New York Sexual Abuse Lawyer

A New York sexual abuse lawyer helps survivors pursue justice and move forward toward healing and closure. No matter when the abuse occurred, an experienced legal professional can help you explore your rights and work to hold those who harmed you accountable. See if a top New York sexual abuse attorney can fight hard for everything you deserve.

Get a Free Case Review

Why Take Legal Action?

By filing a lawsuit, you can pursue financial compensation and justice from those who caused you or a loved one harm.

Rae Theodore

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore

Last updated:

How Can Sexual Abuse Attorneys in New York Help?

Survivors of sexual abuse often carry deep emotional trauma and psychological wounds. Taking legal action with the help of a New York sexual abuse lawyer can be a powerful step toward healing and justice.

A New York sexual abuse attorney can help survivors:

  • Hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable, potentially preventing them from harming others
  • Seek compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering
  • Understand their legal rights and recent legislation like the Adult Survivors Act, which lifted the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits filed by survivors abused as adults

LawFirm.com works with personal injury lawyers who have secured over $9.8 billion for those injured through no fault of their own.

While no amount of money can erase the pain, filing a civil sexual abuse lawsuit may help you reclaim your voice and take back your power.

Get a free case review now to see if an experienced New York sexual abuse lawyer may be able to help you seek justice.

Understanding Sexual Abuse Laws in New York

New York has some of the most survivor-friendly laws in the country, thanks to recent legislation aimed at expanding access to justice.

If you were sexually abused as a child or an adult, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the time limits that may apply to your case.

Find out more about the laws related to sexual abuse in New York and how they may affect you.

Civil vs Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases

Criminal cases are brought by the state and aim to punish abusers through jail time or other penalties.

Civil cases are filed by survivors and seek financial compensation for the harm suffered. Even if a criminal case is never filed or the abuser isn’t convicted, you may still be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in New York

Historically, survivors faced strict deadlines for filing lawsuits, often before they were ready to come forward. However, New York state has extended, and in some cases, temporarily eliminated, these deadlines through landmark laws.

Laws affecting statutes for New York sexual abuse lawsuits include:

  • Adult Survivors Act (ASA): Opened a one-year window (from November 24, 2022, to November 24, 2023) for adult survivors of sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits regardless of when they were harmed. The ASA applied to abuse that occurred when the survivor was 18 or older.
  • Child Victims Act (CVA): Extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors to file civil claims until age 55. The CVA created a special lookback window that allowed claims regardless of age or when the abuse occurred.

Other legal options may also be available, especially for survivors who were minors at the time of the abuse or if the statute of limitations was paused for another reason.

These expanded protections recognize how long it can take to process trauma and that many survivors need time before they feel ready to come forward.

With the help of a New York sexual abuse attorney, you can explore your legal options and pursue the justice you deserve, even if the abuse occurred years ago.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse in New York?

In a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, the abuser may be held accountable along with the institutions or individuals who allowed the abuse to happen, ignored warning signs, or covered it up.

Parties that may be held accountable for sexual abuse in New York include:

Holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable can help survivors feel like justice has been served, allowing them to move forward in life. In some cases, legal action can even prevent future abuse and lead to meaningful change.

A sexual abuse attorney in New York can take on powerful organizations that allowed abuse to occur and level the playing field for everyday people.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or chat with a case manager to see if a top New York sexual abuse lawyer may be able to fight for you.

Steps to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in New York

Sexual abuse lawyers in New York understand the trauma survivors experience, so they aim to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible.

While each lawsuit for New York sexual abuse is unique, the basic steps involve:

  1. Getting a free case review: Each New York sexual abuse lawyer in our network provides free case reviews, so you can find out about your legal options without any financial risk.
  2. Gathering evidence: Your legal team will collect evidence like your personal account of what happened, police records, and witness testimony to build the strongest case possible.
  3. Filing your New York sexual abuse lawsuit: Using this evidence, your lawyer will file your lawsuit before any legal deadlines and demand compensation from all responsible parties.
  4. Receiving compensation: Your New York sexual abuse attorney will work to secure an out-of-court settlement on your behalf. However, they will be prepared to tell your story in court and fight for compensation from a trial verdict if necessary.

Regardless of the path your case takes, your New York sexual abuse lawyer will provide legal advice and emotional support while seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.

Compensation in Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Survivors of sexual abuse often face lifelong emotional, physical, and financial challenges. While no amount of money can erase the trauma, a New York sexual abuse lawyer can fight for compensation to support your healing and hold those responsible accountable.

A New York sexual abuse attorney can seek compensation for:

  • Medical and therapy expenses: Survivors may require counseling and mental health treatment, as well as medical care for physical injuries.
  • Pain and suffering: Due to emotional trauma, survivors often experience mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression that can impact their everyday lives.
  • Punitive damages: This is meant to punish wrongdoers for harmful behavior and discourage others from allowing or committing similar abuse.
  • Wage loss: Missed work due to emotional distress or recovery can cause financial hardship. In some cases, abuse can impact your career, leading to loss of earning capacity and future income.

While every case is different, the amount of compensation typically depends on factors like the severity of the abuse, its long-term impact, and whether it was ongoing or part of a pattern. The involvement of an institution or organization can also affect case values.

An experienced New York sexual abuse lawyer can help estimate the value of your case and fight to secure maximum compensation.

