New York extended the window that allows child sex abuse victims to file a claim without a statute of limitations, but the opportunity is set to close on Aug. 14. Lifting the restriction has led to the filing of more than 5000 cases state-wide.
Cases in the Bronx
Some of those cases are clustered in certain areas or against certain individuals, with more than 40 lawsuits filed against a coach in the Bronx and almost half of all cases in New York City’s five boroughs. Many people reported the coach over the years, but attorneys say he was always protected from prosecution or even dismissal from his role. The man died in 1992.
Additional cases
Other prominent cases involve a child welfare agency, the Children’s Village. Cases stretching across several decades allege severe abuse from both staffers and other residents, and a number of former residents have come forward as part of the many New York Child Victims Act sex abuse claims in the past two years. Legislation from 2019 originally allowed claims to be filed for one year without the statute of limitations, but it was extended for another year in 2020, weeks before it was set to expire.
People who have been sex abuse victims or whose loved ones were may want to contact an attorney to discuss their legal rights and how they might proceed. It might be possible to bring criminal charges, but even if it is not, individuals might be eligible for compensation. An attorney may be able to explain a person’s rights and may assist them in proceeding with a claim.
