THE FIRM YOU GO TO WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH
NEW YORK SEX ABUSE LAWYERS
Leaders in NY Sexual Abuse Litigation
Levy Konigsberg is a U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” ranked trial practice with a reputation as a leader in sexual abuse litigation. Our exceptional, experienced sexual abuse team has recovered tens of millions in compensation for adult and child sex abuse victims across New York.
Our sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse in prison and jails, by doctors, in schools, in foster care, in juvenile detention centers, in residential treatment centers, victims of human trafficking, and survivors of sexual abuse in numerous other facilities and of other sex-related offenses.
To learn how we may be able to help you, call or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation.
Were you sexually abused?
Leaders in NY Sex Abuse Litigation
Levy Konigsberg is a recognized leader in the litigation of New York sexual abuse lawsuits. We have represented thousands of men and women across the state in sexual abuse lawsuits and have taken on some of the country’s most powerful institutions.
Fighting For Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New York Residential Treatment Centers
- Residential treatment centers (RTCs) in New York are designed to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for patients dealing with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, or other behavioral issues. These facilities are meant to offer long-term care, with services that include therapy, education, and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, many of these centers have become sites of widespread abuse, neglect, and misconduct.
- Levy Konigsberg represents dozens of survivors sexually abused in New York residential treatment centers, including Four Winds Hospital, Hawthorne Cedar Knolls, Children’s Village, JCCA – Westchester (Pleasantville Cottage School and the Edenwald Center), Rising Ground, and numerous other residential treatment centers in New York and across the country.
Fighting For Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New York Juvenile Detention Centers
- Juvenile detention centers across New York have faced years of scrutiny over failures to protect youth inmates from misconduct and sexual abuse committed by staff. Several facilities, including the Horizon Juvenile Detention Center in New York City, have also been subject to sweeping investigations and lawsuits involving dangerous cultures of abuse, cover-ups, and inexcusable oversight issues.
- Levy Konigsberg represents hundreds of survivors sexually abused in New York City’s juvenile detention centers, including in Horizon Juvenile Center, Crossroads Juvenile Detention Center, Children’s Village, Spofford Juvenile Detention Center, and others.
Fighting For Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New York Foster Care
- The foster care system in New York has come under fire as survivors of sexual abuse bravely come forward to share their stories. For too long, vulnerable children in foster care in New York have suffered at the hands of those entrusted to protect them. Now, survivors are demanding justice—not just for themselves, but to ensure no child endures the same pain.
- Levy Konigsberg represents dozens of survivors and has secured millions of dollars for children sexually abused in New York foster care.
Fighting For Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New York Schools
- Teachers and school officials are trusted figures who are meant to protect, care for and educate innocent and vulnerable children. When children are harmed in a school and that trust is betrayed, the results can be devastating.
- Levy Konigsberg represents dozens of survivors and has secured millions of dollars for children sexually abused in New York schools and private and public schools around the country.
Fighting For Survivors of Sexual Abuse by New York Doctors
- Doctors who sexually abuse their patients violate the sacred oath they vow to uphold: do no harm. When sexual abuse occurs in hospitals, universities, and other medical care facilities, these institutions have failed to fulfill the duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients as well.
- Levy Konigsberg has substantial experience fighting for those sexually abused by doctors and other medical professionals. In 2019, Levy Konigsberg filed a class action lawsuit against the New York City hospital that enabled decades of sexual abuse by Dr. Reginald Archibald. The firm was able to successfully obtain tens of millions of dollars for the victims of Dr. Archibald’s abuse.
- Levy Konigsberg also represents dozens of survivors sexually abused by other doctors including Dr. Robert Hadden, Dr. Darius Paduch, Dr. Ricardo Cruciani, and others.
Fighting For Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New York Women’s Prisons
- Sexual abuse perpetrated by correctional officers in prison is not only a horrific violation of trust and abuse of power, but under New York law, it is also illegal, no matter the context. While those in power have tried to hide the culture of abuse in correctional facilities, brave survivors of this heinous crime are coming forward to shine light on the dark epidemic of abuse in New York prisons.
- Levy Konigsberg represents hundreds of women who were sexually abused by correctional officers and prison staff at jails and prisons across New York, including Rosie’s on Riker’s Island, Bayview Correctional Facility, Albion Correctional Facility, Taconic Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, Lakeview Shock, MCC New York, and more.
NEW YORK SEX ABUSE FAQ
What is Sexual Abuse Under New York Law?
Sexual abuse is defined as any type of sexual contact against a person who has not given their consent. While minors are most often the targets of abuse, adults can be sexually abused as well. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
In some cases, even seemingly “consensual” acts can constitute sexual abuse. One example includes relationships between inmates and staff at jails or prisons. Under New York Law, inmates are not able to consent to sexual contact with corrections officers, prison staff, contractors, or volunteers who provide inmate services. This means that any sexual contact between inmates and prison staff is sexual abuse.
Other examples of sexual abuse:
- Unwanted groping or touching
- Sexual contact through threats, intimidation, or physical force
- An adult initiating sexual contact with a minor
- Sexual assault and rape
- Sexual contact with individuals who cannot consent due to intoxication, cognitive impairment, or mental illness
What Compensation Can Victims of Sexual Abuse Recover?
