Sexual Abuse and Assault Attorney Serving Survivors in New York and Connecticut
All too often, sexual predators seek out the most vulnerable in society: children, mentally challenged, elderly, and the sick. When children are outside the supervision of parents they are often an easy target of such predators. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys under the age of 18 is a victim of sexual abuse or assault. This statistic may underestimate the extent of the problem because many cases go unreported.
Because perpetrators of sexual assault and abuse frequently include health care providers, clergy, teachers, coaches, babysitters, and relatives, recovering fair compensation requires an attorney who is not afraid of going up against the establishment to ensure his clients get justice. For more than 40 years, attorney Patrick J. Filan has had success in achieving financial compensation for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. If you, a child or a loved one is a victim of sexual abuse, call The Law Offices of Patrick J. Filan P.C. Attorney Filan will help you seek the financial compensation you need to recover.
Navigating the Legalities of Sexual Assault and Abuse
All too often the perpetrator has no assets to pay an award. Not only will the perpetrator face liability, but also the organization where the perpetrator was employed or affiliated, be it a school, religious organization, corporation or governmental entity, to name a few examples. Navigating through the intricacies of insurance coverage and time deadlines to file suit requires an aggressive, experienced attorney such as attorney Patrick Filan.
Mandatory Reporting of Sexual Abuse
Connecticut law requires certain professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect (including sexual abuse) to authorities. The list includes medical and mental health care providers, social workers, school employees, law enforcement authorities, and members of the clergy.
Civil Lawsuit Deadlines for Sexual Abuse in Connecticut and New York
Connecticut law provides that a lawsuit to recover damages for sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or sexual assault of a minor must be brought within 30 years from the date the victim reaches the age of majority (18). There is no statute of limitations for suits against abusers who have been convicted of sexual assault in the first degree.
In New York, the Child Victims Act extends the statute of limitations to allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a civil claim for sexual abuse until they are 55 years old.
In Connecticut, the deadline for a civil lawsuit to recover financial compensation is 30 years from the date the survivor attains the age of 18.
Contact The Law Offices of Patrick J. Filan P.C. for a consultation on your situation. Attorney Filan will assist you in pursuing financial recovery, regardless of when the abuse occurred and who committed it.
Long-Term Effects of Sexual Assault and Abuse
The consequences of these crimes are profound and permanent: 81% of women and 35% of men report post-traumatic stress. Childhood sexual abuse has been correlated with higher levels of relationship problems, shame, guilt, self-blame, depression, eating disorders, anxiety, somatic concerns, dissociative patterns, denial, repression, sexual problems, and other issues.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you, a child, or a loved one is a victim of sexual abuse or assault, contact The Law Offices of Patrick J. Filan P.C. for a free consultation. Attorney Filan will advise you of your rights and legal options at no cost.
You may also contact these resources:
- The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline: https://www.rainn.org
- Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP): https://www.snapnetwork.org