Sexual abuse occurs all too often and can cause lifelong effects. Victims do not have to suffer in silence. Victims deserve their day in court to get the justice they deserve to hold the perpetrators and the institutions that enabled the abuse accountable.
The sexual abuse lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg help people seek damages through the civil courts for their emotional, physical, and economic harm. Our lawyers are fierce and compassionate advocates who understand complicated sexual abuse law and how to obtain the evidence you need to get justice.
Choosing the Right Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The decision to face an abuser is hard, and you need a committed, experienced lawyer on your side when you do so. Your lawyers’ experience with sexual abuse cases is key to helping you understand the law, navigating litigation and settlement negotiations, and getting the emotional support you need.
You need a lawyer with the knowledge to build a winning case, even in the most complex situations where proof can be difficult to obtain. In addition, a sexual abuse case can be traumatic, and you need a compassionate and empathetic lawyer with whom you can share your experiences openly and who will fight aggressively to get you justice.
Sexual Abuse Related Pages
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- New York
Benefits of Using Meirowitz & Wasserberg Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Meirowitz & Wasserberg has nationally recognized trial attorneys with a shared passion and mutual commitment to helping people harmed by others’ wrongdoing.
Our sexual abuse lawyers have decades of combined experience, securing over $360+ million in settlements and verdicts for clients harmed by others. Our case results show we have a proven track record for getting our clients compensation in complex matters.
We are proud American Association for Justice members, and our trusted lawyers are ranked among The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Several of our lawyers are also recognized as Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and achievements.
If you decide to file a suit for sexual abuse, you need skilled lawyers who won’t back down from other lawyers or insurance companies. You deserve the individual attention and personalized strategy we offer every client at Meirowitz & Wasserberg. We are proud that our clients describe us in testimonials as kind, supportive fighters.
Steps in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
There are several steps in a sexual abuse lawsuit, and your lawyer can prepare you for each and be by your side throughout. Your lawyer will do the following:
- Investigate to get the facts and identify the responsible parties
- Gather evidence and interview witnesses to build a strong case
- Prepare the complaint and file the lawsuit
- Participate in the discovery phase by exchanging information with the opposition, deposing witnesses, and collecting additional evidence to support your case
- Engage in settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolution
- Represent you in court
- Try your case, if necessary
The Role of Sexual Abuse Lawyers
An experienced sexual abuse lawyer asks hard questions but does so compassionately. They’ll protect your rights and ensure respectful treatment by the other parties and their lawyers.
Your lawyer investigates your case and determines who to hold responsible. Liable parties could include the perpetrator and an employer, school, church, or other organization that enabled their behavior.
Your lawyer will seek expert opinions regarding the effects of your abuse. This could include physical and mental health evaluations. They will also gather information, such as academic and employment records, to determine other ways the abuse affected you. You choose who your lawyer talks to and the information they get access to.
The skilled sexual abuse lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg will work to get you a fair settlement so you can avoid a court battle. If the opposition doesn’t offer a fair settlement, we will fight for you in the courtroom.
Seeking Compensation in Sexual Abuse Cases
If you were a victim of sexual abuse, you might be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses and the cost of mental health treatment
- Lost wages, employment, business, or educational opportunities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of capacity to enjoy life
- Loss of reputation
You may also be entitled to punitive damages intended to punish the abuser and other liable parties. Punitive damages are usually reserved for the most egregious cases, and your lawyer can advise you on whether your state’s laws allow you to pursue them.
The number of plaintiffs, the economic and non-economic damages you suffered, and whether your case is eligible for punitive damages all play a role in your settlement or verdict.
Understanding Sexual Abuse Cases
Sexual abuse can take many forms, such as harassment, unwanted touching, taking advantage of a position of power to curry sexual favor, and rape.
Sexual abuse of children, while often attributed to strangers, happens most often at the hands of a trusted adult such as a relative, teacher, or member of the clergy. Too often, sexual abuse occurs while the victim is under the care of a trusted institution with a legal duty to protect those under its care, such as a school or church. When an organization fails to provide a safe environment, the victim has the right to pursue compensation.
Sexual abuse can also happen in the workplace, with acquaintances, or at the hands of complete strangers. While another adult may argue that you consented to their actions, a skilled sexual abuse lawyer can show that their position of power or threat of force led to your abuse.
There are several ways your lawyer can prove your sexual abuse, such as by collecting information from witnesses or previous victims. They can prepare evidence that your behavior changed due to your abuse. An experienced sexual abuse lawyer knows the right questions to ask and can compile the proof necessary to succeed in court.
