New Jersey sexual abuse assault

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New Jersey Molestation, Assault, and Child Sex Abuse Attorneys

Representing the Families and Victims of Abuse by Priests, Clergy Members, Boy Scout Troop Leaders, Teachers, Counselors, Coaches, Medical Professionals, and Nursing Care Providers.

sexual abuse schoolsChild sexual assault is a growing problem in our communities that has been underscored by several recent, high-profile scandals. According to governmental child protection agencies, tens of thousands of children each year suffer some form of sexual assault.

It can be very difficult for victims living with the trauma of child sexual abuse to come forward. That is why McLaughlin & Lauricella, P.C. offers confidential consultations with experienced child sexual abuse attorneys in New Jersey who can discuss your available legal remedies.

New Jersey Child Sex Abuse Survivors Have More Time to File Claims

In February of 2019, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a Bill lengthening the statute of limitations for childhood sex abuse survivors.

This law effectively allows increased time for survivors of childhood sex abuse to file civil lawsuits against their abusers and the negligent institutions that harbored these perpetrators. Prior to this legislation, the statute of limitations in New Jersey only allowed survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits against their abusers up until they were 20 years old (or two years after they first became aware of the abuse).
(Blog PostMore Time to File Claims)

The new law, which will take effect in December of 2019, allows victims of childhood sex abuse to file civil lawsuits against their abusers until the victims turn 55 years of age or until seven years has passed from when they first realized they had been abused. Of particular importance, this law also allows individuals who were previously barred from suing, two years to pursue their legal remedies.

new jersey sex abuseThis new legislation comes at a particularly volatile period of time in New Jersey as more victims of childhood sexual abuse by predators in the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts, and the medical community have recently brought their abuses to light. In February of this year, the Newark, New Jersey Catholic Archdioceses released a comprehensive list of all clergy members who had been credibly accused of childhood sexual abuse. One of the most prominent figures on that list of predatory priests was a former Cardinal, Theodore McCarrick. He retired as Archbishop of Washington, D.C. after serving as Head of the Archdiocese of Newark for years. In 2018, he resigned from the College of Cardinals after he was found guilty by the Holy See of abusing two minor boys.

The Archdiocese of Newark objected to portions of the Bill but did comment that it believed in restoring justice to victims of sexual abuse in New Jersey. Previously, the state’s Catholic Conference had argued that the statute of limitations should not be extended to institutions and that only individual predators in the Church should face Civil Actions for past abuses. While the Governor did recognize the significant financial concerns of organizations like the Boy Scouts and the Catholic Church, he stressed the greater importance of protecting children from future abuse and the responsibility the state had to victims of past abuse.

How the Catholic Church Intends to Compensate Victims of Abuse

To help victims of childhood sexual abuse with their recoveries, the five Catholic Dioceses in New Jersey have set up a Compensation Fund for victims. This fund offers victims a faster way to obtain compensation for the harm they have suffered, with a much lower level of proof required than in a traditional Court of Law. There is no discovery process and no press. The facts of the abuse are not made public, and victims are offered money to compensate them for the harm and suffering they have endured. Victims who participate in the fund are not allowed to file lawsuits, and the names of their abusers are not required to be released to the public. Obviously, these claims will not be paid at full value, and consultation with a knowledgeable lawyer should take place before any claimant enters into this program.

When You Need Justice

For many victims of childhood sexual abuse, receiving compensation isn’t all that is necessary in order for them to achieve closure. In order to fully heal from their abuse, and the trauma they have suffered, many victims choose to pursue Civil Actions against their abusers. By filing lawsuits, survivors of childhood abuse can not only obtain compensation for themselves but can help shine the spotlight of justice on the hidden abuses of the past and protect children in the future from suffering the same fate they endured. Survivors often find closure in knowing they have held their abusers accountable. If you have suffered childhood sexual abuse in New Jersey, you now have more time to choose the legal path that is best for you. Whether you choose to seek compensation through the Catholic Compensation Fund, or you wish to file a civil lawsuit against your abuser, we can assist you with either process to achieve your goals.

A Legacy of Successful Legal Representation for Victims of Sexual Abuse

In litigation that drew media attention from around the world, Slade McLaughlin & Paul Lauricella Successfully Represented 12 of the 35 victims of Sexual Abuse in the Penn State/Jerry Sandusky Scandal

The individual settlement amounts remain confidential, but several clients were placed in the top monetary category of the claims against Penn State.

Slade McLaughlin and Paul Lauricella represent “Billy Doe” in civil litigation against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia for covering up and enabling child molesters to gain access to Catholic school students.

Slade McLaughlin and Paul Lauricella have personally represented clients who were sexually abused, molested, or raped by:

  • Coaches.
  • Daycare providers.
  • Teachers.
  • Priests, clergy, ministers, or religious leaders and volunteers.
  • Nursing home staff or residents.
  • Therapists, counselors, physicians, and other professionals.

Sexual Assault Lawyers – Aiding Child Abuse Victims in New Jersey

Talk To A LawyerIf you or a loved one has been the victim of child sexual assault, contact a proven advocate for child sexual abuse victims in New Jersey. The team at McLaughlin & Lauricella has handled these highly emotional cases before and understands the unique, complicated issues involved. Reach out to our attorneys by calling 856-380-3999 or contact us by email, to find out what sort of help we can provide for you.