Child Victims Act
In light of the recent passage of a one-year revival period for claims involving past sexual abuse against a minor, Douglas & London is now able to investigate potential lawsuits for those survivors of sexual abuse whose cases were previously barred based on the statute of limitations or dismissed due to untimely filings. Douglas & London are currently investigating claims against the Clergy, claims against public and private institutions and organizations (i.e., schools, youth organizations, camps, etc.) as well as claims made against other large institutions where such abuse took place.
Please note: we do not take family abuse cases.
Filing a Lawsuit under the Childs Victims Act
A new bill to raise the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases, called the Child Victims Act, passed the New York legislature Assembly on Monday, January 28th, 2019. The governor’s office has publicly stated that the Governor will sign this bill as soon as possible.
It was actually Governor Andrew Cuomo in his State of the State Address where he listed this plan to open the window for lawsuits by child sex abuse victims. The new legislation raises the age at which victims can bring civil and criminal charges against their alleged abusers. It also creates a one-year period for individuals who were the victims of child sex abuse and whose statute of limitations has already expired to file a civil claim against their abuser and/or entities who were responsible for the oversight or who employed their abuser.
What is the Child Victims Act?
The Child Victims Act extends the amount of time a victim of sexual abuse may be able to bring a claim against their abuser or the entities responsible for the oversight or employment of the abuser. Survivors now have until August 14, 2020 to bring a claim regardless of when the abuse occurred.
The Child Victims Act finally allows survivors to seek justice for sexual abuse, as well as helping the public identify hidden sexual predators.
Who Can File for the Child Victims Act?
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse you may be able to bring a claim against your abuser or the entity responsible for facilitating the abuse if:
- The abuse began prior to your 18th birthday,
- The abuse took place in New York State,
- You suffered from physical, psychological or other injuries, or
- You previously filed a claim, but your claim was dismissed based on the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse of any age may be able to bring a claim until August 14, 2020.
After August 14, 2020, survivors may only be able to bring a claim until their 55th birthday.
Douglas & London – Fighting for Victims
Douglas & London law firm has a history of fighting for victims of other forms of sexual abuse. The newly passed Child Victims Act provides an opportunity for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice from their abusers.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and now suffer from physical and/or psychological injuries as a result, please contact us at (212) 566-7500 or by contacting us here.
All consultations are free and there is no upfront cost to you. We don’t receive payment unless we are able to help you secure compensation.
Please note: we do not take family abuse cases.
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