer of $7,000.
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Morgan & Morgan attorneys Spencer Payne & Keith Mitnick received $12.35M for client suffering from nursing home abuse & neglect. No one should suffer harm.
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Morgan & Morgan received a $7.8M car accidents verdict for our client, with a $100,000 pre-trial payout.
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Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
What constitutes child abuse?
Child abuse can take many forms, including:
- Physical abuse: Inflicting bodily harm through hitting, burning, or other violent actions.
- Emotional abuse: Subjecting a child to constant criticism, threats, or rejection, leading to long-term psychological harm.
- Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care, supervision, and basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical attention.
- Sexual abuse: Exploiting a child in any sexual manner, including molestation, trafficking, or exposure to explicit material.
According to state reports, New York has seen a troubling rise in reported cases of child maltreatment in recent years. While law enforcement and child welfare agencies work tirelessly to protect children, legal representation is often necessary to ensure justice for victims and their families.
What should I do if I or someone I know is a victim of child abuse in New York?
If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse, the most important first step is to ensure your or your loved one’s safety. If there is an immediate danger, contact local authorities right away.
Next, be sure to document the abuse. Keep a detailed record of the incidents, including dates, locations, and any witnesses. Additionally, it can help to seek support. Contact a trusted friend, family member, or counselor for emotional support.
Finally, you should report the abuse to authorities and consult with an attorney. Contact law enforcement and a specialized abuse hotline and give a detailed explanation of the abuse, however difficult that may be. For legal assistance, our attorneys who specialize in child abuse cases can help you to understand your legal rights and options.
What is the child abuse statute of limitations in New York?
In New York State, the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases has been significantly extended under the Child Victims Act (CVA), enacted in 2019. This legislation allows survivors to file civil lawsuits against their abusers until they reach the age of 55.
Additionally, the CVA provided a one-year "look-back" window, starting six months after its enactment, during which survivors could file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred, even if the previous statute of limitations had expired. This window has since closed.
For criminal cases, the CVA extended the statute of limitations for felony offenses, allowing survivors to press charges until they are 28 years old.
It's important to note that these laws apply uniformly across New York State. If you or someone you know is considering legal action related to child abuse, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand how these statutes may apply to your specific situation.
Is compensation available for victims of New York child abuse?
Yes, compensation is available for victims of sex abuse in New York. Victims can pursue several types of compensation through civil lawsuits. Here’s a detailed overview of the potential compensation and the process involved:
Types of Compensation
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and any other medical treatments related to the abuse.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work or diminished earning capacity resulting from the abuse.
Non-Economic Damages:- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the abuse.
- Emotional Distress: This includes compensation for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the negative impact the abuse has had on the victim's quality of life.
Punitive Damages:Punitive Damages: These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious, intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
What are the lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse?
Childhood sexual abuse is traumatic, often leaving survivors with long-lasting physical and psychological issues. Depression has been found to be the most common long-term psychological symptom among survivors, according to a study on the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. Other symptoms may include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Relationship and intimacy issues
- Somatic disorders
Childhood sexual abuse has also been found to cause lasting physical symptoms that may affect a survivor for the rest of their life. A meta-analysis of studies investigating the long-term physical health consequences of childhood sexual abuse found that survivors were more likely to have health problems in general, and more specifically with:
- Gastrointestinal health
- Gynecologic or reproductive health
- Pain
- Cardiopulmonary symptoms
- Obesity
If you are a survivor and have had to deal with one or more of these symptoms, you may be able to recover compensation for past and future treatment.
How can Morgan & Morgan help victims of child abuse?
If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse committed by a member of clergy in Michigan, we may be able to help you recover compensation for the physical and psychological issues your abuse may have caused.
Contact us today for free, no-obligation, and confidential case evaluation to learn more about how we may be able to help. There are no upfront fees or costs to speak with a member of our team, and we can provide comprehensive support, from legal representation to investigative resources to help you through the legal process.
While a lawsuit can’t undo the damage caused by unthinkable abuse, it can provide the means necessary to receive treatment and move forward with your life while holding guilty parties accountable for their wrongdoing.
We are here to listen. Contact us anytime or get started with your claim in minutes with a free case evaluation.
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