Sexual Assault & Abuse Attorneys in New York City

Representing Survivors in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, & Florida

It is an unfortunate fact that people who have survived sexual assault and abuse often feel let down by the criminal justice system. A system that is meant to hold people who have committed crimes accountable and achieve some sense of closure for those who have been hurt can fail to do so. However, sexual assault and abuse survivors may have another avenue for finding justice, through civil court.

By filing a civil claim against perpetrators and other liable parties, survivors can recover compensation for the damages they have suffered. At Phillips & Associates, Attorneys at Law, our legal team can advise you on the options that are available to you.

To discuss the details of your case, send us a message or call (866) 229-9441.

Cases We Handle

Sadly, sexual assault, abuse, and harassment can happen anywhere. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of people who have been abused.

We can assist you with cases involving:

• Sexual abuse involving doctors and patients
• Sexual harassment at the gym
• Sexual harassment by dentists
• Sexual harassment by industry
• Sexual harassment by massage therapists
• Sexual harassment in hospitals
• Sexual harassment in public places
• Sexual harassment in retail stores
• Sexual harassment in the advertising industry
• Sexual harassment in the hiring process
• Sexual harassment in the media industry
• Sexual harassment in the nightclub industry
• Sexual harassment in the restaurant industry

There are a number of parties who may be held liable in cases such as these. Other parties who were negligent or otherwise permitted sexual abuse to occur in some way can also be held accountable for their actions (or inaction). For example, if a sexual assault happened at a retail store, the store manager, the building owner, and the security company that was on duty could all be considered as liable parties, in addition to the person who committed the act. 

Your Legal Rights

As a victim of sexual assault and abuse, you have a right to file a civil claim against the perpetrator and other liable parties to the incident. The civil process is handled separately from any criminal proceedings. In a civil case, the goal is to recover compensation for related financial and non-economic damages — including medical bills and pain and suffering — not to press criminal charges that may lead to jail or other penalties. However, a civil claim can still be filed even if criminal action is also being taken. Because these proceedings are separate, the outcome of one may not impact the outcome of the other; but it is possible that a criminal conviction can substantiate the claims made in civil court.

Civil claims regarding sexual assault and abuse may lead to the payment of punitive damages as well. Punitive damages differ from other types of civil damages in that they are not meant to compensate the plaintiff for bills they have paid or emotional distress they have endured. Instead, punitive damages are meant only to serve as a consequence for the wrongdoing of the defendant.

Sexual Assault & Abuse Statute of Limitations

Civil lawsuits of any kind are generally subject to a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a window of time in which legal action can be taken. Once the statute of limitations has passed, filing a claim may no longer be legally possible.

Statutes of limitations vary by state. In New York, the statute of limitations on sexual assault claims has been temporarily suspended by the Adult Survivors Act, which allows people who have been sexually abused to file claims against liable parties, regardless of when the abuse or assault occurred. Our lawyers can provide further information about the statute of limitations and other legal limitations that may apply to your case.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free Consultation

At Phillips & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we’re on your side. We are available to talk about your case and provide further information about your rights under the law.

Call (866) 229-9441 or contact us online to speak with our New York City sexual assault and abuse lawyers.