North Bergen, NJ Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Our sexual abuse lawyers in North Bergen champion the rights of survivors in New Jersey. Sexual abuse is a serious violation that can leave lasting psychological scars and, sometimes, physical scars. Our firm helps victims get financial compensation from their abusers.

You can hold your abuser accountable under state law through a civil lawsuit. With sensitivity and professionalism, our North Bergen personal injury lawyers will provide you with the knowledge and support to pursue all available legal options.

All consultations with our lawyers are held in confidence, but you must take the first step. Contact Morelli Law Firm to request a free consultation about what happened to you. We’ll listen to your story and explain how we can help you.

Legal Options for Sexual Abuse Survivors

Navigating the legal landscape as a survivor of sexual abuse in New Jersey can feel like an impossible task. That’s why you need an advocate who can help you through the legal process of filing a civil claim against your abuser.

Victims can file civil lawsuits against perpetrators and sometimes against institutions that enable sexual abuse. Our firm assists in building strong cases to seek damages for pain and suffering, loss of income, medical costs, and other legal damages.

We understand the challenges in these cases, including gathering crucial evidence and confronting powerful defendants. Our attorneys are prepared to overcome these obstacles and help you win your claim.

What Compensation Could I Receive Through My Claim?

Victims of sexual abuse can pursue several types of damages through civil litigation, each addressing different aspects of the harm they have suffered. Which ones you’re eligible for will depend on what happened to you.

Most of the compensation will probably be through non-economic damages like mental trauma and pain and suffering. However, many sexual abuse victims also suffer medical harm. These costs could be compensated through economic damages.

Survivors of sexual abuse considering a claim should consult with a knowledgeable lawyer who can explain which types of damages could be claimed for their case. Knowing the damages is key to determining how much your case is worth.

My Sexual Abuse Happened Long Ago. Can I Still Sue?

All civil lawsuits have a deadline for filing called the statute of limitations. Beyond that time, the court will not hear your case because the evidence is too questionable. However, recent changes in New Jersey Law have greatly extended the time you have to sue.

The scars of sexual abuse can make it hard for victims to come forward. Children may not even know they were abused until much later in life. Thanks to the Child Victims Act (NJ S477) passed in 2019, child victims of sexual abuse could still hold their abusers accountable.

Here is a summary of the new limits:

• Child Victims: Until the age of 55, or within seven years of the discovery of the abuse even if it happens after age 55.
• Adult Victims: Seven years from the last abusive act or the discovery of the abuse, whichever is later.

You must file your claim within these deadlines or you will lose your opportunity to get financial compensation from your abuser. If you’re unsure about whether your case still qualifies for a lawsuit, speak with a sexual abuse lawyer in North Bergen for advice.

Filing Your Civil Claim

Understanding the legal process is crucial for survivors of sexual abuse considering a civil lawsuit. Here is how Morelli Law Firm can assist you with filing your civil claim against your abuser:

• Legal Assessment: During an in-depth initial assessment, we evaluate the viability of your claim based on the evidence and applicable statutes. This step determines whether you have a strong case and the best strategies.
• Drafting and Filing the Complaint: After gathering evidence, our legal team drafts a comprehensive complaint that details the abuse and its impacts on your life. This complaint is then filed in the appropriate New Jersey court.
• Navigating the Court System: After filing the complaint, we represent you at all court appearances and manage communications with the defendant’s lawyers. Our goal is to minimize your stress and maximize your comfort throughout the legal proceedings.

How Our Firm Can Help You

The guidance of a seasoned sexual abuse lawyer is invaluable in pursuing justice through a civil claim. Morelli Law Firm has been helping people in North Bergen with civil claims for decades. Here are some of the ways we’ll help you:

• Thorough Investigation and Documentation: One of the first steps we will take is a thorough investigation. This includes documenting all instances of abuse and gathering any physical evidence or digital communications that can substantiate your claim.
• Skillful Negotiations: Many sexual abuse cases are resolved through settlements before reaching trial. Our ability to negotiate effectively with the opposing party can result in a settlement that accurately reflects the damages you have suffered, thus avoiding the emotional strain of a trial.
• Sensitive To Your Needs: We understand the sensitivity of these matters and will work to ensure that you feel respected and empowered throughout your legal journey.

Reach Out to Morelli Law

If you have been sexually abused, even if it happened decades ago, you may still have an opportunity to hold your abuser accountable in civil court. Our North Bergen sexual abuse attorneys are ready to hear your story and explain your options.

You may be entitled to substantial compensation that can help you after what you’ve experienced. However, if you don’t come forward with your story then we cannot help you, so now is the time to reach out to our attorneys.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us at the number on your screen or use our web forms to email us. We’re ready to hear what happened and help you affirm your right to compensation in a court of law.