Buffalo Sex Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse in any circumstance is devastating to the survivors who endured it. Unfortunately, survivors are not often able to walk away from such a crime without suffering long-term consequences and side effects. Survivors of sexual abuse often suffer from trauma that can manifest into physical and mental health issues that affect multiple aspects of their life. The criminals who commit these crimes, as well as those who enabled or ignored them, may be held liable for their actions. No matter where the assault or abuse was committed or who committed it, our sex abuse law firm can help you hold them accountable for their actions.

If you were sexually abused, you may be able to recover compensation from the responsible parties. The Buffalo sex abuse lawyers at Edwards Henderson are ready to handle your case with the compassion, patience, and diligence you deserve. Contact Edwards Henderson for a free legal consultation and begin the path to justice.

How Common is Sexual Abuse in Buffalo?

Unfortunately, sexual abuse is far more prevalent than one would like to think. In New York, sexual abuse is generally recognized as any sexual contact that is unwanted by the person who is on the receiving end. This can include intercourse, touching through clothing, touching of private areas, or any other unwanted touching. Sexual abuse can be forced upon, coerced through verbal and physical threats, or inflicted upon individuals who do not fully understand consent, such as children.

According to the Buffalo Police Department, there were 1,780 rapes reported in the City of Buffalo over recent years, an average of 127 cases per year, not including other acts of sexual abuse and incidents that were not reported. In a comparative college study of sexual assault cases reported amongst 233 universities, Buffalo State College reported the fifth-highest number of incidents; 46 in one semester.

How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Abuse Case in Buffalo, NY?

The length of time you have to report a sexual abuse case in New York depends on the facts and circumstances of your case. For example, if you are pursuing a civil lawsuit against an abuser or a third party for an act that happened when you were an adult, you generally have 10 to 20 years from the date of the abuse to file a claim. If you were to pursue a case for sexual abuse that happened when you were a minor, you may have until the age of 55 to bring a civil lawsuit.

New York Adult Survivors Act

Before the New York Adult Survivors Act was passed, adult survivors of sexual abuse were only given three years from the time of their attack to file a claim for the crimes they suffered. It is hard to place a deadline on one of the most difficult, grueling experiences of a person’s life, especially when the mental trauma of such an experience can cause severe memory loss or suppression. In 2019, New York granted adult sexual abuse survivors an extension of this statute of limitations to 10 years for third-degree rape and 20 years for second-degree rape and sexual abuse, but it did not apply retroactively to older cases.

With the passing of the New York Adult Survivors Act, adult survivors of sexual abuse will finally be given the opportunity they deserve to seek justice and closure for the trauma they endured. This act will give survivors of New York a one-year “lookback window” to file any adult sexual abuse claims that have surpassed their previous statute of limitations. Under this law, any survivor who was sexually assaulted or abused as an adult will be able to file a civil lawsuit, despite how old they are or how much time has passed since the abuse. This one-year window will begin in November of 2022, so survivors are urged to seek legal consultation as soon as possible.

Why File a Buffalo Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

Sexual abuse survivors face many obstacles when living with the aftermath of the abuse. They may experience physical injuries and mental health issues that can impact other parts of their lives including financial stability, social life, professional career, and even hobbies or passions. No amount of money can ever be enough to replace all that has been lost since this devastating experience, but a sexual abuse lawsuit can give you the opportunity to seek closure and know that justice has been served. As a result, compensation may be available for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical and counseling bills, as well as any relevant lost wages.

Why Our Buffalo Sex Abuse Lawyers Are Right For You

Our Buffalo sex abuse law firm is knowledgeable and prepared to file your lawsuit and fight for you as you seek justice for the crimes committed against you. We offer free legal consultations so that we may personally speak about your experience and explain your legal options moving forward. It is of utmost importance that you are comfortable with how your case is being handled.

After a thorough review, if we take on your case we will help determine all potentially liable parties under the law. Our Buffalo sex abuse lawyers will do everything in our power to ensure that everyone responsible is held accountable for their negligence. We will also document each and every way this abuse has affected you and fight to see that you receive full compensation for all damages. If your case goes to trial, our experienced trial team will represent you and your story to seek the justice you are entitled to. Our firm has secured justice against some of the highest-profile individuals and companies in the country, and we are prepared to fight just as hard for you.

Edwards Henderson is Here to Help Buffalo Sexual Abuse Victims

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse in the Buffalo area and you are ready to tell your story, the Buffalo sexual abuse attorneys at Edwards Henderson are committed to helping you get the justice you deserve. Our team of compassionate, experienced lawyers is nationally recognized and trusted. With the New York Adult Survivors Act’s one-year look-back window quickly approaching, please contact Edwards Henderson as soon as possible for your free legal consultation. We are prepared to fight for you.

Edwards Henderson is a nationally-recognized powerhouse litigation firm, dedicated to providing its clients with the highest quality legal services and, at the same time, making substantial, positive changes for the common good.

We are skilled litigators and experienced trial attorneys who have effectively pursued civil lawsuits against some of the most powerful individuals, organizations and big businesses on behalf of people, victims and small businesses. In fact, we specialize in handling cases where the power differential is greatest and we can use our experience and resources to even the playing field. Our recent trial results speak for themselves.