Sexual abuse is all too common in Newark, New Jersey. Each year, thousands of victims of sexual assault and abuse don’t know where to turn as they face physical injuries and emotional trauma that may last a lifetime.

Although money cannot heal the wounds you may have from sexual abuse, a civil claim can secure your financial future with compensation for legal damages.

The key to winning your sexual abuse lawsuit in Newark, NJ, is having the right law firm on your side. Injury Lawyer Team has seen many cases involving sexual abuse and knows what it takes to win these claims. With our law firm on your side, you will be in a solid position to obtain compensation.

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Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

The purpose of a civil claim is to recover maximum compensation for legal damages and at Injury Lawyer Team, we understand how to build a winning strategy. Our sexual abuse attorneys also understand the importance of being compassionate with victims of sex crimes because of what they have been through.

If you decide to work with our sexual abuse lawyers, we will investigate your case thoroughly to ensure all legal damages are assessed and all critical evidence is gathered. Injury Lawyer Team has served many clients and is 100% committed to fighting for your rights under state law and winning the compensation you deserve.

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Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault

As of 2024, there are roughly 608 sex offenders living in the Newark area [1], so there is a significant risk for residents of the city.

State law has distinct definitions for sexual abuse and assault. Abuse is typically defined as any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone else’s will. Sexual assault is defined as an act of sexual penetration with another person depending on numerous circumstances, such as:

The victim is less than 13 years old
The victim is 13-16, and the perpetrator is related to them or has authority over them
The act is committed during other crimes
The perpetrator is armed or believed to be armed
The perpetrator uses force or coercion
The perpetrator knew the victim was somehow incapacitated

Both of these offenses share several characteristics. In all cases, the victim does not consent to the perpetrator’s behavior. Additionally, most instances of sexual abuse or assault involve a power imbalance between the parties. For example, an employer has power over an employee and may use that position to pressure the employee into sexual acts.

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse

Unwanted physical contact – A person who touches someone else sexually with an object or body part without their permission is committing abuse or even sexual violence
Sexual intercourse – Penetration at any level, including sexual oral contact, without consent, is a form of assault under state law
Sexual exploitation – If a person uses power, trust, or vulnerability to commit sexual acts and somehow benefits from that act, they are engaging in abusive behavior
Sexual exposure – Exposing someone to sexual imagery, such as photos, or exposing one’s genitals to another, without their permission is a type of abuse
Child sexual abuse – Abuse of a child (anyone under the age of consent, which is usually 16 in New Jersey) by an adult is particularly heinous because they are unable to give legal consent and involve any form of sexual contact or penetration. However, Romeo and Juliet laws do apply, and the position of authority impacts the age of consent. It’s crucial to work with an experienced lawyer to determine if a case is considered child sexual abuse.

Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur

Workplaces

Power dynamics are typical within the workplace. As a result, inappropriate behaviors may occur between employees and employers, including sexual harassment, abuse, and assault.

Inpatient Treatment Facilities

Some medical clinics treat patients who must stay overnight. These patients could be vulnerable to abusive staff or other adults staying in the facility if the patients are left unsupervised. Our firm has handled cases involving these facilities before.

Correctional Facilities

Prisons are common locations for sexual abuse incidents. Often, these events occur because of the power dynamics between inmates and staff.

Foster Care

Prisons are common locations for sexual abuse incidents. Often, these events occur because of the power dynamics between inmates and staff.

Daycare Facilities

Daycare centers are places where parents can typically trust adults to supervise their children during the day. Unfortunately, some staff members may have ulterior motives and end up abusing those kids.

Educational Institutions

Many power dynamics are at play within educational institutions, primarily between administrators or teachers and students. This can lead to predators taking advantage of their authority over a student for sexual abuse.

Religious Institutions

Religious leaders are often quick to earn the trust of members or participants in an organization. If the wrong person is in this authoritative position, it could lead to clergy abuse. The most common form of clergy abuse is between religious leaders and children.

Nursing Homes

Elderly individuals move into nursing homes when they need consistent medical supervision. This heightened state of vulnerability makes them easier targets for staff or other residents who may commit sexual abuse. Our firm has handled many cases of nursing home abuse.

Sports Clubs

Sports programs place coaches and trainers in positions of authority over athletes, such as in youth sports clubs. These authoritative figures may use their power to commit abuse or assault against young athletes.

