Pain and Suffering Compensation For Sexual Abuse Victims in New Jersey

Under New Jersey law, the types of damages that are available in child sexual abuse cases are similar to those available in any type of personal injury case. As with most civil lawsuits, damages are usually divided into two main groups: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages, also known as actual or compensatory damages, are those losses that can be directly attributed to the civil wrong. In the case of a sexual assault, economic damages may include payment for medical expenses and lost wages due to time missed from work for medical treatment or therapy, or for any long-term disability resulting from the attack that limits the victim's ability to work.

I work with all survivors of childhood sexual abuse on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay any attorney fees unless I successfully obtain a recovery for you.

To the extent medical treatment, therapy or lost wages can be calculated into the future, these amounts may be recoverable as well.

The law also recognizes the legitimacy of non-economic damages — injuries that may not have a definite cost attached but which are suffered by the injured party nonetheless. This includes pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress.

New Jersey Sexual Abuse Victim Compensation Claim Attorney

The Law Office of Daniel B. Shapiro in Montclair, New Jersey, helps survivors of childhood sexual abuse identify the facts of the assault and the parties involved, and analyzes liability and ultimately damages. Although the damages suffered by a sexual abuse victim are not always tangible, they are no less real and can often be particularly difficult to assess and treat. Properly evaluating the psychological condition of a child or adult victimized by sexual assault is critical.

It may be appropriate to seek damages for loss of childhood or failure to fulfill potential. The amount that is recoverable depends upon many factors, including the severity of the injury and the egregiousness of the defendant's conduct that led to the abuse.

Damages can be sought from individuals who perpetrated the sexual abuse, as well as an institution that enabled the abuser, including schools, churches, hospitals, and clubs or organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and you have questions about pursuing a civil lawsuit, I invite you to call 973-746-8662 or email me to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a lawyer who has extensive experience working with others who have been through similar tragedies.