Paterson Sexual Abuse Lawyer

As a survivor of sexual abuse, our Paterson, NJ, sexual abuse lawyers understand that you may feel hopeless after the abuse. But our legal team is here to tell you that’s not the case. We’re here to help you get justice for your pain. 

At Morelli Law Firm, we’ve recovered over $1 billion in settlements using our over 40 years of combined experience. Our Paterson personal injury lawyers are ready to collect evidence to prove your abuser’s wrongdoing and hold them accountable.

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is a deeply distressing and unlawful act that violates a person’s autonomy, dignity, and consent. If you’ve experienced any of these acts, our sexual abuse lawyers in Paterson, NJ, can help you: 

Non-Consensual Sexual Contact

Non-consensual sexual contact refers to any form of sexual activity or touching that occurs without the explicit and voluntary consent of all parties involved. This includes acts such as:

• Rape: The penetration, no matter how slight, of any body part or object without consent.
• Sexual assault: Any non-consensual sexual contact or penetration.
• Forced fondling: Unwanted touching of intimate body parts without consent.

Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation involves the manipulation, coercion, or abuse of power to force or manipulate an individual into engaging in sexual acts. This can include:

• Child sexual abuse: Any sexual activity involving a minor, whether physical, verbal, or visual, including molestation, exploitation, or grooming.
• Sex trafficking: The recruitment, transportation, or harboring of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
• Sexual harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating environment. Reporting sexual harassment is the first step toward building a strong legal case.

Intimate Partner Sexual Abuse

Intimate partner sexual abuse occurs when someone within a romantic or intimate relationship engages in non-consensual sexual acts. These include:

• Marital rape: Sexual intercourse without the explicit consent of the spouse or partner.
• Coerced sexual acts: Forcing or pressuring a partner to engage in sexual acts against their will.
• Sexual coercion: Manipulating or threatening a partner to engage in sexual activity against their wishes.

How Long do You Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim?

If you’re a survivor of child sexual abuse, you have until you are 55 years old to file a sexual abuse claim. If the abuse occured when you were 18 or older, you have two years from the abuse to file a claim under New Jersey’s personal injury statute of limitations.

However, some details in your case could change the deadline you have to file. To get the most accurate filing time limit, you can meet with our Paterson, NJ, sexual abuse lawyers in a free consultation.

What Damages Can You Recover After Sexual Abuse in New Jersey?

If you’re a survivor, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered. A skilled lawyer at Morelli Law Firm can help you pursue a legal claim and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Here is an overview of the potential damages you can recover in New Jersey:

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate you for the financial losses resulting from the sexual abuse. These damages may include:

• Medical expenses: Reimbursement for past and future medical costs related to the abuse, including hospital bills, therapy sessions, medications, surgeries, and any other necessary medical treatments.
• Counseling and therapy: Compensation for the costs associated with seeking counseling and therapy services to address the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse.
• Lost wages: Compensation for the income you have lost due to the abuse, including any past wages, lost as a result of your inability to work or attend to your usual duties.
• Diminished earning capacity: If the abuse has affected your ability to earn income in the future, you may be eligible to seek compensation for the potential earnings you may have lost.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages aim to compensate you for the non-monetary harm caused by sexual abuse. These damages may include:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain, trauma, and distress resulting from the abuse.
• Mental anguish: Damages awarded for psychological and emotional suffering, including anxiety, depression, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and other related conditions.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the negative impact the abuse has had on your ability to enjoy life’s activities, relationships, and overall well-being.
• Loss of consortium: If the abuse has affected your relationship with a spouse or partner, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy.

How Much does It Cost to Hire a Paterson, NJ, Sexual Abuse Attorney

We understand that seeking justice for sexual abuse can be a challenging process. To alleviate some of the financial burdens, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that our fees are contingent upon successfully recovering compensation for you. 

You won’t have to pay any upfront fees or retainers if we don’t win your case. If we do win, we’ll take a percentage of your settlement to pay for our costs. While our contingency fee arrangement helps minimize your financial risk, it’s important to note that there may still be some out-of-pocket costs associated with your case. 

These costs can include expenses such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record retrieval, investigation costs, and other necessary resources to build a strong case. Rest assured, we will discuss these potential costs with you upfront and keep you informed throughout the process. We strive to be transparent about any expected expenses, ensuring that you are fully aware of the financial aspects of your case from the beginning. 

Contact Our Paterson, NJ, Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today

At Morelli Law Firm, we can help you after you’ve experienced sexual abuse. We’re here to recover the compensation you qualify for from your abuser and any other third parties.

Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our sexual abuse lawyers in Paterson, NJ.