Child abuse is one of the most devastating crimes imaginable. It leaves emotional scars that may never fully heal and can impact a survivor’s entire life. At Levine & Slavit, PLLC, our experienced New York child abuse lawyers are here to provide legal support and fierce representation to survivors and their families. We believe that justice means holding abusers and institutions accountable through the civil legal system — not just the criminal system.
We’ve recovered tens of millions for our clients, putting over a century of experience behind their cases. We’re ready to stand up for you and help you get justice in New York, NY.
If you or someone you love has experienced child sexual abuse, contact our law office today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, believe what you tell us, and help you begin your journey toward healing and justice. You can reach us at (212) 687 2777.
How Levine & Slavit, PLLC Can Help With a Child Abuse Case in New York
Child sexual abuse is a horrific violation of trust that can result in lasting psychological, emotional, and physical harm. Survivors often struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. They may even have challenges forming healthy relationships. Sadly, many survivors stay silent for years before coming forward.
At Levine & Slavit, PLLC, we understand the courage it takes to speak out. Our New York child abuse attorneys are committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment for you. With over a century of combined experience in personal injury and abuse litigation, we have the resources and reputation to pursue justice and compensation for survivors.
When you hire our firm, we will:
- Compassionately explain your legal rights and options
- Conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into your abuse claim
- Identify all liable parties, including institutions that failed to protect you
- Work with medical, psychological, and forensic experts to build a strong case
- Handle all legal filings, court appearances, and negotiations on your behalf
- Advocate relentlessly for the full compensation you are entitled to
Justice may begin in criminal court, but it doesn’t have to end there. You have the right to seek civil compensation even if criminal charges were never filed or didn’t result in a conviction. We’re here to help you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in New York, NY.
Types of Child Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle in New York
Child sexual abuse can occur in a variety of settings—often from adults in positions of trust or authority. Our attorneys have experience handling complex abuse cases against all types of individuals and institutions, including:
- Clergy Abuse: The Roman Catholic Church and other religious organizations have been implicated in widespread abuse scandals involving clergy and ministers. Survivors may have claims not only against an abuser but also against the church itself for covering up or enabling abuse.
- School and Daycare Abuse: Educators, coaches, and daycare workers have a duty to protect children in their care. When institutions fail to screen employees or respond to allegations, they can be held liable for their neglect.
- Abuse in Foster Care or Group Homes: State-run or privately managed foster systems sometimes fail to protect children from harm. We help survivors take legal action against negligent child welfare agencies and providers.
- Boy Scouts and Youth Organizations: The Boy Scouts of America and other youth organizations have a long and troubling history of abuse allegations against scout leaders. Victims may be entitled to significant compensation from the organization through civil lawsuits or settlement programs.
- Sexual Abuse by Therapists or Doctors: Mental health professionals or physicians sometimes abuse their position and abuse or assault minor patients. In these instances, the individuals and their employers can be held liable in civil court.
Our legal team has the experience and sensitivity to handle emotionally complex abuse cases with the utmost discretion and care. No matter where or how the abuse occurred, we will fight to hold all responsible parties accountable for their conduct.
Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings in Sexual Abuse Cases
Many survivors believe that justice comes mainly through the criminal courts. While criminal prosecution is a legitimate path, civil litigation offers another avenue for justice and healing.
Whereas criminal penalties focus mainly on jail time and/or fines for the abuser, civil lawsuits focus on making you whole by recovering compensation for abuse-related financial and emotional losses.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and psychological treatment
- Lost income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of egregious misconduct)
Civil cases require a lower burden of proof than criminal ones. In criminal court, the prosecution must prove a defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is the highest burden of proof in the legal system. In civil court, your lawyer must show the abuse occurred by a “preponderance of the evidence,”— meaning that it’s more likely than not that the abuse occurred and/or that the relevant institution failed to protect you from your abuser.
Even if your abuser was never arrested or charged, you may still have a valid civil claim against them.
Who Can Be Liable for Child Sexual Abuse in New York?
Abuse doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Often, institutions or individuals knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to intervene. Under New York law, these third parties can be held civilly liable for failing to protect children.
Examples of potentially liable third parties in abuse cases include:
- Churches and Religious Institutions: For failing to respond to abuse reports, reassigning known abusers, or ignoring warning signs.
- Schools, Camps, and Daycares: For negligent hiring, supervision, or failing to report abuse.
- Youth Organizations: For covering up abuse or failing to enforce protective policies.
- Hospitals and Medical Facilities: For allowing inappropriate contact between doctors or therapists and child patients.
- Property Owners and Businesses: May be held responsible under premises liability laws if unsafe conditions enabled the abuse to occur.
These third-party lawsuits are not just about compensation—they’re about exposing cover-ups and ensuring child safety in the future.
What Is My Child Abuse Case Worth in New York?
Each survivor’s case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on several factors, such as:
- The nature, duration, and severity of the abuse
- The long-term psychological, emotional, or physical injuries sustained
- Costs of therapy and medical care
- Loss of earning potential
- The impact on relationships and quality of life
- Whether the abuse was covered up or enabled by an institution
In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish especially outrageous conduct or institutional failures. While no amount of money can undo what happened, compensation can help cover the cost of recovery and provide a sense of closure.
Our attorneys work with medical and psychological experts to assess the full impact of abuse on our clients’ lives. We fight tirelessly to ensure that all damages—both economic and non-economic—are fully accounted for.
How Long Do I Have to File a Child Sexual Abuse Case in New York?
Thanks to New York’s Child Victims Act (CVA), survivors have a stronger chance than ever to seek justice — no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Signed into law in 2019 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the CVA significantly extended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse survivors.
Under current law, survivors of child sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit until age 55 (previously age 23). If you’re unsure whether you still have time to file a claim, contact our office. Our experienced attorneys will review your case and explain your legal options clearly and confidently.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer in New York?
Child abuse lawyers in New York typically work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay upfront or hourly fees. Rather, your attorney’s fee is contingent on whether they recover a settlement or verdict against your abuser or an institution that enabled them. If your lawyer is successful, they will take a pre-agreed-upon percentage of your award (usually 33% to 40%) as payment for representation.
Contingency fee arrangements ensure that representation is affordable for abuse survivors — and keep justice front and center rather than attorney fees. Levine & Slavit, PLLC offers contingency fee arrangements in all abuse cases.
Contact a New York Child Abuse Lawyer at Levine & Slavit, PLLC, for Help
You are not alone. If you or a loved one experienced child sexual abuse in New York City, New York, our team at Levine & Slavit, PLLC, is ready to stand by your side. We know how hard it is to take the first step, but you don’t have to face this process alone. Let us help you hold your abuser —and any enabling institutions— accountable. We will handle every aspect of your case with professionalism, discretion, and compassion.
We’re ready when you are. Call us today or reach out to us online to schedule a free case review with one of our New York child abuse lawyers. We’re standing by to stand up for you.