On May 24, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the New York Adult Survivors Act, creating a one-year window, between November 24, 2022 and November 24, 2023, for adult victims of sexual offenses to seek civil justice for crimes previously committed against them.
The Act amends New York’s statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to certain sexual offenses that have been committed against adults who were 18 years or older at the time. Sexual offenses are contained within theNew York penal law and include forcible touching, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and rape.
During this one-year window, victims of sexual assault who were 18 years or older at the time of the assault will be permitted to file a lawsuit against the wrongdoers no matter how long ago the assault occurred.
Importantly, the Act allows victims to bring claims not only against the individual perpetrator(s) of the offense but also against an institution, including the victim’s employer, for negligent or intentional acts.
If you or someone you know was a victim of a sexual offense, please know that, under this law, the window to bring legal action against those responsible and achieve justice for yourself or a loved one will soon be open, but only for a one-year period. We at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, would welcome the opportunity to help you. Please fill out our contact form or call us at (914) 288-9191.
