Can You Still Sue Years After Sexual Abuse in New York?

For many sexual abuse victims, the biggest question is whether too much time has passed to take legal action. Under New York law, deadlines known as the statute of limitations determine how long someone has to file civil lawsuits or press criminal charges. These laws were once strict, oftentimes shutting the door for child victims and adult victims who did not speak up right away. But recent changes, including the Child Victims Act and the Adult Survivors Act, have given survivors new opportunities to seek justice even when the abuse occurred decades ago.

How the Child Victims Act changed civil lawsuits

New York’s Child Victims Act extended the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Under this law, child victims of sexual abuse can file civil lawsuits until they turn 55. It also allowed a one year lookback window so survivors could file previously expired claims. That window closed, but many survivors were able to file lawsuits that would have otherwise been lost to the old statute. The law applies to cases against individual abusers as well as institutions like schools, churches, and juvenile detention centers that enabled abuse.

What the Adult Survivors Act means for adult victims

New York’s Adult Survivors Act gave adult survivors of sexual assault another chance to take legal action. This law opened a one year lookback window for civil sexual abuse cases, letting adult victims file claims even if the time limit under the civil statute had already run. That window is now closed, but it led to thousands of civil claims being filed across New York. Adult survivors who were sexually abused in the workplace, by medical providers, or in other settings finally had a path to pursue justice under New York state law.

Examples of where abuse happened in New York

Survivors have filed civil action for childhood sexual abuse in Catholic churches across Brooklyn, sexual touching by teachers in Manhattan public schools, and sexual activities involving staff at juvenile detention centers in the Bronx. Many survivors have also brought civil lawsuits against hospitals where sexual contact or harassment took place, or against employers who ignored reports of abuse. These civil cases show how widespread the problem is and how the legal system now provides more options for accountability.

Why these laws matter for survivors

For many survivors of child sexual abuse, silence was the only choice for years. Fear, shame, or threats often kept them from speaking up until adulthood. The Child Victims Act and the Adult Survivors Act recognized that reality. They gave many survivors a second chance to file lawsuits, seek financial compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, and hold powerful institutions accountable. Survivors of sexual assault in New York now have stronger protections under New York State law, even if the abuse happened long ago.

What survivors should know about legal action

Even if the criminal cases are no longer possible or prosecutors cannot file criminal charges, survivors may still file civil lawsuits to seek compensation and punitive damages. Civil action can cover financial compensation for therapy bills, lost wages, and other damages. While the one year lookback window has ended, ongoing cases continue in the courts. Survivors of sexual assault should know that pursuing civil claims does not require proving the abuser can be criminally charged. Civil cases have different standards, and many survivors find closure by holding institutions accountable in this way.

Taking the next step with Greenberg Gross LLP

If you are wondering whether you can still file claims after childhood sexual abuse or as an adult survivor under New York law, you do not have to figure it out alone. Greenberg Gross LLP helps survivors navigate civil sexual abuse cases with care and clarity. You can contact us today for a free consultation and free case evaluation. Together we can review how New York’s Adult Survivors Act and the Child Victims Act may apply to your situation, and explore your options to seek justice and pursue financial compensation.

FAQs about suing after sexual abuse in New York

Can I still sue if the abuse happened decades ago?

Yes. Both the Child Victims Act and the Adult Survivors Act created windows to file previously expired claims. Even if the abuse happened decades ago, many survivors were able to file civil action.

What if my abuser was never criminally charged?

You can still file civil lawsuits. Pressing criminal charges or starting criminal prosecution is separate from filing civil claims. Civil cases allow survivors to seek compensation even when criminal charges are not possible.

Does New York law apply to abuse in institutions?

Yes. New York state law allows civil sexual abuse cases against both individual abusers and institutions that enabled abuse, such as churches, schools, or juvenile detention centers.

What kind of compensation can survivors seek?

Survivors may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, attorneys’ fees, and in some cases punitive damages. Civil claims are meant to help survivors recover financially and emotionally.

What is the time limit now for civil claims in New York?

For childhood sexual abuse, some civil lawsuits can be filed until the survivor turns 55. For adult survivors, the Adult Survivors Act offered a one year lookback window to file lawsuits. Outside those windows, deadlines still depend on the civil statute of limitations under New York state law.