If you or a loved one faced sexual abuse in New York state, you’re not alone. Tragically, reports of abuse in NYC and the state have been statistically high compared to the rest of the nation, with domestic abuse rates continuing to rise in recent years. And, even more frustratingly, if you didn’t report sexual assault or child abuse that occurred in the past, you may be feeling as though justice wasn’t rightfully served.
While the statute of limitations for clergy abuse or sexual assault may prevent your abuser from facing prison time (depending on when the abuse occurred), New York has among the most progressive laws for pursuing abusers with civil lawsuits, which commonly result in multimillion-dollar payouts. As recently as November 2023, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York offered $200 Million as a settlement for clergy abuse survivors. In January 2024, it was confirmed that there would be a large number of plaintiffs in an ongoing Uber sexual assault tort lawsuit.
This comprehensive resource is your all-encompassing guide to finding a NY sexual assault attorney to file your claim and get you a settlement and justice and understanding the New York protections for victims regarding sexual assault. Follow along for everything you need to know.
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What is the Process for Filing a Civil Suit for Sexual Assault or Clergy Abuse In New York?
New York sex abuse attorneys are prepared to file tort lawsuits on your behalf to get you a settlement from your abuser and/or a church or organization that allowed for systemic abuse to occur.
Here is the step-by-step process to getting you justice:
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Contact a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
New York sex abuse attorneys understand the laws within the state meant to protect abuse victims. Get in touch with an attorney and explain the circumstances around your assault. With a strong understanding of the situation and which laws your abuser violated, the lawyer will file a claim against your assailant (as well as the church, school, private or public organization if there is proof they allowed the assault to occur.)
Get Justice for Your Abuse Without Upfront Expenses
Keep in mind, that you can select a sex abuse attorney who is willing to work your case on contingency, which means you won’t have any upfront legal fees and will only owe your legal representation
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File a Claim
The attorney will gather the necessary information and corroborating evidence to file an official complaint on your behalf. The documentation will break down the details of your assault and highlight the expected compensation from the defendants.
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Focus on a Settlement
Oftentimes, defendants in New York clergy abuse and sexual abuse court cases would rather settle out of court than see their day in court.
In an instance where the defendant(s) proposes financial compensation in the form of a settlement, the plaintiff has the option to accept the offer instead of proceeding to trial. It is common for the vast majority of cases to reach a settlement before trial. Typically, there is a negotiation process to determine a fair settlement amount, which can vary in duration from months to years.
How Much Are Settlements for Sexual Abuse Cases in NYC & NYS?
Financial settlements in NY clergy abuse and sexual assault cases vary depending on the case, but many settlements are in the high 6, 7, 8, and even 9-figure ranges.
Here are examples of high payouts to victims for NYC sex abuse cases in recent memory:
Settlement Amounts in NY Clergy Abuse Cases
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York Offers $200 Million to Victims
A $200 million settlement offer was made in November 2023. Victims still have the option to negotiate for a higher settlement.
NY Man Receives $95 Million for Clergy Abuse That Occurred in 1979
As explained by the Lawsuit Information Center, “A jury in Monroe County awarded a man in his 60s $95 million in a sexual abuse lawsuit brought against a catholic priest (Foster Rogers) for sexual abuse that occurred in 1979”
The settlement comes as a direct result of New York’s recent Child Victims Act which expanded victims’ ability to seek financial compensation for child abuse that occurred in the state.
>>CALL 719-631-1998 NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION<<
What Types of Sexual Abuse Are Covered under New York Law?
New York State offers some of the most progressive laws and statutes of limitations for sexual abuse of children and adults.
At a glance, the types of sexual assault for which civil/tort lawsuits can be filed by a New York attorney include:
- Clergy Abuse: legal action can be taken against abusive individuals in the church as well as the diocese if there is evidence the church allowed systemic abuse to occur and knowingly disregarded child abuse.
- Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Child Abuse
- Sexual Harassment
- Rape
- Date Rape
- Statutory Rape
For more information about specific laws and protections for victims of sexual abuse under New York law, get started with a New York sex abuse attorney today. >>CALL 719-631-1998 NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION<<
Sources
https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/new-york-sex-abuse-settlements.html
