The New York Child Victims Act Has Been Extended

August 3, 2020 |

If you or a loved one suffered childhood sexual abuse, regardless of when it happened, call the committed, top-rated attorneys at Belluck & Fox today.

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1 If you or a loved one suffered childhood sexual abuse, regardless of when it happened, call the committed, top-rated attorneys at Belluck & Fox today.

The New York State Child Victims Act, signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo, changes the state’s previously strict statute of limitations on child sex abuse. It extends the previous restrictive periods for civil cases.

Additionally, it also provided a special window for all victims to file civil lawsuits regardless of their age. This window has now been extended for a second year through August 2021.

Since the bill passed, several churches and organizations have declared bankruptcy due to the influx of lawsuits. Even though the law has been extended, we recommend you take action quickly.

When did it take effect?

The new law is now in effect. Abuse survivors have until August 2021 to file civil cases no matter how long ago the abuse happened. You should not wait to contact a lawyer.

How is this different?

Previously, criminal charges against sexual abusers of children could only be filed up until victims turned 23. Now, that age has been raised to 28. For civil cases against abusers and the organizations they worked for, a special two-year window is meant to provide an opportunity for all those who have never had a chance under the old laws to act now.

Who does it help?

Anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse, or knows someone who has, should consider learning more about their options under the new law. You and your loved ones are not alone. In fact, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in seven children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the last year.

What can I do now?

It’s undeniable that these cases are difficult to cope with for victims and their families. But this law represents new hope for getting justice. The Catholic Church and insurance companies fearing an influx of lawsuits opposed the passage of the bill, but now they will have to face their victims.

Belluck & Fox has been standing up for New Yorkers that suffered from sexual abuse crimes for over 20 years. We want to help you too. With offices across the state, we’ll talk to you about your case, with no obligation, at any of our locations or even at your home. We will fight for you and your family as if they were our own, because we believe no one should have to go through this alone.

We are currently representing many victims of child sex abuse. We want to help you. Act now – you have limited time to pursue your case.