Survivors of sexual abuse in Elizabeth deserve experienced legal representation that prioritizes their recovery and holds wrongdoers accountable. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our sexual abuse lawyers in Elizabeth, NJ, understand the profound impact sexual abuse has on victims and their families. We represent survivors through civil sexual abuse claims that pursue compensation from perpetrators and negligent property owners who failed to prevent harm.

Our firm has recovered over $535 million for injured clients across New Jersey. Edward P. Capozzi, our founder and chair of the personal injury department, brings 50 years of litigation experience to every case. Alex S. Capozzi, our partner, earned recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and achieved a $2.75 million jury verdict in 2024. Both attorneys hold certification as Civil Trial Attorneys from the New Jersey Supreme Court—a distinction held by less than 2% of New Jersey attorneys.

We work on a contingency basis—no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Our Elizabeth office, located at 351 Jersey Ave, Unit B, serves survivors throughout Union County. We provide free consultations and handle every case with the compassion and confidentiality survivors deserve. Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers today by calling (908) 460-7277 to discuss your case with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer in Elizabeth, NJ.

Why Survivors Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Sexual Abuse Cases

When survivors seek legal representation, they need attorneys who combine legal expertise with genuine compassion. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers offers both. Our approach to sexual abuse representation prioritizes survivor dignity and maximum compensation.

Experienced Trial Attorneys

Our lead attorneys have decades of experience litigating complex personal injury cases, including sexual abuse claims. Edward P. Capozzi has represented injury victims for over 50 years and earned recognition as a Super Lawyer since 2012. Alex S. Capozzi, our partner, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and earned Super Lawyers Rising Star status. Both hold certification as Civil Trial Attorneys from the New Jersey Supreme Court—a distinction held by less than 2% of New Jersey attorneys. Our trial-ready approach ensures we can pursue jury verdicts when necessary.

Proven Track Record

Our firm has recovered over $535 million for clients. We have achieved numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in catastrophic injury cases. This track record demonstrates our ability to pursue maximum compensation for survivors. View our case results and settlements to see examples of recoveries we’ve achieved for clients, including sexual assault settlements.

No Fee Unless We Recover

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs and only collect a fee if we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. This contingency arrangement removes financial barriers and aligns our interests with yours—we only succeed when you recover compensation. Our contingency fee model ensures access to justice for all survivors.

Compassionate, Confidential Representation

We understand that sexual abuse litigation involves sensitive, personal matters. Our team maintains strict confidentiality, treats survivors with dignity, and provides support throughout the legal process. We handle communications with defendants and insurance companies, allowing you to focus on healing. This compassionate approach is central to our personal injury practice.

Local Presence in Elizabeth

Our Elizabeth office serves Union County residents. We understand the local community and maintain relationships with local courts, judges, and legal professionals. This local presence allows us to serve survivors efficiently and effectively.

Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle

Sexual abuse occurs in many contexts. Our attorneys pursue claims across multiple scenarios where survivors deserve compensation and accountability. We handle cases involving premises liability, negligent security, and institutional negligence.

Rideshare Sexual Assault (Uber/Lyft)

Rideshare companies have a duty to screen drivers, implement safety measures, and respond to safety complaints. When drivers commit sexual assault, both the driver and the company may face liability. We investigate whether the company failed to conduct adequate background checks, ignored prior complaints, or neglected safety protocols. We examine driver screening procedures, complaint histories, and safety policies to establish the company’s negligence. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers handles rideshare sexual assault cases throughout New Jersey. Our rideshare accident attorneys have extensive experience holding these companies accountable.

Hotel and Hospitality Assault

Hotels, resorts, and hospitality venues must maintain adequate security and staff training to prevent sexual assault. When assaults occur due to inadequate locks, missing security cameras, untrained staff, or failure to respond to prior incidents, the property owner bears responsibility. We investigate security measures, prior incidents at the property, and industry standards to establish liability. These cases fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners accountable for foreseeable criminal acts. Slip and fall attorneys and security experts work together to establish negligence.