For instance, a recent investigation revealed rampant sexual abuse by Southern Baptist Church leaders and a longstanding pattern of deliberate concealment by the church. If you were sexually abused by a leader of the Southern Baptist Church, consult our trusted Southern Baptist sex abuse lawyers immediately to learn your rights.
Statute of Limitations in Sexual Abuse Cases
The time between your sexual abuse and when you must file suit depends on where the abuse occurred and your age when it happened.
In New York, you typically must file your suit before you turn 55 if your abuse occurred before age 18. You have 20 years to file your suit if you were an adult and your abuse occurred in 2019 or later.
If your abuse as an adult occurred before 2019, the statute of limitations is three years. To file later, your lawyer must show an exception, such as you did not know the abuse occurred.
However, a recent law known as the Adult Survivors Act has temporarily extended the deadline for adult abuse victims whose right to sue had already expired. You can now sue regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred, but you must do so before November 2023.
In New Jersey, those abused as minors must file suit before they turn 55 or seven years after discovering damages, whichever is later. Adult survivors age 18 or older have seven years from the offense or discovery of the offense, whichever is later.
In Pennsylvania, those abused as minors must file suit before their 55th birthday. Survivors between 18 and 24 must file suit before their 30th birthday. Survivors 25 and older must file suit within two years.
To determine the deadline for filing your case, you can talk to our New York sexual abuse lawyers, our New Jersey sexual abuse lawyers, and our Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawyers. They can ensure you meet all relevant deadlines in your jurisdiction.
Get Help From a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been victimized by sexual abuse, seek legal representation as soon as possible. Meirowitz & Wasserberg is a highly respected law firm with extensive experience handling sexual abuse cases.
Our team of dedicated trial lawyers is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Sexual Abuse Lawyer FAQs
What Is the Role of a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in the Legal Process?
A sexual abuse lawyer serves as a compassionate advocate for victims. They collect evidence, file papers within legal deadlines, and fight for just compensation.
What Specific Laws and Statutes Govern Sexual Abuse Cases?
The criminal and civil laws and statutes governing sexual abuse cases vary by state. Talk to your lawyer about the specific laws in your state, including when you must file your case and the types of available compensation.
Can You Explain the Difference Between Civil and Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases and How a Lawyer Handles Each?
In a criminal sexual abuse case, you are represented by the state, and the defendant faces criminal penalties, such as prison time and fines. In a civil case, you are represented by your lawyer, who fights to get you compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
How Does a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Gather Evidence To Support a Survivor's Case?
Medical records and witness statements are critical evidence in sexual abuse cases. Your lawyer will also seek to question the defendant and will also seek expert testimony when appropriate to back your compensation claim.
What Legal Options Are Available for Survivors of Sexual Abuse?
A prosecutor decides on criminal charges, but sexual abuse survivors can choose to file a civil claim. They can seek economic and non-economic damages and sometimes punitive damages.
How Does a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Navigate the Complexities of the Legal System To Seek Justice for Their Clients?
Experienced lawyers use a thorough knowledge of the law and information gained from prior cases to make persuasive arguments for their clients. They fight attempts by defense lawyers to deflect blame and avoid damages.
Can You Explain the Process of Filing a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse and What Steps Are Involved?
Your sexual abuse lawyer will investigate your case and file your claim before the statute of limitations runs out. They will then exchange evidence with the other lawyer, and settlement negotiations may begin. If your case does not settle, it goes to court.
How Does a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Advocate for Fair Compensation for Their Clients?
A strong lawyer cares about helping you and builds your case through solid evidence. Their arguments in settlement negotiations or court are passionate and based on established legal principles.
What Role Does a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Play in Negotiating Settlements With the Opposing Party?
Your lawyer has experience in the tactics used by other lawyers, such as claiming that any sexual contact was consensual. An experienced sexual abuse lawyer negotiates from a place of strength based on solid evidence.
Can You Clarify the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit and How It Affects Survivors' Legal Rights?
The statute of limitations dictates how long you have to file your sexual abuse lawsuit, and it varies by state and how old you were when you were abused. Your lawyer can tell you the statute of limitations for your case and help you file on time. Failure to do so usually bars you from collecting damages.
About The Author
Samuel Meirowitz
Founding Partner
Samuel Meirowitz, a founding partner of Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has been recognized by New York Metro Super Lawyers annually since 2016. A Cardozo School of Law graduate and former prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney's Office, he won the first multimillion-dollar asbestos verdict in a New York federal court in over 20 years.