Military Institutions

In the military, there is a history of abuse and assault being covered up. For example, an officer may assault a private and threaten action against them if they report it. Our law firm has seen multiple cases like this in the past.

Hotels and Short-Term Rentals

In hotels and short-term rentals, people can use rooms to take out possible victims in other rooms. In other cases, they may place surveillance cameras in supposedly private rooms. For example, obtaining secret footage of a person in the bathroom and sharing that footage would be abusive behavior.

Shelters

Shelters are designed to assist some of Newark’s most vulnerable people. Unfortunately, abuse could occur between someone with authority and a shelter occupant, such as a case worker and a client.

Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault

Victims in Newark, NJ, should prioritize their well-being if they experience sexual abuse or assault. There are several steps you can follow to do so.

First, seek medical attention immediately, such as at a local hospital. The hospital will have a rape kit for DNA purposes, and medical records will support your claim as evidence. Then, contact the Newark Police Department to report the event. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 for immediate emotional support.

Your next priority is documenting information about the abuse or the attack. Any evidence you can find about the build-up, the incident itself, and the aftermath could help an experienced sexual abuse lawyer build a strong case.

You can contact our law firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal options with no obligation and learn what evidence can support your case. Our compassionate approach and profound understanding of these cases will ensure your needs are put first.

Lastly, you should consider seeking support services for sexual abuse victims in Newark. If you prefer one-on-one counseling, there are many sexual abuse therapists you can work with. For other support services, you can start with the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

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Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims

Compensation in sexual abuse cases depends on the legal damages you have suffered. You deserve to have your losses covered if you have suffered from sexual abuse.

Potential economic and non-economic damages include lost income, medical expenses, therapy bills, future medical expenses, emotional distress loss, physical pain, and loss of quality of life. Punitive damages could also be awarded in cases of malicious intent.

Your settlement amount may be affected by other factors, including the extent of your losses, the nature of your injuries, the defendant’s lawyers, and the amount of evidence.

Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases

Cases involving sexual abuse could feature defendants that are individuals or institutions. Institutions may be liable if they fail to prevent abuse, fail to report incidents, conduct insufficient background checks, ignore complaints, or provide poor supervision that leads to abuse.

Your sexual abuse case could involve other legal principles like vicarious liability. This refers to one entity being responsible for the actions of another related entity. Title IX regulations govern the treatment of different sexes in educational institutions.

Finally, if your sexual abuse claim involves a religious institution, power dynamics will play an important role. Clergy often earn trust quickly in their positions, and they may take advantage of that authority to abuse children.

How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case

Sexual abuse claims require evidence of four elements to be successful:

Duty of care – The defendant has a duty of care toward the plaintiff
Breach of duty – The defendant broke that duty
Causation – There is a link between the defendant’s actions and the harm suffered by the victim
Legal damages – There are provable damages because of the harm suffered

Your sexual abuse lawyer will help you collect evidence to prove that negligence or misconduct occurred and that there is a link between the abuse and the harm you suffered. Your best chance of seeking justice and earning compensation is with an experienced attorney from our law firm on your side.

How Our Newark Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

To get the compensation you deserve and seek justice, you will need to rely on the extensive experience of your sexual abuse lawyer. We assist in several ways to ensure you secure your financial future when sexual abuse occurs.

A free case review with a qualified sexual abuse lawyer to ask about the legal process
Complete assessment of damages to determine the maximum settlement amount
Expertise in gathering evidence that will support your claim as you seek compensation
Negotiation tactics to ensure you receive the money you deserve for your losses
Legal representation during a trial, if necessary

The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Newark, New Jersey

Several legal remedies can result in justice for victims of sexual abuse. A personal injury claim is one legal action that you can pursue with skilled lawyers, but you must file your claim within two years of the incident date.

According to a newer law from 2019, if your case is considered assault or rape, you have seven years to take legal action via a civil lawsuit. If you were assaulted under the age of 18, you have until your 55th birthday to file a claim.

Contact a Newark Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

The sexual abuse lawyers at Injury Lawyer Team are equipped to handle your case. We have successfully navigated many sexual abuse cases for past clients, winning them compensation in the process. Whether you are struggling under the weight of therapy bills or suffering emotional distress loss, we can provide legal representation to help you seek justice against the abuser.

Call our law firm today at 866-757-6452 or complete the contact form.

Related Practice Areas

Resources: [1] City Data