If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse, you deserve compassionate legal representation. You also deserve the opportunity to recover financially for the harm you suffered. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our experienced sexual abuse lawyers represent survivors throughout Ocean County and across the state. Our sexual abuse lawyer in Toms River works to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable.
You do not have to face this alone. Our Toms River personal injury lawyers offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. We only recover fees if we secure compensation for you. Our team brings decades of trial experience and a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Learn more about our firm’s commitment to injury victims.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Sexual Abuse Case
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has represented injury victims for over 50 years. We have recovered more than $535 million in settlements and verdicts. Our firm maintains an office in Toms River at 26 Main Street, Suite F. We serve Ocean County and its surrounding communities with compassionate representation. Visit our results page to see our track record of substantial recoveries.
Our team approaches sexual abuse cases with trauma-informed sensitivity. We understand that survivors have experienced profound violations. You may feel vulnerable discussing your experiences. Our lawyers can create a safe, confidential environment where you can share your story without judgment. Then, we prioritize your privacy. We utilize pseudonyms in court filings, pursue sealed records, and negotiate confidential settlements when appropriate.
We combine compassion with strong representation. While we treat survivors with the utmost respect and understanding, we pursue claims relentlessly against all responsible parties. We investigate thoroughly, retain expert witnesses, and prepare cases for trial if necessary to secure the compensation survivors deserve.
Our Lawyers
Edward P. Capozzi, founder and chair of our Personal Injury Department, brings extensive trial experience to every case. He holds certification as a Civil Trial Attorney from the New Jersey Supreme Court. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2013 (and as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2012). Edward also holds a lifetime membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Edward served as the 59th President of the New Jersey Association for Justice. He was inducted into the New Jersey Law Journal Hall of Fame in 2014. His experience in catastrophic injury cases and trial advocacy ensures that survivors receive representation from an attorney with significant experience.
Alex S. Capozzi, a partner at the firm, earned recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. He holds certification as a Civil Trial Attorney. He was named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. Alex also holds membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In 2024, Alex secured the 13th highest jury verdict in New Jersey—a $2.75 million recovery in a premises liability case. His advocacy and proven trial results demonstrate his commitment to maximizing recovery for clients.
Understanding Sexual Abuse Claims in New Jersey
Sexual abuse encompasses a range of harmful conduct. This includes unwanted touching, rape, and assault. In New Jersey, survivors can pursue civil lawsuits against the perpetrator. You can also sue any institution, business, or property owner whose negligence enabled the abuse to occur. This is distinct from criminal prosecution.
A civil claim allows you to recover financial damages. This applies even if criminal charges were never filed or resulted in an acquittal. Civil sexual abuse claims fall under personal injury law. They recognize that survivors suffer real, measurable harm. This includes medical expenses, psychological treatment, lost income, and profound emotional distress. The law holds responsible parties accountable through monetary compensation. This helps survivors rebuild their lives and access the care they need.
We handle sexual abuse cases arising from institutional settings. These include schools, churches, and youth organizations. We also handle workplace environments, premises liability situations, and nursing homes. Regardless of where the abuse occurred, our attorneys investigate thoroughly. We identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
New Jersey’s Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse
One of the most important questions survivors ask is: “How long do I have to file a lawsuit?” New Jersey law recognizes that many survivors do not come forward immediately. Trauma, shame, or fear often prevent survivors from reporting abuse. The state applies the “discovery rule.” This allows the statute of limitations to begin when the survivor discovers (or reasonably should discover) that their injuries resulted from sexual abuse.
For childhood sexual abuse, New Jersey law provides extended filing windows. Survivors who were abused as children can file civil lawsuits well into adulthood. This often extends until age 55 or beyond, depending on when they discovered the connection between their injuries and the abuse. Recent legislative changes have further expanded these timelines. These changes recognize that trauma recovery is not linear. Survivors may take years to come forward.
It is critical to understand an important distinction. While New Jersey has no statute of limitations for criminal sexual assault charges, civil claims operate under different timelines. This means that even if criminal prosecution is no longer possible, you may still pursue civil compensation. Our attorneys can evaluate your specific situation. We determine the applicable deadlines for your case. For more information about how litigation works in New Jersey, contact our office.