Workplace Sexual Abuse

Employers have a legal duty to maintain a safe workplace free from sexual harassment and assault. When supervisors, coworkers, or third parties commit sexual abuse and the employer knew or should have known about the conduct, the employer may face liability for negligent retention, supervision, or failure to prevent harm. We examine employment records, prior complaints, and company policies to establish employer liability. Our workplace accident attorneys understand employer responsibilities under New Jersey law.

Institutional Abuse (Schools, Religious Organizations, Nursing Homes)

Institutions including schools, churches, synagogues, and nursing homes must protect vulnerable individuals from sexual abuse. When institutions fail to implement proper background checks, supervision, or reporting procedures, they bear responsibility for the abuse that occurs. We investigate institutional policies, background check procedures, and prior incidents to establish institutional liability. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers represents survivors of nursing home abuse and institutional negligence. Our nursing home abuse attorneys have recovered millions for vulnerable clients.

Premises Liability Sexual Assault

Property owners have a duty to provide reasonable security and warn visitors of known dangers. When sexual assault occurs on a property due to inadequate lighting, broken locks, missing security personnel, or failure to address prior incidents, the property owner may be liable. We examine security measures, prior incidents, and industry standards to establish the property owner’s breach of duty. Our premises liability attorneys pursue claims against negligent property owners.

Understanding Your Legal Rights in New Jersey

Civil Claims vs. Criminal Prosecution

Sexual abuse survivors have two separate legal paths: criminal prosecution and civil claims. These are distinct proceedings with different purposes and standards. Understanding this distinction is critical to protecting your rights.

• Criminal Cases are brought by the state against the perpetrator and focus on punishment through imprisonment or other criminal penalties. The state must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt“—a very high standard. Criminal prosecution does not provide compensation to survivors.
• Civil Claims are brought by the survivor against the perpetrator and/or negligent third parties and focus on compensation for damages. Civil cases use a lower standard of proof called “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning the survivor’s claim must be more likely true than not. Civil claims provide financial recovery for your injuries and losses.

A criminal case may never be filed, may result in acquittal, or may result in conviction. Regardless of the criminal outcome, you retain the right to pursue a civil claim. Many survivors pursue civil claims even when criminal prosecution is unavailable or unsuccessful. Civil cases often result in recovery when criminal cases do not. Our personal injury attorneys in Elizabeth can explain your options.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims in New Jersey

New Jersey law provides extended timeframes for filing sexual abuse claims, recognizing that survivors often need time to process trauma before pursuing legal action. Survivors have specific windows to file claims depending on the type of abuse. Time is critical—contact us immediately to protect your rights.

• For Institutional Abuse Claims: New Jersey provides significantly expanded filing windows. Survivors of institutional abuse have extended periods to file claims, even for abuse that occurred many years ago. The New Jersey lookback window allows survivors to pursue claims that would otherwise be time-barred.
• For Other Sexual Abuse Claims: The statute of limitations generally allows survivors to file within a reasonable period from when they discover the abuse or its connection to their injuries. This “discovery rule” recognizes that survivors may not immediately understand the legal implications of their abuse. Our sexual abuse attorneys understand these complex timelines.

The specific deadline depends on the type of abuse, the defendant, and when the abuse was discovered. We evaluate your situation to determine applicable deadlines and ensure your claim is filed timely. Contact us immediately to protect your rights and ensure your claim is not time-barred. Call (908) 460-7277 today.

Premises Liability and Duty to Protect

Property owners and businesses owe visitors a duty of reasonable care. This duty includes maintaining safe premises and protecting against foreseeable criminal acts by third parties. Under New Jersey premises liability law, property owners can be held accountable for sexual assault on their property. The New Jersey Supreme Court has established clear standards for property owner liability.

