Taking the step to learn about your legal options is an act of immense courage. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the path toward healing is unique and deeply personal. At Fight for Survivors, we understand that confronting the past can feel like an impossible challenge. Our purpose is to provide a safe, confidential space where your voice is heard, your story is honored, and your fight for justice becomes our own. A dedicated New Jersey child sexual abuse lawyer can help you hold abusers and the institutions that protected them accountable, securing the resources you need to move forward.
The harm caused by childhood abuse doesn't fade with time, and its effects can shape a person’s entire life. Pursuing a civil lawsuit is not about dwelling on the past; it’s about reclaiming your future. It’s a powerful statement that what happened was wrong and that those responsible must answer for the profound damage they caused. We are here to stand with you, providing compassionate guidance and determined legal representation every step of the way.
The attorneys shown in this video may not be licensed in New Jersey. To find an attorney licensed in New Jersey, please visit our attorney page.
Why Choose Fight for Survivors for Your New Jersey Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
When you are ready to seek justice, you deserve a legal team that sees you, hears you, and has the strength to take on powerful opponents. Fight for Survivors, a division of Greenberg Gross, LLP, was founded to provide the highest level of service to clients in high-stakes litigation. We are trial attorneys who are not afraid of a fight, and we have a long history of achieving significant results for survivors of sexual abuse. We are committed to using our resources and experience to advocate for you.
Our approach is built on a foundation of trust and personalized attention. We know that justice means something different to everyone, and we take the time to understand your individual goals.
- We Take on Powerful Institutions: Our attorneys have a proven record of litigating against large, well-funded organizations, including schools, religious institutions, corporations, and government entities.
- We Prepare Every Case for Trial: While many cases settle, our readiness to go to court sends a clear message to the other side: we are serious about securing a just outcome for our clients.
- We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis: You will not pay any legal fees unless we successfully obtain compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your well-being without financial pressure.
- We are Recognized Leaders: Our founding partners are recognized among the experienced 100 lawyers in California, and our team includes attorneys consistently listed by national publications.
At Fight for Survivors, we channel our legal skills into being a strong voice for those who were silenced. We are ready to help you pursue the accountability and closure you deserve. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.
Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Survivor in New Jersey
When you think about justice for a crime like sexual abuse, the criminal court system often comes to mind. While a prosecutor can file criminal charges against an abuser, that process is out of a survivor's control and is focused on punishment, not on the survivor's healing.
A civil lawsuit is a separate and distinct path to justice that you, the survivor, control. It is a legal action filed in civil court to hold the abuser and/or any responsible institution accountable for the harm you suffered. The goal is not to send someone to jail, but to secure financial compensation, known as "damages," to help you cope with the lifelong effects of the abuse.
A trusted New Jersey child sexual abuse lawyer can file a civil claim on your behalf, even if no criminal charges were ever filed, the abuser was found not guilty, or the criminal statute of limitations has passed.
The New Jersey Child Victims Act: A Pathway to Justice
For decades, many survivors in New Jersey were legally barred from seeking justice because of strict time limits called statutes of limitations. A statute of limitations is a law that sets a maximum amount of time after an event occurs for legal proceedings to be initiated. Once that time passed, a courthouse door was closed forever, no matter how strong the case was.
Recognizing this profound injustice, the state legislature passed the New Jersey Child Victims Act. This landmark law dramatically changed the rules, creating new opportunities for survivors to file lawsuits that were previously time-barred.
The Act accomplished two critical things:
- It extended the civil statute of limitations. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse now have until their 55th birthday, or within seven years of the date they realized the connection between their injuries and the abuse, to file a lawsuit.
- It created a two-year "look-back window." This special provision, which ran from 2019 to 2021, temporarily suspended the statute of limitations, allowing any survivor of childhood sexual abuse, regardless of their age or when the abuse occurred, to file a civil suit.
While the look-back window has closed, the extended statute of limitations remains in effect, providing a crucial pathway to justice for many survivors across New Jersey.
Holding Institutions Accountable for Abuse
Very often, child sexual abuse does not happen in a vacuum. It occurs in places that are supposed to be safe havens for children—schools, churches, camps, and youth organizations. In many of these cases, the institution or organization knew, or should have known, about the abuse and failed to take action to stop it or prevent it. When a child has been sexually abused in school or another trusted setting, a child sexual abuse lawyer can help hold these powerful institutions accountable for their negligence.
These organizations have a legal duty to protect the children in their care. When they fail in that duty, they can be held financially liable for the resulting harm. This is a vital part of seeking justice, as it can force institutions cover up sexual abuse, change their policies, and better protect children in the future.
Examples of Institutional Negligence
Institutional liability is not about a single mistake; it's about a pattern of choices and a culture that enables abuse. A lawsuit may be based on an institution's failure in several key areas:
- Negligent Hiring: Hiring an employee, coach, or volunteer with a known history of misconduct or without performing a reasonable background check.
- Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately monitor staff and children, ignoring warning signs, or creating an environment where an abuser had unchecked and private access to children.