The amount awarded in any settlement or verdict will vary based on the facts of a case.
The extent of the trauma suffered in the incident, the long-term impact on the mental and emotional health of the victim, and whether the institution was aware that abuse was occurring all come into play when negotiating the terms of a settlement, or when seeking justice in court. Generally, sexual abuse lawsuits seek a financial recovery for damages such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Anguish and emotional injuries
- Medical bills and lost income
- Costs of therapy and psychological counseling
- Future medical and mental health expenses
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Because sex abuse lawsuits are fact-specific, the best way to evaluate the potential value of your case is to have it reviewed by a New York sex abuse attorney from our team. At Levy Konigsberg, we offer FREE and confidential consultations.
Who Commits Sexual Abuse?
Just as anyone can be a victim of sexual abuse, so too can anyone be an abuser. Often, abuse is committed by individuals in positions of trust and supervisory roles, including professions and positions that allow offenders to take advantage of vulnerability or a lack of oversight.
In sexual abuse lawsuits handled by our firm in New York, we have worked with survivors who have been abused by many different types of offenders. Some examples include:
- Teachers, professors, and administrators in schools and educational settings.
- Caretakers, nurses, day care workers, and others who care for children or vulnerable adults.
- Doctors, such as the pediatric endocrinologist Reginald Archibald, who was found to have a long and extensive history of sexual abuse against his pediatric patients at Rockefeller University Hospital in Manhattan.
- Correctional officers and other jail or prison staff, such as the male guards and volunteers who have abused female inmates at various jails and prisons across New York.
- Youth sports and youth organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America.
What Are the Effects of Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse can have profound and long-lasting effects on survivors. The effects can vary depending on various factors such as the age of the survivor, the duration and severity of the abuse, and the availability of support systems. Some common effects of sexual abuse may include:
- Physical consequences: Sexual abuse can result in physical injuries, pain, and discomfort. It can also lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other reproductive health issues.
- Emotional and psychological impact: Survivors of sexual abuse may experience a range of emotional and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), feelings of shame, guilt, fear, anger, and low self-esteem.
- Behavioral changes: Survivors of sexual abuse may exhibit changes in behavior such as withdrawal, avoidance of certain situations or places, self-harming behaviors, substance abuse, eating disorders, or engaging in risky behaviors.
- Impact on mental health: Sexual abuse can significantly impact mental health and contribute to the development of mental health disorders.
- Social and relational consequences: Survivors may face challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. They may experience difficulties in establishing trust, setting boundaries, or experiencing intimacy. They may also isolate themselves from others or struggle with social interactions.
- Impact on self-perception: Sexual abuse can deeply affect a survivor’s sense of self-worth, self-image, and personal identity. It may lead to feelings of shame, self-blame, and a distorted perception of oneself.
It’s important to note that each individual’s experience and response to sexual abuse is unique. Recovery from sexual abuse is a complex process, and seeking professional support from therapists, counselors, or support groups can be crucial in healing and rebuilding one’s life.
What if My Abuser Was Never Charged with a Crime?
Sexual assault and abuse are crimes, and offenders can face serious charges and prison time for their actions. But while criminal charges are important in promoting accountability and providing some sense of justice to victims, they are not a meaningful source of compensation. Instead, survivors will need to bring their own legal action to recover damages.
At Levy Konigsberg, our attorneys represent sexual survivors in civil lawsuits that seek to hold all at-fault parties accountable. This includes the institutions, employers, and supervisory entities that failed to properly vet their staff, investigate allegations, or take the appropriate measures to stop and prevent abuse. Sometimes, it includes institutions that engaged in willful concealment and cover-ups.
Whether your abuser is deceased, in prison, or has never formally been charged in connection to your claims, you may still have grounds to pursue a civil lawsuit. Our team can review your case to determine who can be held accountable and how we can help.
How Do I Know Which Lawyer to Call?
All law firms are unique, both in approach and the talents of their legal team. At Levy Konigsberg, you will find a team of dedicated professionals with more than 30 years of experience in complex and high-stakes cases. Our attorneys have the compassion, breadth of knowledge, vast experience, and history of positive case outcomes you want on your side. Our lawyers are committed to personal legal service, and as a leader in this field, provide the firepower needed to take on even the most powerful opponents.
Our NY sex abuse lawyers offer no-cost, private consultations and handle cases on contingency – which means there’s no fee unless we win. We understand the delicate nature of these matters and the need for total privacy and discretion. To speak with a lawyer, contact us.
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.
New York Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
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 owned individuals who were born after February 14, 1998, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits; and (2) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at governmental facilities, who were born after November 15, 1999, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits.
In 2022, New York passed the Adult Survivors Act, expanding the statute of limitations for adult sexual abuse claims. Under current law, some acts of sexual abuse that occurred against adults after September 18, 2016 may be actionable.
To understand the statute of limitations for your case, it’s essential to consult with an experienced lawyer. At Levy Konigsberg, our attorneys specialize in handling both childhood sexual abuse cases and adult sexual abuse cases. We can assess the merits of your potential case and determine how the New York statute of limitations specifically applies to the facts of your case.
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.