THE FIRM YOU GO TO WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH
MASSACHUSETTS SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS
Award-Winning Representation for Adult & Child Sex Abuse Victims
Levy Konigsberg is a U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” Tier 1-ranked civil trial firm that devotes a substantial portion of our practice to fighting for victims of sexual abuse.
Backed by award-winning trial lawyers, decades of experience, and extensive resources, we help victims fight back against abusers and the institutions that failed to protect them. If you or someone you love were sexually abused as a minor or as an adult in Massachusetts, we want to help.
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Reasons to Choose Levy Konigsberg
- Results. We’ve recovered more than $3 billion in compensation for clients.
- Complex Cases. We’ve litigated some of the nation’s largest and most highly publicized cases, securing victories that have set precedent, broken records, and changed the lives of millions.
- Trusted. We’ve been trusted by thousands of colleagues and clients across the country to take on the toughest cases and most powerful adversaries.
Leaders in Sex Abuse Litigation
Our sexual abuse team at Levy Konigsberg is passionate about our work representing child and adult survivors. And thanks to our attorneys’ experience and insight, we’ve earned the trust of numerous survivors in complex litigation across the country. Some of our recent notable work includes:
- Representing former female inmates abused at New York jails and prisons and various California women’s correctional facilities.
- In November 2022, our firm filed high-profile lawsuits on behalf of numerous women who were sexually abused by corrections officers at the Bayview Correctional Facility. The claims were brought under the NY Adult Survivors Act and were profiled in a NY Daily News cover story earlier in the year.
- Our firm represents a growing number of survivors in litigation over abuse committed by Reginald Archibald, a famed pediatric endocrinologist who is believed to have abused hundreds of patients at Rockefeller University Hospital and the Madison Square Boys and Girls Clubs.
Our firm continues to serve as a strong support system for survivors in search of justice and compensation. With offices in New York, New Jersey, California, Georgia, Washington, and Maryland, we’re available to speak with residents of Massachusetts with claims involving abuse in Massachusetts or other states.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sex Abuse Cases and Why You Need an Attorney
Q: What constitutes sexual abuse?
A: Sexual abuse encompasses a range of behaviors, including but not limited to sexual assault, molestation, harassment, and exploitation. It can occur in various settings, such as within families, institutions, workplaces, or communities.
Q: Why should I seek legal representation for a sex abuse case?
A: Seeking legal representation is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, an attorney can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and your voice is heard. Additionally, an experienced attorney can help you navigate complex legal procedures, gather evidence, and build a strong case against the perpetrator or responsible parties. They can also advocate for your interests in negotiations, settlements, or courtroom proceedings, seeking justice and compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Q: What are some reasons for needing an attorney in a sex abuse case?
A: There are several compelling reasons for seeking legal representation in a sex abuse case:
Legal expertise: Attorneys specializing in sex abuse cases have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal complexities of these cases, including statutes of limitations, evidentiary requirements, and potential legal defenses.
Emotional support: Dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse can be emotionally challenging. An attorney can provide compassionate support and guidance, helping you navigate the legal process while prioritizing your well-being.
Investigation and evidence gathering: An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abuse, gathering evidence and witness testimony to support your case. This may include obtaining medical records, police reports, and other relevant documentation.
Negotiation and advocacy: Attorneys are skilled negotiators who can advocate for your interests in settlement negotiations with the defendant or responsible parties. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they can represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge or jury and seeking justice on your behalf.
Legal remedies and compensation: A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. This may include compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the abuse.
In summary, seeking legal representation for a sex abuse case is essential for protecting your rights, seeking justice, and holding the perpetrator or responsible parties accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney can provide the support, guidance, and advocacy you need to navigate the legal process and achieve a favorable outcome in your case.
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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We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
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.
Massachusetts Sexual Abuse Attorneys
In 2015, Massachusetts lawmakers passed groundbreaking legislation to greatly expand the rights of child sexual abuse survivors. Specifically, these legislative amendments gave survivors, whom research has shown can take years or decades to process their abuse and its resulting impact on their lives, far more time to file civil lawsuits than what was previously provided for under the law.
Claims against abusers
Under current Massachusetts law (Chapter 260 § 4C), survivors of child sexual abuse must file civil claims against their abuser within 35 years of the final act of abuse or within 7 years of discovering that they suffered damages as a result of their abuse, whichever is later.
There are two important facts about the law and its application in child sexual abuse cases:
- The statute of limitations can be “tolled” until child victims turn 18, which means that survivors have 35 years from the date they turn 18 to file civil claims.
- The statute contains a “delayed discovery” provision allowing child victims to file claims within 7 years of discovering that they suffered damages due to their abuse. This means that victims may still be eligible to file civil lawsuits even if it has been more than 35 years since their abuse, provided they had not previously discovered the connection between their abuse and resulting damages, which may include addiction, anxiety, depression, and other emotional and psychological injuries.
Claims against others, including organizations responsible for the abuse
A separate Massachusetts law governs claims against persons or entities other than the abuser, such as the operator of a facility who allowed the abuse to occur. Under this law, survivors of child sexual abuse that occurred after June 2014 may file civil claims against persons or entities other than the abuser within 35 years of the final act of abuse.
The “delayed discovery” rule allowing survivors to file within 7 years of discovering that they suffered damages due to their abuse applies the same as in claims against abusers.
Massachusetts’ current statute of limitations for child sexual abuse survivors provides far more time for survivors to take legal action than the previous law, but advocates and some lawmakers are still pushing to eliminate the statute of limitations entirely in child sexual abuse cases. There is currently a proposed bill (S.1038) that is making its way through the state Legislature that would do just that.
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.