As of December 1, 2019, the New Jersey Child Victims Act (NJCVA) permits all New Jersey residents who have unfortunately experienced past acts of childhood sexual abuse a statutory opportunity to file a civil lawsuit against their abusers and/or responsible entities regardless of whether or not the prior time limit for such claims had expired. This “revival window” provision allows victims of childhood sexual assault to file a claim for a period of two years.
Additionally, the natural statute of limitations for filing a claim of childhood sexual abuse will be expanded going forward to age 55, or until seven years after the survivor becomes aware of the traumatic injuries stemming from past acts of sexual abuse—whichever is later.
A NJCVA claim may be asserted against any private or public institution that had been involved in allowing or permitting the sexual abuse to occur. The institutional liability flows through the bad acts of the abuser, who can be a coach, teacher, clergy member, counselor, doctor, or a multitude of other individuals. Importantly, the NJCVA has also removed the requirement for a “notice of claim”, which was required under the prior law before a lawsuit could be commenced.
Under the NJCVA, victims of abusers may seek recovery for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Psychological trauma
- Loss of employment
- Loss of income
Slater Slater Schulman LLP is dedicated to the confidential representation of individuals who were abused as a child in New Jersey. If you or someone you love has suffered this form of abuse and wishes to file a claim, please contact Slater Slater Schulman LLP for a free, confidential consultation by filling out the form on this page or by calling our office at (800) 251-6990.
