Sexual Harassment

Sexual Assault Lawyers in New York

Civil Claims for Survivors & From a Firm Built for High-Stakes Litigation

A criminal case and a civil lawsuit are separate legal proceedings. Regardless of whether a perpetrator is arrested, charged, or convicted, survivors of sexual assault in New York have the right to pursue financial compensation through a civil claim. That claim is decided by a preponderance of the evidence, which is a lower burden of proof than the criminal standard. It can hold not only the perpetrator but also property owners, employers, and institutions financially accountable.

Godosky & Gentile has represented New Yorkers in high-stakes personal injury litigation since 1995. Our trial lawyers bring over a century of combined legal experience to every case, and our team includes a former judge who understands firsthand how New York courts evaluate misconduct and damages. Lawyers and judges across New York City have trusted us for their own legal representation. That level of peer confidence reflects our standing in the New York legal community. We hold Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent ratings, and our attorneys have been named Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. Record verdicts include a $65 million award in a medical malpractice matter and a $25 million verdict in an excessive force case. We bring that same courtroom force to civil sexual assault claims.

We collect no legal fees unless we obtain a verdict or settlement on your behalf.

Contact Godosky & Gentile or call (212) 742-9706 for a free consultation, available 24/7. Hablamos español.

Types of Sexual Assault Civil Cases We Handle in New York

Sexual assault civil claims arise in a wide range of settings. A perpetrator may be a stranger, an acquaintance, a coworker, a supervisor, a medical provider, clergy, or another person in a position of authority or trust. A civil lawsuit can name multiple defendants, allowing survivors to pursue every available source of compensation.

Third-party and institutional liability frequently arises in the following settings:

Residential buildings and rental properties: Property owners and landlords have a legal duty to maintain secure premises. When inadequate security enables an assault, such as broken locks, poor lighting, or unmonitored access points, premises liability may attach to the building owner.
Workplaces: Employers may be held liable when they fail to protect employees from a known risk or don’t take appropriate action after a complaint is made.
Schools and universities: Educational institutions can face civil liability when they knew or should have known about an abuser and failed to protect students.
Religious organizations and youth groups: Institutions that concealed abuse or allowed access to vulnerable populations may be held accountable in civil court.
Healthcare settings: Hospitals and medical practices have an obligation to protect patients; assaults by providers or staff can give rise to institutional liability.
Transit: New York courts have recognized that transit operators and entities may owe a duty of care to passengers in certain circumstances.

Identifying every responsible party is one of the most consequential steps in a civil sexual assault claim. An institution with insurance coverage or significant assets can make meaningful financial recovery possible even when the perpetrator has limited resources.

New York Civil Law & Sexual Assault: Deadlines and Key Rules

New York has enacted specific statutes that give survivors meaningful time to bring civil claims. The applicable deadline depends on the claim type, the defendant, and the specific facts of the case, so consulting an attorney before assuming your options are exhausted is worthwhile.

Key statutes of limitations to know:

New York C.P.L.R. Section 213-c: Provides a 20-year civil statute of limitations for rape and certain felony-level sex offenses.
The Child Victims Act of 2019: Allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims until they turn 55, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Negligent security and third-party claims: Civil claims against property owners or other third parties typically carry a three-year statute of limitations under New York’s general personal injury rules, though specific circumstances may affect this timeline.

A civil lawsuit can proceed simultaneously with, after, or entirely independently of any criminal proceedings. A conviction isn’t required. Many New York courts also permit survivors to file using initials or a pseudonym, and courts may issue protective orders to keep sensitive details out of the public record.

If you’re uncertain whether your window to file has closed, don’t assume the answer. Speak with an attorney who handles these cases before concluding your options are gone.

Compensation Available in a New York Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit

A civil lawsuit can’t undo the trauma of an assault. What it can do is provide financial resources for recovery and a measure of accountability that the criminal system alone may not deliver. New York civil law recognizes several categories of damages in these cases.

Economic Damages

These cover quantifiable financial losses: past and future medical expenses, therapy and mental health treatment costs, lost wages, and reduced earning potential. If an assault has affected your ability to work or required ongoing care, those costs are recoverable as part of your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all compensable under New York law. These damages reflect the real human cost of what survivors experience. They are injuries that don’t appear on a medical bill but shape every part of daily life.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, New York courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future harm. They are most commonly pursued when a defendant’s behavior was especially reckless, deliberate, or predatory.

The value of any individual claim depends on the severity of the assault, the identities and financial resources of all responsible parties, and the documented impact on the survivor’s life and livelihood. Our attorneys can assess those factors and help you understand the realistic scope of your claim.

Why Choose Godosky & Gentile?

Comprehensive Legal Support
From initial consultation to final resolution, delivering top-tier representation with skill, diligence, and a results-driven approach.
Recognized Expertise
Respected trial attorneys with a reputation for winning complex cases through precision, strategy, and an unwavering pursuit of justice.
Client-Centered Advocacy
Fiercely committed to securing justice and maximum compensation—because every client deserves a powerful voice in the legal system.
Decades of Proven Results
A legacy of success in high-stakes personal injury and catastrophic accident cases, built on relentless advocacy and exceptional legal strategy.

Why Survivors Choose Godosky & Gentile for Civil Sexual Assault Cases in New York

Civil sexual assault litigation demands attorneys who know how to build liability against multiple defendants, command a courtroom, and pursue institutional accountability. We’ve done exactly that across some of New York’s most complex personal injury matters. Our record-breaking verdicts in construction accident and excessive force cases reflect the same rigorous liability and damages analysis that a civil sexual assault claim requires: identifying every responsible party, documenting the full scope of harm, and presenting a case that holds up under intense scrutiny.

Our team includes a former judge who brings an insider’s perspective on how New York courts evaluate misconduct and damages. We’re also recognized throughout the New York legal community as authorities in professional responsibility and ethics, having defended dozens of attorneys and judges before disciplinary committees. When lawyers and judges across New York City choose us for their own legal matters, it reflects a standard of trust we bring to every client we represent.

We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no legal fees unless we obtain a verdict or settlement on your behalf.

Call (212) 742-9706 or reach us online for a free, confidential consultation. Available 24/7.

Steps to Take After a Sexual Assault in New York

The decisions made in the days and weeks after an assault can significantly affect a civil claim. Here is what survivors should know.

Seek medical attention promptly. A sexual assault forensic exam preserves physical evidence, including DNA, and addresses immediate injuries. Medical records created at this stage can become critical documentation in a civil case.

Consider reporting to law enforcement. A police report creates an official record and may initiate criminal proceedings. A civil lawsuit can proceed even if you choose not to report or if no arrest is made, but a report can strengthen the documented record of the incident.

Preserve records and evidence. Photographs, medical reports, text messages, emails, and written notes about the incident, including dates, locations, and the names of any witnesses, all strengthen a civil claim. The more contemporaneous the records, the stronger their evidentiary value.

Access confidential support. The New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) provides free, confidential support 24/7 at (212) 742-9706, regardless of whether you decide to pursue legal action.

Consult a personal injury attorney. Speaking with an attorney protects your legal rights and helps ensure that important deadlines don’t pass unnoticed. Communications with your attorney are confidential, and a consultation doesn’t commit you to filing a lawsuit. It gives you information and options.

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