If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse, you deserve compassionate legal representation and fair compensation. A sexual abuse lawyer in Paramus can help you understand your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers represents adult and minor victims of sexual abuse in New Jersey. Our attorneys have recovered over $700 million for clients and understand the trauma survivors face. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case with no obligation.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Sexual Abuse Case
When you work with Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, you partner with attorneys who have dedicated their careers to helping sexual abuse survivors. Our firm has recovered more than $700 million for clients across New Jersey. Edward P. Capozzi, one of our lead attorneys, earned recognition in the top 20 verdicts and settlements in New Jersey from 2012 to 2018. The firm received the President’s Award from the New Jersey Association for Justice in 2015 and the Personal Injury Hall of Fame Award in 2014.
Our Paramus office is located at 140 E. Ridgewood Ave, Suite 415, making it convenient for local clients to meet with our team. We approach every case with compassion and sensitivity to the trauma survivors experience. Our sexual abuse attorneys have handled cases representing victims against both individual perpetrators and organizations that failed to protect them. We do not handle cases involving healthcare providers or medical facilities, but we focus exclusively on sexual abuse claims where we can provide strong representation.
Types of Sexual Abuse We Handle
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse causes lasting emotional and physical harm. Survivors often struggle with trauma, trust issues, and mental health challenges that extend into adulthood. Our attorneys represent adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including cases involving family members, authority figures, coaches, teachers, and other individuals in positions of trust. We help survivors pursue civil claims to recover damages and hold abusers accountable. Many survivors benefit from understanding how long a personal injury lawsuit takes before pursuing their case.
Institutional Abuse
Institutions have a responsibility to protect the people in their care. When organizations fail to prevent sexual abuse, they can be held liable for negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and institutional negligence. We represent survivors of abuse that occurred in schools, churches, and youth organizations. Crucially, New Jersey law has eliminated the ‘Charitable Immunity’ defense for sexual abuse claims. This means religious institutions and non-profits can no longer use their charitable status to shield themselves from liability for gross negligence. We leverage this legal change to hold these powerful organizations accountable. If you experienced abuse in a Paramus institution, our Paramus sexual abuse lawyers can help you understand your options.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
New Jersey law provides important protections for sexual abuse survivors. In 2019, New Jersey reformed its statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims through the Child Victims Act, extending the time survivors have to file civil lawsuits. Under the new law, survivors can file claims until age 55, or within seven years of discovering that the abuse caused their current physical or psychological injury (whichever is later). This ‘Discovery Rule’ is vital for survivors who may have repressed memories or only recently understood the connection between their past abuse and current trauma. This reform gives survivors more time to come forward and seek justice.
Civil sexual abuse claims differ from criminal cases. In a criminal case, the government prosecutes the abuser for a crime. In a civil case, the survivor sues for compensation. The standard of proof is lower in civil cases—we must prove our case by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible. This makes civil claims an important avenue for survivors to recover damages even when criminal prosecution is not possible. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, civil remedies provide survivors with an important path to justice and healing.
Survivors can recover compensation for medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages related to the abuse. The amount of compensation depends on the specific facts of your case, the severity of the abuse, and the impact on your life. Our results page showcases settlements and verdicts we have obtained for clients.
How Institutions Can Be Held Liable
Organizations can be held responsible for sexual abuse committed by their employees or members through several legal theories. Negligent hiring occurs when an institution fails to conduct proper background checks or investigate warning signs before hiring someone who later commits abuse. Negligent supervision happens when an organization fails to monitor employees or members and does not respond appropriately to complaints or suspicious behavior.
In New Jersey sexual abuse cases, the primary viable liability theories are negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and institutional negligence. Institutional negligence refers to the broader failure of an organization to implement policies and procedures that protect vulnerable people from abuse. Our attorneys investigate how institutions failed in their duty to protect and pursue claims against the responsible parties. We have successfully represented survivors in cases involving institutional negligence claims across New Jersey. The American Bar Association provides resources on institutional liability in sexual abuse cases.
The Path Forward: Your Sexual Abuse Claim
When you contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we begin with a free, confidential consultation. During this meeting, we listen to your story and explain your legal options. We understand that discussing abuse is difficult, and we approach every conversation with sensitivity and respect. Our team of attorneys brings decades of combined experience to sexual abuse cases.
Our investigation process involves gathering evidence, reviewing institutional records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts when necessary. We work to build a solid case that demonstrates how the defendant’s actions or negligence led to your abuse. We then negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company and legal representatives to pursue a fair settlement. If settlement negotiations do not result in adequate compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the damages you deserve.
The timeline for sexual abuse cases varies depending on the complexity of your case and whether we settle or litigate. We keep you informed throughout the process and answer your questions promptly. Your case remains confidential, and we take steps to protect your privacy during legal proceedings. For more details on the litigation process, see our guide on filing a personal injury lawsuit. The RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) offers additional resources for survivors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey’s 2019 reform, survivors can file civil sexual abuse claims until age 55 or within seven years of realizing the abuse caused them harm, whichever is later. This extended timeline gives survivors more time to come forward and seek justice. If you are unsure whether your case falls within the statute of limitations, contact our office for a free consultation. The New Jersey statute of limitations provides important protections for survivors. For more information on civil statutes of limitations, consult the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Can I sue an institution for sexual abuse committed by an employee?
Yes. Institutions can be held liable for sexual abuse committed by their employees through negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and institutional negligence. If an organization failed to conduct proper background checks, failed to respond to complaints, or failed to implement protective policies, it can be held responsible for the abuse. Our attorneys investigate institutional failures and pursue claims against responsible organizations. Contact our Paramus office to discuss your case.
How much is my sexual abuse case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of the abuse, the impact on your physical and mental health, your medical expenses, lost wages, and the strength of the evidence. We evaluate each case individually and provide an honest assessment of potential compensation. During your free consultation, we can discuss the potential value of your claim. Review our case results to see settlements we have obtained.
Do I have to go to trial, or can we settle?
Many sexual abuse cases settle before trial. We pursue settlement negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company and legal representatives. However, if a fair settlement is not available, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We discuss your options and preferences throughout the process and keep you informed of all developments.
How long does a sexual abuse case take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case, the number of defendants, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve within months, while others take longer. We work efficiently to move your case forward while ensuring we build a solid claim. We provide realistic timelines during your consultation. For more information on how long a personal injury lawsuit takes, review our detailed guide.
Will my case be kept confidential?
Yes. We take confidentiality seriously and take steps to protect your privacy throughout the legal process. We understand the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and handle your information with care and respect.
What if the abuse happened many years ago?
New Jersey’s extended statute of limitations allows survivors to file claims even if the abuse occurred many years ago. If you are unsure whether your case is still within the filing deadline, contact our office. We can review your situation and advise you of your legal options. Our sexual abuse attorneys have helped survivors file claims decades after the abuse occurred.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you experienced sexual abuse, you do not have to face this alone. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. Call (973) 364-8300 today to speak with a sexual abuse attorney. We serve clients throughout New Jersey and are ready to help you pursue justice and fair compensation. Visit our contact page to reach our Paramus office.
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We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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