ALBANY, NY – The nationally recognized attorneys of Powers & Santola, LLP, are now reviewing the cases of childhood sexual abuse survivors in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and throughout New York who are eligible to bring claims under the recently enacted Child Victims Act.
“Thanks to the Child Victims Act, childhood sexual abuse survivors in New York can now pursue the justice they deserve,” said Kelly Wolford, Esq., one of the law firm’s partners. “We have assembled a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals, including former Special Victims Unit members, who have the skills and sensitivity to provide an environment where survivors can tell their stories while, at the same time, building a solid case against their abusers.”
An estimated 12-40 percent of children in the U.S. suffer some form of sexual abuse, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. However, due to reasons such as shame, stigma or intimidation by their abusers, the survivors of childhood sexual abuse may need many years and even decades before they can come forward to tell others about what happened to them.
In recognition of the challenges which survivors face, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed the Child Victims Act on February 14, 2019. The law gives survivors of child sexual assault the right to sue for damages well into adulthood. Specifically, it:
- Allows survivors to file civil claims against their abusers and the companies, churches, schools, youth organizations, sports organizations and other institutions that protected them or concealed their conduct. Survivors now have until age 55 to bring such lawsuits.
- Creates a one-year window of opportunity for survivors to seek compensation from their abusers even if the statute of limitations has already run on their claims. This “look-back” period opens August 14, 2019 and closes on August 13, 2020.
Survivors may be eligible to pursue compensation that includes medical expenses, therapy and counseling costs, loss of income, pain, suffering, emotional distress and punitive damages.
“We are carefully investigating cases in order to identify all potentially liable parties and all sources of compensation available to survivors,” Wolford said.
Survivors can contact Powers & Santola, LLP, by phone or through its online contact form in order to receive a free and confidential consultation through the law firm’s offices in Albany, Syracuse or Rochester.
About Powers & Santola, LLP
Since 1987, Powers & Santola, LLP, has vigorously protected the rights of personal injury victims and their families throughout New York in a broad range of practice areas. The firm is regionally ranked in four practice areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®, including medical malpractice and personal injury litigation on behalf of plaintiffs. Those rankings are based on criteria that includes professional achievement and peer reviews. To learn more, call (518) 465-5995 or visit the law firm’s website.
Powers & Santola, LLP
100 Great Oaks Boulevard
Suite 123
Albany, New York 12203
Phone: (518) 465-5995
https://powers-santola.com/
