New Jersey Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Survivors of sexual abuse often face overwhelming emotional, legal, and financial challenges. In New Jersey, the law offers avenues for those harmed to seek justice through civil action, holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. If you or someone you care about has been sexually abused, understanding your rights is the first step toward reclaiming control, dignity, and safety. Greenberg Gross LLP is committed to representing survivors with compassion, discretion, and tenacity.
Understanding Sexual Abuse and Its Legal Ramifications
Sexual abuse encompasses a range of harmful, non-consensual acts, often committed by someone in a position of power or trust. Survivors may experience long-lasting trauma, emotional distress, and other serious consequences that impact every facet of life. In New Jersey, survivors have the legal right to file sexual abuse claims not only against the abuser but also against institutions that failed to prevent or report the abuse.
Whether the abuse occurred in a school, religious institution, workplace, or another setting, civil lawsuits can be filed independently of criminal charges. While a criminal case focuses on punishing the perpetrator, a civil case centers on obtaining financial compensation for the survivor’s harm.
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases Handled
Greenberg Gross LLP’s team of sexual abuse attorneys handles a wide array of abuse-related cases across the country.
Child Sexual Abuse
Children are especially vulnerable to abuse by authority figures or caregivers. Survivors of child sexual abuse may not come forward until decades later. New Jersey law has evolved to support these survivors with expanded statutes of limitations. Under recent legal reforms, survivors may be able to file lawsuits well into adulthood.
Clergy Abuse
Clergy abuse cases, particularly those involving the Catholic Church, have come under renewed scrutiny. Survivors of clergy abuse often face institutional silence and cover-ups. Holding religious organizations accountable is a critical part of the healing process.
Workplace Sexual Abuse and Harassment
Employees who face sexual assault or sexual harassment at work have rights under both New Jersey law and federal regulations. Employers and property owners may be held liable if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent such misconduct. These cases frequently involve civil court actions and claims for compensation related to emotional distress and lost wages.
School and Institutional Abuse
Many cases involve abuse within schools, youth programs, or other organizations responsible for child welfare. Property owners and administrators may face civil liability if they failed to vet staff or ignored warning signs of potential abuse.
Adult Survivor Cases
Even decades after the abuse occurred, adult survivors can still pursue legal action. New Jersey’s new statute allows previously time-barred claims to be revisited under certain circumstances. Survivors may sue institutions or abusers under civil law, especially if they only recently connected their trauma to the abuse.
The Civil Lawsuit Process for Sexual Abuse Survivors
Filing a civil lawsuit is not about revenge—it’s about accountability and justice. Survivors may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses and therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost income or earning potential
- Punitive damages in egregious cases
Unlike a criminal case, where the government prosecutes the abuser, a civil lawsuit empowers survivors to take control and demand justice on their terms.
In New Jersey, civil courts allow survivors to name not only the abuser but also institutions that failed to act. While some cases are resolved through settlement, others proceed to trial where evidence, including testimony and documentation, is presented.
What Makes Greenberg Gross LLP Different
Our law firm stands out among New Jersey sexual abuse lawyers for its unwavering commitment to representing survivors. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience litigating complex abuse cases and are deeply committed to protecting survivors’ rights. We understand that every survivor’s circumstances are unique and approach each case with sensitivity and professionalism.
We are not a volume-based law office. Instead, we prioritize individualized attention, ensuring that every client is heard, supported, and fully informed of their legal options. From filing the lawsuit to navigating court proceedings, we remain by your side every step of the way.
Survivors Deserve a Legal Team That Is:
- Extremely professional in all interactions
- Committed to trauma-informed advocacy
- Equipped to handle high profile cases
- Focused on representing survivors, not organizations
- Fluent in New Jersey law and recent statutory changes
- Experienced in civil court proceedings and abuse-related litigation
New Laws Supporting Sexual Abuse Survivors in New Jersey
Thanks to recent laws passed in New Jersey, survivors now have more time and legal flexibility to file sexual abuse lawsuits. Survivors of sexual abuse, in particular, benefit from expanded access to civil justice even dacades after their abuse.
When Institutions Fail to Act
Many cases involve defendants beyond the perpetrator. Schools, churches, and other organizations may be held liable for failing to prevent abuse. In some circumstances, employers or administrators ignored complaints, overlooked signs of abuse, or failed to take reasonable steps to protect victims. These failures can result in civil liability and substantial compensation for survivors.
What to Do If You’ve Been Sexually Abused in New Jersey
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused, taking legal action may feel daunting—but you don’t have to do it alone. It’s highly advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with New Jersey sexual abuse laws and court procedures. Whether you are considering a civil lawsuit or exploring other legal options, knowing your rights is the first step toward healing.
Our law firm offers a free legal consultation to discuss your specific situation confidentially. Many survivors have experienced a very hard time disclosing their trauma, especially when facing powerful institutions. Our attorneys are trained to offer both legal guidance and compassionate support.
Filing Claims and Seeking Compensation
Survivors of sexual assault and abuse may sue the perpetrator, the institution, or both. Potential claims include negligence, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Some cases may also include criminal charges, especially in more recent incidents.
If successful, survivors may be entitled to significant financial compensation. While no amount of money can undo the harm, securing compensation can help cover therapy, lost income, and other long-term effects of the abuse.
Greenberg Gross LLP’s Role in Your Healing Process
Our team is committed to securing the best possible outcome while prioritizing your well-being. We understand that survivors are not just pursuing justice—they are reclaiming their voices. Whether it’s dealing with workplace abuse, clergy abuse, or systemic cover-ups, we’re prepared to stand with you. Our jersey sexual assault lawyers know the nuances of jersey law and how to navigate complex civil court systems.
We are proud to be among the most trusted sexual abuse lawyers in the region and take pride in our role representing survivors of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances.
Ready to Reclaim Your Voice?
Seeking justice is not just about accountability—it’s about healing, safety, and change. Greenberg Gross LLP is here to guide you through every step of your legal journey with integrity and strength. Whether you are considering filing sexual abuse claims, exploring compensation, or confronting a powerful institution, we’re ready to help you pursue the justice you deserve.
Reach out for your free legal consultation today. Let us help you take that brave first step.
FAQ
What is the difference between a civil and criminal case for sexual abuse?
A criminal case involves government prosecution and may result in jail time for the abuser. A civil case allows survivors to seek compensation for harm, including pain, suffering, and financial loss.
How long do I have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in New Jersey?
Thanks to the new statute, survivors often have more time to file than before. For child sexual abuse, survivors may file well into adulthood depending on certain circumstances.
Can I sue a school, church, or employer for abuse?
Yes. Institutions can be held liable if they failed to prevent, report, or stop abuse. Many sexual abuse lawsuits include both the perpetrator and the organization involved.
What if I was abused decades ago?
New Jersey law supports decades-old claims under certain conditions. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How do I start the process?
Contact our law offices for a confidential conversation. Our attorneys will discuss your case, explain your rights, and help you determine the next steps toward filing a lawsuit or pursuing compensation.