When a property owner knows or should know that sexual assault is a foreseeable risk—based on prior incidents, inadequate security, or industry standards—the owner must implement reasonable security measures. These measures may include adequate lighting, functioning locks, security cameras, security personnel, or staff training. Failure to implement these measures constitutes negligence.

If the property owner fails to provide adequate security and sexual assault occurs, the owner may be held liable for the survivor’s damages. We investigate security measures, prior incidents, and industry standards to establish the property owner’s breach of duty. Our premises liability team has recovered millions in settlements for survivors.

Damages Available to Survivors

Sexual abuse survivors may recover multiple categories of damages, including:

Economic Damages:

• Medical and mental health treatment expenses
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Costs of counseling and therapy
• Future medical care needs
• Transportation and other out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement (if applicable)
• Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)

Punitive Damages:

In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. Punitive damages are separate from compensatory damages and may significantly increase total recovery. Our catastrophic injury attorneys pursue all available damages on your behalf.

How We Pursue Sexual Abuse Claims

Our approach combines thorough investigation, expert coordination, and aggressive advocacy to maximize recovery for survivors. We handle every aspect of your case with professionalism and compassion.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Our sexual abuse attorneys in Elizabeth, NJ conducts comprehensive investigations to establish liability. This includes:

• Obtaining security footage and surveillance records
• Interviewing witnesses and gathering statements
• Reviewing prior complaints and incident reports
• Analyzing security protocols and policies
• Identifying policy violations and negligence
• Consulting with investigators experienced in sexual abuse cases

We work methodically to uncover evidence of negligence or intentional misconduct that establishes the defendant’s liability. Our personal injury investigation team leaves no stone unturned.

Expert Witness Coordination

Sexual abuse cases often require expert testimony to establish damages and causation. We coordinate with:

• Medical experts who document injuries and treatment needs
• Mental health professionals who establish emotional trauma and ongoing treatment requirements
• Security experts who establish industry standards and the defendant’s breach of duty
• Industry specialists who establish institutional standards and violations

Expert testimony strengthens your case and helps juries understand the impact of sexual abuse. Our network of expert witnesses includes leading professionals in trauma, security, and institutional liability.

Settlement Negotiation

Most cases resolve through settlement and mediation. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively to secure fair compensation without requiring trial. We present evidence of liability and damages in a compelling manner that encourages reasonable settlement offers. We never pressure you to accept inadequate settlements and always keep you informed of settlement discussions. Our settlement negotiation experience demonstrates our ability to secure fair compensation.

Trial Preparation and Representation

When settlement is not achievable, we prepare thoroughly for trial. Our certified trial attorneys have extensive experience presenting sexual abuse cases to juries. We:

• Prepare you for testimony and cross-examination
• Coordinate expert witnesses and their testimony
• Present evidence in a compelling, persuasive manner
• Advocate aggressively for maximum damages
• Handle all aspects of trial proceedings

We are trial-ready on every case and never hesitate to take cases to jury verdict when necessary. Our trial attorneys have secured multi-million dollar verdicts for survivors.

Victim Support Throughout the Process

We understand that litigation can be emotionally challenging. Our team provides support and guidance throughout the process:

• We handle communications with defendants and insurance companies
• We maintain strict confidentiality and sensitivity
• We keep you informed at every stage
• We allow you to focus on healing while we handle legal matters
• We treat your case with the dignity and respect it deserves

Our commitment to compassionate representation sets us apart from other firms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Abuse Claims

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Contact Our Elizabeth Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse, you deserve experienced legal representation. Our team of attorneys at Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers fight for survivors’ rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We are committed to holding wrongdoers accountable and helping survivors heal.

Call us today for a free consultation: (908) 460-7277

Our law firm represents clients on a contingency basis—no fee unless we recover compensation for you. We provide free consultations and handle every case with compassion and confidentiality. Contact us today to discuss your case with Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers. Learn more about our firm and our commitment to justice for survivors.