Sexual Abuse Claims

Do You Need Help with A New Jersey Sexual Abuse Claim?

If you or a loved one have been sexually abused, you may be feeling a range of intense emotions, including shock, pain, and betrayal. It can be difficult to know what to do next or where to turn for help.

At Garces Grabler and Associates, our sexual abuse attorneys are here to help. We understand the gravity of what you’re going through, and we will work tirelessly to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.

Don’t suffer in silence – contact our office today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.

Justice for Victims of Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault

At Garces Grabler and Associates, we focus our practice on representing survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse. We want to bring these perpetrators to justice and hold the institutions that failed to prevent these attacks accountable for their inaction.

Our sexual assault attorneys work to recover compensation for victims in a wide variety of cases, including:

• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Child sexual abuse
• Institutional sexual abuse

No one should have to go through this ordeal alone. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys will fight for you, and help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Extended Statute of Limitations for NJ Sexual Abuse Claims

New Jersey victims of sexual abuse now have more time to file civil lawsuits against their alleged abusers, thanks to a new law that took effect December 1, 2019.

The law, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, features the following reform measures:

• A two-year window from enactment for the filing of any civil sexual abuse claim, regardless of when the abuse took place
• Child victims will be able to make claims until they turn 55
• All victims will be able to make claims within seven years of discovering the damage it caused them

It can sometimes take years or even decades for a person who was abused to acknowledge the damage it caused them. The extended statute of limitations will give victims the time they need to come forward and seek justice.

Institutional Sexual Abuse Coverups

Organizations that cover up sexual abuse are not only complicit in the crimes, but also the continued suffering of the victims. The pattern of ignoring or denying abuse, and then transferring the offender to another location without reporting the crimes to authorities, enables abusers to continue their crimes unabated. This puts more innocent people at risk and furthers the trauma of those who have already been victimized.

Organizations that engage in coverups are typically more concerned with protecting their reputation than they are with doing what is right. This is evident in the way that they often try to sweep the issue under the rug and downplay the severity of the abuse. It is also clear in their reluctance to report the crimes to authorities or take any meaningful action to prevent future abuse from occurring.

This type of behavior is unacceptable and must be addressed. Organizations that cover up sexual abuse need to be held accountable for their actions. Victims deserve justice, and perpetrators need to be brought to justice. Only then can healing begin.

Understanding Criminal vs Civil Court

There are two different types of court proceedings in child sex abuse cases: criminal and civil. Criminal charges are brought by the state, and a conviction can make it easier to prove liability in a civil case.

Civil lawsuits are filed by the victim or parents of the victim, and they allow you to hold the abuser liable for the abuse. We can help you understand the complexities of these cases and help you make the right decision.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Child Sexual Abuse?

The abuser will be named as the defendant in a civil court case. However, anyone who was in a position to prevent the abuse or had a legal obligation to do so can also be held liable in a civil lawsuit.

This may include:

• Parents (if the alleged abuser is a minor)
• Daycare providers
• Churches or religious organizations
• Schools or their employees
• Employer of the alleged abuser.

What Must Be Proved in a Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

In a lawsuit alleging sex abuse, the plaintiff must show the extent of the harm suffered. This can include physical injuries, emotional trauma, anxiety, and other short-term and long-term effects of the abuse. The abuser's liability must be proven "by a preponderance of the evidence," which is a lower standard than in a criminal case. This means that it must be proven that it was more likely than not that the abuser committed the alleged abuse.

What Evidence is Required to Prove a New Jersey Sexual Abuse Case?

If you or someone you love has been sexually abused in New Jersey, it is important to understand what evidence may be required to prove your case. Depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case, different types of evidence may be necessary to establish liability and obtain compensation.

Some of the most common types of evidence used in sexual abuse cases include:

• Medical records and billing statements.
• Police reports.
• Witness statements from family, friends, or others who may have witnessed the abuse or been told about it by the victim.
• Physical evidence, such as clothing or bedding that may have been stained with semen, blood, or other bodily fluids.
• Photographs or videos of the victim taken by the abuser or found in the abuser's possession.
• Text messages, emails, or social media messages are sent by the abuser to the victim or others.
• Any other type of evidence that may be relevant to the case.

If you have been sexually abused, it is important to preserve as much evidence as possible. This can be difficult to do if you are still in contact with your abuser, but it is important to try to collect and save any evidence that may be helpful to your case. You should also keep a journal detailing the abuse, including dates, times, locations, and any other relevant information. This journal can be used as evidence in your case.

If you have been sexually abused, you should contact an experienced sexual abuse lawyer to discuss your case and learn more about what evidence may be necessary to prove your claim.

Should You File a Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

This is a very personal question that only you can answer with the help of an experienced lawyer. During a civil lawsuit, you will be asked to revisit painful memories of the abuse and open your life to be scrutinized by the opposing party’s attorneys.

The first step in deciding whether a civil case is the right course of action for you and your family is to sit down with one of our experienced lawyers to discuss your case and fully understand your legal options. Only then can you make an informed decision about whether a civil lawsuit is right for you.

How much will a New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorney Cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much a New Jersey sexual abuse attorney will cost. The specific fee arrangement will depend on the individual lawyer and the facts of your case. However, many sexual abuse attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you recover compensation in your case.

You may also be responsible for some out-of-pocket costs associated with your cases, such as the cost of filing fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses. Your lawyer will typically advance these costs on your behalf and deduct them from any settlement or jury award you receive.

If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, it is important to seek experienced legal representation.

The dedicated sexual abuse attorneys at our firm are here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and determine the best course of action moving forward.

How can a New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorney assist with my case?

An experienced New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorney can assist in a victim's case by providing guidance and support throughout the legal process. An attorney can help victims navigate the criminal justice system, file police reports, obtain restraining orders, and seek compensation from their abusers. Additionally, an attorney can help connect victims with resources such as counselors and therapists who can provide support and assistance.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, it is important to seek the help of an experienced New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorney. An attorney can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate the legal process and seek justice for the victims.

Additionally, an attorney can help connect victims with resources such as counselors and therapists who can provide support and assistance. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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