- Negligent Retention: Keeping an employee on staff after receiving complaints or clear evidence of inappropriate behavior. This includes the tragic practice of simply moving an abuser from one location to another, such as from one parish to another in the Catholic Church, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue.
- Failure to Report: Not following state laws that mandate reporting suspected abuse to law enforcement or child protective services.
Holding an institution accountable sends a powerful message that protecting children must be the absolute highest priority. It is a way to create systemic change that can prevent others from suffering the same harm.
What Kind of Compensation Can a New Jersey Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Help Secure?
No amount of money can erase the pain and trauma of childhood sexual abuse. However, a civil lawsuit can secure the financial resources necessary to help you build a healthier and more stable future. This compensation, called "damages," is intended to acknowledge the full scope of your suffering and provide for your ongoing needs.
While every case is different, a lawyer may help you seek compensation for a wide range of harms, including:
- Costs of Therapy and Medical Care: This includes past, current, and future expenses for counseling, psychiatric care, and any other medical treatment related to the trauma.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the profound physical pain and emotional anguish caused by the abuse.
- Emotional Distress: Acknowledgment of the long-term psychological impact, which can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: If the trauma has impacted your ability to maintain employment or advance in your career, you may be compensated for lost income and future earning potential.
Securing these resources is a form of justice. It provides you with the means to access the best care available and helps relieve the financial burdens that are so often connected to the lasting effects of trauma.
Your Story is Safe and Confidential
One of the greatest fears for many survivors is the thought of their name and story becoming public. The legal system in New Jersey understands this concern and provides ways for you to protect your privacy while pursuing justice. You do not have to sacrifice your personal safety and well-being to hold an abuser accountable.
In highly sensitive cases like these, it is common to file a lawsuit using a pseudonym, such as "Jane Doe" or "John Doe." This allows you to proceed with the case without your name appearing in public court records. The court has the authority to seal records or allow parties to proceed anonymously to protect them from potential harm or embarrassment.
A knowledgeable child sexual abuse attorney can file the necessary motions with the court to protect your identity. The decision to remain anonymous or use your own name is entirely yours, and we will support you in whatever choice you make.
The Process of Filing a Civil Lawsuit in New Jersey
The legal system can seem complex, but your attorney's job is to manage the process so you can focus on yourself. We will be your guide and advocate at every stage. Here is a simplified look at what you can expect when you work with our firm.
- Free and Confidential Consultation: The first step is a conversation. You can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with. We will listen with compassion, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: If you decide to move forward, our team will conduct a thorough investigation. This may involve gathering documents, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with professionals to build the strongest possible case.
- Filing the Complaint: We will draft and file a formal legal document, called a complaint, with the appropriate New Jersey court. This document officially begins the lawsuit and outlines the allegations against the abuser and/or institution.
- The Discovery Phase: This is the formal process where both sides exchange information. It may involve written questions, requests for documents, and depositions (out-of-court testimony under oath). Your lawyer will prepare you for and be with you during every part of this process.
- Settlement or Trial: Many sexual abuse cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement without ever going to court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our trial attorneys are fully prepared to present your case to a jury.
Throughout this entire journey, you are in control. We provide the information and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case, always respecting your wishes and goals.
New Jersey Child Sexual Abuse Claims FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions survivors have when considering legal action.
What if I don't have any physical evidence of the abuse?
This is extremely common in child sexual abuse cases. Abusers often ensure there are no witnesses or physical evidence. The legal system understands this. Your own testimony is powerful evidence. Our legal team is skilled at building strong cases based on your account, supported by other corroborating evidence such as journals, emails, testimony from others who may have noticed changes in your behavior, and records of therapy.
Will I have to face my abuser in court?
Most civil cases for sexual abuse are resolved through a settlement, meaning you would likely never have to go to trial or see your abuser in a courtroom. If your case does proceed to trial, we will do everything possible to prepare you and protect you throughout the process. In many situations, survivors are also able to remain anonymous in a sexual assault case and may not even have to be in the same room as the abuser.
What if the abuse happened in a different state, but I live in New Jersey now?
The location where the abuse occurred is typically what determines which state's laws apply. However, there can be complex legal questions about jurisdiction (which court has the authority to hear the case). A lawyer with nationwide experience, like the team at Fight for Survivors, can evaluate the details of your case and determine the proper venue to file your lawsuit.
What if the institution where the abuse happened has closed or declared bankruptcy?
This can complicate a case, but it does not necessarily prevent you from seeking justice. For example, when religious dioceses or youth organizations like the Boy Scouts of America file for bankruptcy, they are often required to set up trust funds to compensate survivors. An attorney can help you understand your rights and file a claim through these established processes.
Speak With a Compassionate New Jersey Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
You have already taken the most difficult step by seeking information and considering your path forward. You deserve to have a strong, dedicated advocate by your side. At Fight for Survivors, we are committed to helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse in New Jersey reclaim their power and secure the justice they have long been denied.
Contact us for a free, completely confidential, and no-obligation consultation. A member of our compassionate team is ready to listen to your story and explain how a child sexual abuse lawyer can help you. Your voice deserves to be heard, and your fight is our fight. Contact us at (833) 55-FIGHT or through our online form to begin the conversation today.