Sexual Abuse Lawyer New Jersey

Every year, many New Jersey residents experience sexual abuse or assault. These incidents can have numerous side effects on survivors, making it difficult for them to move forward with their lives.

Under state law, New Jersey victims have the right to file civil lawsuits against their abusers to recover compensation. The sexual abuse attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team can increase your chances of victory for a civil claim.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

Filing a claim for a New Jersey sexual assault or abuse case is a complex process. When you work with our sexual abuse lawyers, our priority is obtaining maximum compensation for your legal damages. Our law firm has vast experience winning settlements for survivors of sexual abuse and assault.

We also understand the importance of showing compassion throughout the process since you have been through so much. We aim to ensure the settlement addresses all your damages so you can focus on healing physically and emotionally.

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault in New Jersey

Sexual abuse is any type of sexual act that is perpetrated against someone else’s will. Sexual assault is the legal term for rape and involves penetration in any form using physical force or coercion.

All forms of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual assault involve a lack of consent from the victim. In most circumstances, there is also a power imbalance between the parties involved.

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault can take many forms. Here are some of the most common:

• Sexual intercourse – Any form of penetrative sex or sexual oral contact without consent is considered sexual assault.
• Sexual exploitation – A person using power, trust, or vulnerability to commit sexual acts with another is likely abusing them.
• Sexual exposure – Exposing someone to sexual imagery against their will, such as showing them photos or flashing them, is abusive behavior.
• Unwanted physical contact – Touching a person sexually with a body part or object without permission is considered abuse.
• Child sexual abuse – 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be victims of child sexual abuse in this state by the age of 18. [1]

Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur

Sexual assault often occurs in institutions where power imbalances exist. Here are some cases we handle:

Workplaces

In any working environment, there are power dynamics at play that could result in sexual abuse among employers and employees.

Inpatient Treatment Facilities

Those with medical conditions are often more vulnerable to abuse from care staff or other adults in inpatient facilities.

Correctional Facilities

Prisons feature power imbalances between prisoners and guards that can lead to sexual assault.

Foster Care

When children are placed in foster homes, sometimes they are placed near abusive individuals.

Daycare Facilities

Abusive staff may take advantage of children in their care at daycare centers.

Educational Institutions

Sex abuse is common in academic institutions where administrators and teachers have authority over students.

Religious Institutions

Many religious organizations, such as the Catholic church, are rampant with sexual abuse because of their position within communities.

Nursing Homes

In a nursing home, staff and other residents could take advantage of vulnerable seniors to sexually abuse them.

Sports Clubs

Young athletes may be sexually abused by coaches or trainers who are placed in positions of power over them.

Military Institutions

Sexual assault in military institutions is often covered up or ignored to maintain the strict power hierarchies within.

Hotels and Short-Term Rentals

Staying in an overnight accommodation could be dangerous because you aren’t sure who may have access to your room.

Shelters

Refuges for those who are struggling lack supervision and security, making it easier for predators to commit sexual assault or abuse against these vulnerable people.

Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault

If you experience sexual assault or abuse, it is essential to follow the proper procedures in the aftermath to prioritize your well-being. Start with seeking medical attention to address any physical injuries you have experienced.

Next, you must contact authorities to report the sexual abuse, which you can do with local police departments or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673).

Then, document whatever you can about the event, including the build-up and the aftermath. This information will be critical in helping your New Jersey sexual abuse attorneys build a solid case.

Local resources can play a role in providing emotional support. The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault is a great place to start for various support services. If you prefer one-on-one counseling, perhaps sexual abuse therapists are the right course of action.

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims

Sexual abuse victims can pursue financial compensation if they have suffered legal damages because of their abusers. These damages can include lost wages, medical expenses, therapy bills, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Factors that will influence your settlement amount include the severity of your injuries, the extent of these damages, the skill of your sexual abuse lawyers, and the amount of evidence available.

Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases in New Jersey

The liable party in your civil lawsuit could be an individual or an institution. An institution may be responsible for damages if it failed to report an incident, responded poorly to complaints, performed insufficient background checks, enforced poor supervision practices, or was unable to prevent abusive situations.

Vicarious liability could also impact your case, as it allows one party, such as an employer or institution, to be held responsible for the actions of another related party. If the sex abuse occurred in an educational institution, Title IX may become relevant, requiring schools to address and prevent sexual abuse.

Legal precedents in religious institutions recognize how power dynamics can contribute to abuse, potentially holding the institution accountable for its leaders’ actions.

How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case

Successful civil lawsuits must prove that the defendant had a duty of care toward the plaintiff, that they breached that duty, that their actions caused harm to the plaintiff, and that legal damages resulted from that harm.

Our sexual abuse lawyers will assist in gathering evidence to prove negligence or intentional misconduct and show the direct link between the abuse and the harm suffered. When the right law firm is on your side, you will have a better chance of building a solid case and winning financial compensation.

How Our New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our law firm will be crucial in guiding you through the claims process. Here are a few ways that we can assist in your civil case:

• Discussing your legal options during a free case evaluation
• Assessing all damages to determine a fair settlement amount
• Investigating your sexual abuse case to determine the best path forward
• Negotiating with the defendant’s team for maximum compensation
• Representing you in court if the case proceeds to a trial

The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in New Jersey

Filing a civil claim for sexual assault or abuse must occur before the statute of limitations kicks in. For most personal injury cases, you have a two-year window to file your claim before the chances of earning compensation disappear.

However, a new legislation has been adopted that gives survivors of sexual assault seven years to file their claims. This new law went into effect in 2019.

Contact a New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorney Today!

Book a free, confidential consultation by calling 866-757-6452 or completing our online form.

Related Practice Areas

• Clifton Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Elizabeth Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Jersey City Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Newark Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Paterson Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Resources: [1] Prevent Child Abuse