WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED AT A WOMEN'S PRISON?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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BEDFORD HILLS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Sex Abuse Lawsuits Using the NY Adult Survivors Act
At Levy Konigsberg, our attorneys are on a campaign to secure justice for former inmates who have been sexually abused at women-only prisons across New York, including Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Bedford. Using the New York Adult Survivors Act (ASA), you might be able to file a civil injury claim against the facility and the New York Department of Correctional Services and Community Supervision (NYDOCS). However, the time you have to act is limited, so you must not delay. Please call now to see if you have a chance to file a lawsuit for compensation and justice.
Were you sexually abused?
What is Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Bedford, New York, is a women-only maximum-security prison. It can house several hundred inmates at a time. It is primarily operated by the NYDOCS, which is the party that could be held primarily liable for sexual abuses that occur there.
Sexual Abuse at Bedford Hills
Sexual abuse lawsuits have already been filed against Bedford Hills Correctional Facility with the passage of the New York Adult Survivors Act. In the many lawsuits that have been filed against the NYDOCS so far, many of them allege sexual assaults carried out by officers and staff members at Bedford Hills. It is believed that many, many more survivors of sex abuse at Bedford Hills have yet to come forward, though.
The lawsuits, both filed already and pending, accuse the following and others of sexual abuse:
- Correctional officers
- Wardens and supervisors
- Prison staff members
- Prison doctors
- Prison volunteers
- Contractors working at the prison
No Consent is Possible at Bedford Hills
New York law does not make it possible for consent to sexual activities to exist between an inmate and a person of authority or staff member of that prison. Therefore, all sexual activities at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility that have been reported in the lawsuits can constitute sexual assault. This law makes it impossible for the defendant to use consent as a defense against the accusations.
Are Criminal Charges Required to File?
Sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and other types of sexual abuse are serious crimes that can land offenders in prison. However, the criminal justice system is unique from the civil justice system, which is a benefit for many of the women who want to file a claim against their abusers at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Due to this separation, you can file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse at Bedford Hills even if your abuser was never charged, convicted, or investigated for a sex crime.
In similar prison sex abuse lawsuits, like those involving Bayview Correctional Facility, Albion Correctional Facility, and Rikers Island, it has often been shown that prison authorities and administrators actively attempted to cover up the abuses. Even if they succeeded and no criminal charges were filed against an officer who sexually assaulted or raped an inmate, the survivor can still use a civil claim to seek compensation and justice.
New York Juvenile Detention Center Attorneys
A statute of limitations sets deadlines for victims to bring claims against their abuser or entities responsible for the abuse. New York has pioneered efforts to make it easier for sexual abuse survivors to seek justice and compensation.
In 2019, New York passed the Child Victims Act, expanding the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Under current law: (1) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at privately operated juvenile detention centers who were born after February 14, 1998, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits; and (2) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at juvenile detention centers operated by governmental entities, who were born after November 15, 1999, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits.
In addition, on January 29, 2026, the New York City Council enacted Introduction 1297, an amendment to the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA). Introduction 1297 reopens the GMVA lookback window for 18 months. As a result, survivors with previously time-barred claims for sexual abuse that occurred in New York City and prior to January 9, 2022 can file lawsuits between January 29, 2026 and July 29, 2027. Survivors of sexual abuse that occurred in New York City and on or after January 9, 2022 have seven years to bring their claims.
Thus, there may be new avenues to seek justice for previously time-barred claims of abuse at New York juvenile detention centers. If you were sexually abused at a New York juvenile detention center at any time, reach out today.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a guard, counselor, nurse, or other women's prison staff member.
- The abuse occurred at any women's prison.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold women's prisons, youth residential treatment facilities, juvenile detention centers, private healthcare companies, and other facility operators accountable for their failures to stop abusive staff members and protect female inmates.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.