Can NY Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Hold Abusers Accountable?

Child sexual abuse is a serious matter that has haunted many people for decades. You may have been one of the people who suffered at the hands of someone you once trusted. Unfortunately, you may have also had trouble holding your abuser accountable for their actions, or you may have a child who suffered sexual abuse.  For New York victims of child sexual abuse, though, there are more options than ever. You may have a better chance to act now, seek out compensation, and get the closure you need. Even if your abuser has since died, you may have a chance to hold the responsible parties accountable for your suffering. 

The New York Child Victims Act

For decades, getting compensation for child sexual abuse was nearly impossible for many years. New York had a short time frame for victims to come forward and talk about their suffering. If their abuser was in a position of power, they may not have been comfortable enough to act until their time limit had run out. You may have had only a few short years to file before.  Now, though, the laws have changed to help victims get the compensation and closure they need. You may now file a claim until you’re fifty-five years old. There will also be a short window for those older than fifty-five, which allows you to file a claim no matter your age. That gives more people than ever the chance to file a claim. 

Taking Your Abuser to Court

Once you’re ready to file a sexual abuse claim, you may need to speak to a child sex abuse lawyer. They can help you serve the papers to the right people. That can be tough, especially since your abuser may have since passed away. However, if your abuser was a member of the clergy or a teacher, for example, the church or school may be held accountable for the suffering you experienced.  Once you’ve served the lawsuit to the right party, your lawyer can help you take your claim to court. This is not just a difficult legal case, but also an emotionally difficult time for you, which is why a lawyer can be so helpful. Your attorney can help cover many of the tasks, to take the pressure off you, so you can focus on your claim. 

Contact a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer in New York

If you were sexually abused as a child, there’s a chance that you never got the closure, answers, and help you needed as a child. Instead, your abuser wasn’t held accountable for some time. Now, though, the laws have changed. You have a new chance to file a lawsuit against those who harmed you and get compensated for your suffering. Your NYC personal injury lawyer from Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP can help you navigate this legal situation, too. If you’re struggling to face your claim, your lawyer can give you the guidance you need, starting with a free claim consult.  When you’re ready to talk about your claim before you file, reach out to a New York child sexual abuse lawyer. Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or visit us online for more information about your options.