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New York Sex Abuse Attorney

For decades, our team has been handled some of the most complex sexual abuse and personal injury claims across the nation. For more information, please contact our office to set up a free consultation at (800) 477-2989.

New York Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Helping Survivors Find Closure and Justice for 20+ Years

If you are a victim of sexual abuse or assault, our legal team at The Zalkin Law Firm can help you file a claim to hold your abuser accountable.

We understand the feelings of shame and fear that many survivors experience after undergoing such horrific trauma. That’s why our lawyers provide compassionate, caring legal counsel to you while advocating for your rights with relentless determination in the courtroom.

Through our legal representation, we have garnered a reputation as one of the most regarded and successful sexual abuse law firms in the United States.

Our New York sexual abuse lawyers have advocated for clients against large, powerful corporations with global reach, winning multi-million-dollar verdicts against them for perpetrating and/or covering up abuse.

In addition, our New York sex abuse attorneys have won awards from the National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers®, among others, for their work on multi-victim and single-victim sex abuse cases for hundreds of clients.

To speak to a New York sexual abuse lawyer, call The Zalkin Law Firm at (800) 477-2989 or fill out an online form.

Millions Recovered for Victims of Sexual Assault

What Is Sexual Abuse Under New York Law?

Fortunately, the state of New York punishes an extensive range of sexual abuse and assault, deeming any non-consensual sexual contact/act a crime. Some examples include the following:

  • Unwanted fondling, kissing, or bodily contact with sexual intent
  • Forced masturbation
  • Forced oral copulation
  • Sexual acts achieved through coercion
  • Sexual acts achieved through violence or the threat of violence
  • Forcibly using a body part or foreign object to penetrate another person
  • Engaging in a sexual act with a person who cannot legally give consent

Groups who are considered unable to grant consent in the eyes of the law include people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, those deemed physically helpless, those who do not have the mental ability to understand the acts are sexual, and children under the age of consent (in New York, the age of consent is 17, but this differs from state to state).

Please note that this list is not exhaustive. A good rule of thumb to determine whether you experienced sexual assault is whether you gave consent or not, and whether a reasonable person could see that the act was inappropriate. However, it is common for victims of sexual abuse and assault to be shaken up about what happened due to trauma and shock. It is, therefore, advisable to seek the help of a medical or legal professional to discuss what happened.

Legal Options for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New York

In New York, sex abuse survivors can either file a civil case or a criminal case, or both, to hold their abuser accountable. If you are seeking to recover damages from your abuser for pain and suffering, medical bills, or the like, a civil case is likely the best option. Most victims pursuing a civil case do so with the help of a professional attorney.

On the other hand, victims pursuing a criminal claim will be minimally involved in the case against their abuser, as it will take the form of a legal battle between the abuser and the state of New York. If the abuser is found guilty, the result will be a conviction and prison time. Therefore, victims filing criminal cases will not be able to receive nearly as much compensation as they would from a civil case.

New York Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse

As with any legal claim, sexual abuse claims must be filed within New York’s statute of limitations, which greatly changes according to which form of sexual abuse you were subjected to. In some cases, the statute of limitations is as short as two years after the date of the abuse; in others, it can be as long as 20 years.

For childhood sexual abuse claims, the statute of limitations was recently updated via the Child Victims Act, which allows survivors of child sex abuse until the age of 55 to file a claim.

With such a variety of filing deadlines, it is advisable to consult with an attorney to determine which statute of limitations applies to your case.

Our New York Sexual Abuse Attorneys Believe Survivors

The Zalkin Law Firm believes sex abuse survivors and has fought for their right to justice for more than two decades. We are committed to putting survivors first and always providing them with compassionate legal service free of any judgment. For our impactful work and unique approach to handling sexual abuse claims, we are often featured by reputable media outlets, such as The New York Times, CNN, The Boston Globe, CBS, and more.

When you are ready to discuss your case with a seasoned legal professional, The Zalkin Law Firm is here to help. Let us assist you in seeking the justice you deserve.

Contact The Zalkin Law Firm online today to schedule a free consultation with an award-winning New York sex abuse attorneys.

Our New York Office:

1441 Broadway, Suite 3147
New York, NY 10018

Helping Our Clients Get Closure

Millions Recovered on Behalf of Our Clients
  • Clergy Sexual Abuse - Multi-Victim $660,000,000

    Irwin Zalkin was one of the lead trial lawyers and part of the trial team prepared to commence a 14 victim trial against the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles, the day a global settlement was reached in the amount of $660,000,000.

  • Clergy Sexual Abuse - Multi-Victim $198,500,000

    Irwin Zalkin was appointed Mediation Liaison Counsel and a lead negotiator by United States Magistrate Judge Leo S. Papas on behalf of over 144 victims of childhood sexual abuse against the Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego.

  • Clergy Sexual Abuse - Multi-Victim $100,000,000

    Irwin Zalkin was part of the team of lawyers representing clergy sexual abuse survivors in the Diocese of Orange, California who recently helped to negotiate the first $100,000,000 global settlement in the country involving childhood sexual abuse by members of the Catholic clergy.

  • Clergy Sexual Abuse - Multi-Victim $10,500,000

    Multi-victim case against religious group home.

  • Clergy Sexual Abuse - Multi-Victim $8,000,000

    Multi-victim case against a religious leader and institution.

  • Lohse v. Lakeland Village HOA (Oakland, CA) $8,000,000

    An $8 Million judgment against a resort facility after a six-week jury trial for a woman who was rendered a paraplegic following a fall off of an unguarded pier.

  • Child Sexual Abuse - Single Victim $4,250,000

    $4.25 Million paid to single sexual abuse Plaintiff.

  • Clergy Sexual Abuse - Multi-Victim $4,200,000

    Three survivors abused as minors by priests associated with a Northern California Diocese.

  • Child Sexual Abuse - Single Victim $4,150,000

    $4.15 Million paid to single sexual abuse Plaintiff.

  • Child Sexual Abuse - Single Victim $4,000,000

    $4 Million paid to single sexual abuse Plaintiff.

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