Video thumbnail for 3fw630rbto ►

Sexual assault cases need three things.

check icon

Evidence of the alleged assault

check icon

An identifiable perpetrator or responsible party

check icon

Demonstrable harm

Ways Sexual Assault Can Affect Survivors

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, or heightened fear that can interfere with daily life and emotional well-being.

Depression and Emotional Distress

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger, shame, or isolation may develop or continue long after the assault.

Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Survivors may experience persistent anxiety, panic attacks, or an ongoing sense of danger, even in places or situations that once felt safe.

Loss of Trust

Sexual assault can make it difficult for survivors to trust others, feel secure around people, or rely on individuals and institutions for support.

Relationship and Intimacy Challenges

Trauma may affect a survivor’s comfort with physical contact, emotional vulnerability, boundaries, and intimate relationships.

Shame, Guilt, and Self-Blame

Survivors may unfairly blame themselves or struggle with shame, even though responsibility always belongs to the person who committed the assault.

Sleep Disturbances

Nightmares, insomnia, and difficulty feeling safe enough to sleep can affect a survivor’s health, concentration, and daily functioning.

Substance Use and Harmful Coping Behaviors

Some survivors may turn to drugs, alcohol, isolation, or other harmful behaviors to cope with painful memories and emotional distress.

Self-Esteem and Identity Struggles

Sexual assault can affect a survivor’s confidence, sense of self-worth, personal identity, and feeling of control over their life.

Physical and Stress-Related Health Issues

Survivors may experience physical injuries, chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, or other trauma-related health concerns.

It's easy to get started.

The Fee Is Free®.
Only pay if we win.

  • Number 1
    Submit your claim
    With a free case evaluation, submitting your case is easy with Morgan & Morgan.
  • Number 2
    We take action
    Our dedicated team gets to work investigating your claim.
  • Number 3
    We fight for you
    If we take on the case, our team fights to get you the results you deserve.

In Their Words

Real clients share their experience.

When it came to negotiating, they didn't just settle for anything. They definitely went to the bat for me.

Lashondra
lashondra
Wistia

They took care of me, and now we're doing okay. Thank God that I went to Morgan & Morgan.

Ray
Video thumbnail for ordsi98jme
Wistia

The company handled absolutely everything from start to finish.

Sean
image of sean
Wistia

Lashondra

lashondra

Ray

Video thumbnail for ordsi98jme

Sean

image of sean
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Based on select nationwide reviews.
FAQ

  • What is the new NYC law about sex-abuse lawsuits?

    The New York City Council recently approved legislation that restores survivors’ ability to bring civil claims under the City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA). The law reopens a one-year “lookback” window so certain survivors of sex abuse and other gender-motivated violence can file lawsuits again, even if the abuse happened years or decades ago or if their prior GMVA case was dismissed after a recent court ruling.

  • Could I have a case under this reopened window?

    You may qualify if you suffered gender-motivated violence or sexual abuse connected to New York City and:

    • You were abused in a city-run institution or another facility or program in NYC (such as a juvenile facility, hospital, school, or other organization), or
    • An individual abuser and an institution or entity played a role in allowing the abuse to occur, and
    • Your case was previously dismissed under a narrow interpretation of the GMVA, or you were told you were out of time to file.

    Even if the abuse happened long ago or you have never filed a lawsuit before, the new lookback window may give you another chance to seek civil justice.

    There is no cost upfront to speak with us, and we only receive a fee if we recover money for you.

  • What steps should I take now?

    You do not need to have every detail or document before reaching out. To get started, it can help to:

    • Fill out our quick online case evaluation form with as much information as you feel comfortable sharing
    • Save any letters, emails, or legal paperwork you have received about past cases, dismissals, or investigations
    • Avoid signing any releases or settlement documents or discussing your case with representatives of the institution before speaking with an attorney

    Once you contact us, we can walk you through the next steps and what to expect.

  • Is there a time limit to act under this law?

    Yes. Even with the reopened lookback window, there are still strict deadlines. The legislation creates a limited one-year period for certain survivors to file or re-file GMVA claims that might otherwise be time-barred. Other statutes of limitations may also apply depending on the details of your case. Because these timelines are complex and may change as courts interpret the law, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so we can evaluate your deadlines and protect your ability to bring a claim. Filling out our free case evaluation form only takes a few minutes and does not obligate you to proceed.

  • How can Morgan & Morgan help me?

    We provide:

    • Free, confidential case evaluations
    • Step-by-step guidance to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation
    • Compassionate, victim-focused support throughout the process
Scroll down for more