If you or a loved one are a survivor of sexual abuse, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the responsible individuals or institutions. The attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy, led by Shareholders Paul Hanly and Jayne Conroy, have the experience and necessary understanding to work with survivors of sexual abuse on a confidential basis. While a lawsuit cannot change the past, filing a civil lawsuit can help prevent sexual predators from hurting others in the future and also provide financial compensation.
We are here to help. We can help sexual abuse survivors of all ages, including children, adults and adults who were abused when they were children. Many times, these sexual predators abused their positions of authority such as priests, teachers, club leaders, neighbors, relatives or other adults.
Survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse can file a lawsuit in civil court against those responsible for sexual abuse. Filing a civil sexual abuse lawsuit is the one option afforded sexual assault survivors in the court system. It can result in monetary compensation for their suffering. Our attorneys understand that no amount of compensation can change the past, but securing justice can help ease the future and protect others from future harm.
In some cases, a civil suit can be brought against institutions and its representatives, such as church officials or school administrators, in addition to the perpetrator of the assault. For example, if the incident occurred at a Catholic Church or parochial school run by an archdiocese, that entity could also be liable because of a failure to provide adequate supervision or security with known sexual predators.
The sexual abuse lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy have the experience and resources to help victims nationwide. They have helped survivors secure justice in multiple states including:
The Child Victims Act (CVA), a recently passed New York state law, officially went into effect in mid-August 2019. Under the new ct, New York’s statutes of limitations have been permanently extended for adults who were sexually abused while they were under the age of 18. Previous state laws kept childhood sexual abuse survivors from taking legal action after they turned 23. Now these victims have until they turn 55 to file suit.
Additionally, the CVA also opens a one-year window—running from August 14, 2019 to August 13, 2020—for any New York sexual abuse survivor to pursue a lawsuit. This one-year window is open to all survivors, of all ages, no matter how long ago the abuse took place.
Those who were previously barred from taking their abusers to court, including those who had their cases thrown out due to statutes of limitations, now have a second chance to file a civil claim.
With powerful lobbying efforts backed by a large bankroll, the Catholic Church worked for over a decade to stop the CVA from being signed into law. Now that the law is in effect, it will go a long way toward restoring justice in a state that was devastated by decades’ worth of clergy sex abuse.
Questions? Contact Us for a free legal consultation. Call (855) 264-6270.
Our attorneys who focus on sexual abuse cases are among the most well-prepared and successful in the nation. Recently, they secured a landmark $60 million class action settlement for more than 170 Haitian young men who were sexually abused as minors at a Catholic school. These sexual abuse lawsuits were filed against the Society of Jesus of New England, Fairfield University, the Order of Malta, Hope Carter, Father Paul Carrier, and Fairfield graduate Douglas Perlitz.
Previously, Perlitz was convicted of sex abuse by a Connecticut court and is currently serving a 20-year sentence. The criminal investigations, headed by the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Interpol and the United Nations, found he was sexually abusing underprivileged boys who lived and attended school at a Cap-Haitien orphanage overseen by the Society.
In 2013, the same defendants paid $12 million to settle similar claims brought by 24 other young men.
“The incidents involving the Haitian boys are important reminders that sexual abuse of children is a worldwide crisis and not limited to the United States or even to the Catholic Church.”
– Shareholder Jayne Conroy
“The settlement will allow the survivors to move beyond these horrors, enable them to receive whatever counseling and aid they require, and move on with their lives, as best as they can.”
– Shareholder Paul Hanly Jr.
Attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy understand the courage it takes to tell your story and are ready to help you pursue truth and justice. Contact Us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced sexual abuse lawyers. There is no obligation, and your information is kept confidential and private.
Get help now at (855) 264-6270 or fill out the form below, and someone will be in touch shortly.
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Written by:Simmons Hanly ConroyThe Simmons Hanly Conroy Editorial Team consists of journalists, writers and editors who strive to deliver accurate and useful information to families needing legal help. Our team works alongside the firm's attorneys and shareholders, as well as with medical professionals and other specialists, to keep all information relevant and helpful.