Types of Sexual Abuse We Handle
Sexual abuse occurs in many contexts. We represent survivors across all settings:
- Institutional Abuse: Abuse perpetrated by clergy, coaches, teachers, or staff members at schools, churches, youth organizations, and sports programs. We pursue claims against the institutions that failed to protect vulnerable individuals.
- Workplace Sexual Assault and Harassment: Abuse by supervisors, coworkers, or clients in employment settings. We hold employers accountable for failing to prevent harassment or respond appropriately to complaints. Our litigation team has extensive experience with workplace misconduct cases and can help claim workers’ compensation.
- Premises Liability: Abuse occurring on property where the owner or operator failed to provide adequate security, lighting, or supervision. This includes hotels, bars, nightclubs, parking facilities, and rideshare vehicles. Property owners have a duty to protect visitors from foreseeable harm.
- Nursing Home and Elder Abuse: Sexual abuse of elderly residents by staff members or other residents. We pursue claims against facilities that fail to implement proper screening, training, and supervision.
- Other Settings: We also handle abuse cases arising in medical facilities, correctional institutions, and other environments where survivors were vulnerable. Perpetrators exploited positions of authority or trust in these settings.
Compensation Available for Sexual Abuse Survivors
Survivors of sexual abuse can recover damages that reflect the full scope of their injuries. These damages can include:
- Medical and psychological treatment costs represent a significant component of damages. Survivors often require ongoing therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and medical treatment. This addresses both physical and emotional injuries. We pursue compensation for all past and future treatment expenses.
- Lost wages and earning capacity account for income lost due to the abuse and its aftermath. Many survivors experience difficulty working. They require time off for treatment. They may face long-term employment challenges due to trauma. We calculate these losses and pursue full compensation.
- Pain and suffering damages recognize the emotional distress survivors experience. This includes anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and diminished quality of life. These non-economic damages often represent the largest component of recovery in sexual abuse cases.
- Punitive damages may be available in cases involving particularly egregious conduct or institutional negligence. These damages punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
We pursue all available damages on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front. We only recover attorney fees if we secure compensation for you. This arrangement ensures that financial barriers do not prevent survivors from accessing justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Abuse Cases
How long do I have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in New Jersey?
New Jersey applies the discovery rule. This means the statute of limitations begins when you discover (or reasonably should discover) that your injuries resulted from sexual abuse. For childhood sexual abuse, you generally have until age 55 to file a civil claim. Recent law changes may extend this further. For adult survivors, the timeline depends on when you discovered the connection between your injuries and the abuse. We recommend consulting with an attorney promptly to ensure you meet applicable deadlines.
What if the abuse happened years ago? Can I still take legal action?
Yes. Many survivors do not come forward immediately due to trauma and its effects. New Jersey law recognizes this reality through the discovery rule and extended statutes of limitations for childhood abuse. Even if significant time has passed, you may still have the right to pursue compensation. We evaluate each case individually to determine applicable deadlines and available remedies.
Will I have to pay attorney fees up front?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. We only recover attorney fees if we secure compensation for you through a settlement or a verdict. This arrangement removes financial barriers. It ensures that survivors can access quality legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.
What types of compensation might I receive?
Compensation in sexual abuse cases includes economic damages. These are medical treatment, lost wages, and therapy costs. It also includes non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. In cases involving institutional negligence or egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. The specific amount depends on the circumstances of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the strength of evidence against the responsible parties.
Will my case become public record?
We prioritize your privacy and confidentiality. We can pursue sealed records and use pseudonyms in court filings. Then, we negotiate confidential settlement agreements that protect your identity. Additionally, we will discuss privacy options during your initial consultation. We work to shield you from unwanted publicity while pursuing your claim.
What should I expect during the legal process?
The process typically begins with a confidential consultation. We listen to your story and evaluate your claim. Then, we conduct a thorough investigation. We gather evidence and identify all responsible parties. Also, we can file a lawsuit if needed. We engage in discovery (exchanging information with opposing parties). We attempt settlement negotiations. If a settlement is not possible, we prepare your case for trial. Throughout this process, we keep you informed and involved in all major decisions.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you experienced sexual abuse, you deserve justice and compensation. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers offers free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our experienced attorneys understand the trauma you have endured. We are committed to helping you recover and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Toms River office today at (732) 716-7148 to schedule your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Our sexual abuse attorneys in Toms River provide the compassionate representation you deserve. You pay nothing up front. Our firm only recovers fees if we secure compensation for you. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : November 27, 2025We 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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