Get a free case review now to see if we can connect you with a top sexual abuse law firm in New York.

Choosing a New York Sex Abuse Attorney

Finding the right lawyer can make all the difference in your legal journey. You deserve an attorney who is experienced in sexual abuse cases and also treats you with compassion and respect.

Here are some key qualities to look for in a New York sexual abuse lawyer:

  • A proven track record: Your attorney should have a history of past successes, including settlements or verdicts secured for other victims of sexual abuse.
  • Knowledgeable about New York laws: A top New York sexual abuse lawyer understands the state’s evolving laws and filing deadlines. They are also familiar with courts in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and other jurisdictions are best positioned to secure the results you deserve.
  • No upfront costs: Top New York sexual abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless they recover compensation for you. This gives you access to high-quality legal help without added financial stress.
  • Sensitive approach: Choose an attorney who listens without judgment and understands the emotional impact of abuse. The right lawyer will make you feel safe and supported and never pressure you to share more than you’re ready to.
  • Years of experience: Sexual abuse lawsuits are complex and sensitive. An experienced attorney will know how to build a strong case while protecting your privacy and dignity.

Choosing the right New York sexual abuse lawyer can help you take back control and move forward on your terms.

Get Help From a New York Sexual Abuse Attorney

If you or someone you love is a survivor of sexual abuse, you’re not alone. At LawFirm.com, we connect survivors with trusted New York sexual abuse lawyers who are committed to fighting for justice and holding those responsible accountable.

Whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, you may be able to file a claim and seek the compensation you deserve.

The New York sexual abuse lawyers in our network:

  • Can help survivors across the state
  • Never charge any upfront fees
  • Offer compassionate guidance without judgment

Our legal partners have recovered over $9.8 billion for victims of injustice and their families.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or fill out our form to see if we can help you take the next step toward healing and justice.

New York Sex Abuse Attorney FAQs

What is sexual abuse under NY law?

In general, the New York definition of sexual abuse includes any sexual behavior or misconduct that occurs without a person’s consent. It applies to both children and adults and can happen in private or public settings.

  • Third-degree sexual abuse in New York refers to unwanted sexual contact
  • Second-degree sexual abuse in New York refers to unwanted sexual contact when the victim is incapable of consenting
  • First-degree sexual abuse in New York refers to unwanted sexual contact plus force

The law recognizes power dynamics and coercion in defining abuse. Offenders can face both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.

Get a free, no-obligation case review to see if an experienced New York sexual abuse lawyer may be able to help you seek justice.

What type of lawyer defends sexual assault victims?

Personal injury lawyers fight for justice on behalf of sexual assault survivors and work to hold those who harmed them accountable. While many sexual assault attorneys handle a wide range of case types, others specialize in specific areas of the law.

For example, New York childcare sexual abuse attorneys represent those harmed in schools and daycares. New York clergy sex abuse lawyers handle lawsuits against religious institutions like churches and clergy members.

What is the statute of limitations for sexual assault in New York?

In 2019, the sexual abuse statute of limitations in New York was extended to 20 years from the date of the abuse.

However, survivors harmed before 2019 may still be able to take legal action based on the facts of their case, like if they were minors when the abuse took place.

Call (888) 726-9160 now or chat with a case manager to find out about your legal options.

How do I find the best New York sexual abuse lawyer?

LawFirm.com can connect you with New York sexual abuse lawyers who never charge any upfront costs or hourly fees and can help survivors statewide.

Our legal partners have secured billions of dollars for those harmed through no fault of their own, including survivors of sexual assault.

Get a free case review now to see if they may be able to fight for compensation for you.

Rae Theodore

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore

Rae Theodore is a writer and editor with more than 30 years of experience in legal publishing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Pennsylvania State University.

  1. New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault. (n.d.). “Resource Guide.” Retrieved from https://svfreenyc.org/resource-guide/.
  2. Office of the New York State Attorney General. (n.d.). “Rape and Sexual Offenses State Statutes.” Retrieved from https://ag.ny.gov/rape-and-sexual-offenses-state-statutes.
  3. Office of the New York State Attorney General. (n.d.). “Child Abuse Offenses State Statutes.” Retrieved from
    https://ag.ny.gov/child-abuse-state-statutes.
  4. Office of the New York State Attorney General. (n.d.). “Victims’ rights and resources.” Retrieved from https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/policing-issues/victims-rights.
  5. Sokolove Law. (2025, May 6). “New York Sexual Abuse Lawyer.” Retrieved from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/personal-injury/sexual-abuse/new-york/.
Last modified:

See If We Can Help You

If you or someone you love has suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, please complete our form for a free case review. You may be eligible for compensation.

A couple review documents with an attorney

Find out if you qualify now for free. Call (888) 726-9160

Trusted Legal Experts Get a Free Case Review
Have you or a loved one experienced sexual or physical assault?
I understand by submitting this form that I am providing my consent to be contacted by Sokolove Law and its co-counsel, potentially using automated technology, at the number provided regarding my potential claim/their services. Consent is not required to use their services. Msg frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to unsubscribe. SMS Terms of Service. I understand and agree that by submitting this form I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and that this form does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not confidential or privileged and may be shared.
$9 Billion

Over $9 billion recovered for victims of injustice

1,000+

We’ve helped thousands of families

$0 Out of Pocket

Our legal partners never charge any upfront fees