Sexual Assault Lawyer
SEXUAL ASSUALT LAWYER BROOKLN, NY
Your pain, your trauma, and your story deserve to be taken seriously. Sexual assault is not only a crime, it is a civil wrong that entitles survivors to pursue financial compensation from the perpetrator and, in many cases, from the institutions, property owners, and employers who failed to prevent it. A civil lawsuit is entirely separate from any criminal case and puts the power of accountability directly in your hands.
Our Brooklyn attorneys handle sexual assault civil claims with the highest level of discretion, sensitivity, and determination. We have been fighting for survivors since 2008 and we understand the courage it takes to come forward. You will never be judged, you will never be pressured, and you pay nothing unless we win.
$45M+
RECOVERED FOR CLIENTS
2008
ESTABLISHED IN BROOKLYN
$0
FEE UNLESS WE WIN
Your Rights
Understanding Your Right to File a Civil Claim
Many survivors do not know that they have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit completely independent of any criminal charges or investigation. Here is what you should know.
A Civil Case Is Separate from a Criminal Case
You do not need a criminal conviction, a police report, or an ongoing investigation to file a civil lawsuit. The standard of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case, and you are in control of whether and when to pursue it.
You Can Sue Third Parties, Not Just the Perpetrator
In many cases, institutions, employers, schools, landlords, hotels, transportation companies, and other third parties can be held liable for failing to prevent an assault or creating the conditions that allowed it to happen.
Confidentiality Can Be Protected
Our attorneys will take every available step to protect your privacy throughout the legal process, including pursuing protective orders and limiting public disclosure of sensitive information wherever possible.
You Set the Pace
We follow your lead. Our attorneys will never pressure you to move faster than you are ready. We are here to inform you of your options and support you through every decision you make.
Contact Our Office When You Are Ready
There is no obligation and no pressure. When you are ready to speak with someone, we are here to listen and advise you with complete confidentiality.
Common Causes
Who Else Can Be Held Responsible?
Beyond the individual perpetrator, our attorneys investigate whether any institution or third party bears responsibility for allowing the assault to occur. Liable third parties may include:
Negligent Employers and Workplaces
Employers who fail to screen employees, ignore complaints, or create environments where harassment and assault go unchecked can be held liable for assaults that occur in the workplace or during the course of employment.
Schools and Universities
Educational institutions have a legal duty to protect students from sexual misconduct. Schools that ignore complaints, mishandle investigations, or fail to remove known offenders may face institutional liability.
Hotels and Short-Term Rentals
Property owners and hotel operators who fail to provide adequate security, allow unauthorized access to rooms, or ignore prior incidents of assault on the premises can be held accountable for attacks that occur on their property.
Rideshare and Transportation Companies
Companies like Uber and Lyft have a duty to screen their drivers and protect passengers. When a driver commits an assault, the platform may share liability for its failure to prevent it.
Nursing Homes and Care Facilities
Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are among the most vulnerable to sexual abuse. Facilities that fail to protect residents or cover up incidents of abuse face serious civil liability.
Religious and Youth Organizations
Churches, youth groups, sports organizations, and other institutions that enable or conceal sexual abuse by those in positions of authority over children and young adults can be held liable under New York law.
Injuries We Handle
The Harm We Help Survivors Address
Sexual assault causes harm that extends far beyond physical injury. Our attorneys pursue compensation for the full range of harm survivors experience.
- Physical injuries from the assault
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Sleep disorders and chronic pain
- Loss of relationships and intimacy
- Diminished quality of life
- Costs of therapy and ongoing mental health treatment
- Lost wages due to psychological impact
- Harm suffered by minors and their families
Your Recovery
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Civil sexual assault claims in New York allow survivors to pursue a wide range of damages from the perpetrator and any liable third parties. Compensation is intended to address both the tangible and intangible harm caused by the assault.
- Medical and emergency care expenses
- Costs of ongoing therapy and counseling
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Future treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the assault
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium and intimacy
Why Cherny & Podolsky
Brooklyn's Trusted Sexual Assault Civil Litigation Firm Since 2008
We Handle These Cases with Complete Discretion
We understand the deeply personal nature of sexual assault cases. Every member of our team is committed to treating survivors with dignity, respect, and confidentiality from the first call through the final resolution.
We Pursue Every Liable Party
The individual perpetrator is not always the only party responsible. Our attorneys investigate institutions, employers, and property owners to identify every source of liability and maximize the compensation available to you.
Over $45 Million Recovered
Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injured and harmed clients throughout Brooklyn and the greater New York area.
Locally Rooted in Brooklyn
We are a Brooklyn law firm at 2681 East 14th Street, not a national referral service. We know the local courts and the legal landscape governing civil sexual assault claims in New York.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all sexual assault civil cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you.
Direct Attorney Access
You will work directly with your attorney throughout the entire process. No paralegals, no case managers, no runaround. Consistent, compassionate legal counsel from start to finish.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a police report to pursue a civil lawsuit?
No. A police report is not required to file a civil sexual assault claim in New York. The civil and criminal legal systems are entirely separate. You have the right to pursue civil compensation regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed, are pending, or were declined. Many survivors choose to pursue only the civil route, and that is entirely valid.
How long do I have to file a sexual assault civil lawsuit in New York?
New York’s Adult Survivors Act and the Child Victims Act have significantly expanded the time survivors have to file civil claims for sexual assault. Deadlines vary depending on your age at the time of the assault, when it occurred, and who the defendant is. These laws have opened new windows of opportunity for survivors who previously believed their time to file had expired. Contact our office as soon as possible to understand the specific deadlines that apply to your situation.
Can I sue the institution where the assault occurred even if the perpetrator worked there?
Yes. Institutions including employers, schools, churches, and care facilities can be held liable under theories of negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention, and premises liability. If the institution knew or should have known about prior incidents or warning signs and failed to act, their liability can be substantial. These institutional claims are often where the largest recoveries come from.
Will my identity be made public if I file a civil lawsuit?
We take every available step to protect your privacy. This can include filing under a pseudonym, seeking protective orders from the court, and limiting the disclosure of identifying information in court filings. The extent to which privacy can be maintained depends on the specific facts of your case, but protecting your confidentiality is always a priority for our team.
What if the assault happened years ago?
Recent changes to New York law, including the Adult Survivors Act and the Child Victims Act, have created new legal windows for survivors to file claims that would previously have been time-barred. Even if you believe too much time has passed, contact our office to discuss whether a filing window applies to your situation. We will give you an honest assessment of your options.
What if I am not sure I am ready to file?
You do not have to make any decisions right now. Our consultations are completely free, confidential, and carry no obligation. Speaking with an attorney is simply an opportunity to understand your rights and your options so that when you are ready, you can make an informed decision. We are here whenever you choose to reach out.
You Deserve Justice and You Deserve Support
You do not have to face this alone. Our attorneys are ready to listen, advise, and fight for you with complete confidentiality and genuine compassion. There is no pressure, no judgment, and no upfront cost.
Call us today for a free and fully confidential consultation. We will answer every question you have and walk you through your options at whatever pace feels right for you.
