Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawyers (PA & NJ)
Confidential, trauma-informed civil representation. We pursue accountability against perpetrators and institutions that failed to protect.
No fee unless we win → Confidential intake.
Support Note: If you need immediate support, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE or online chat.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
Civil cases can provide accountability and financial recovery—without requiring you to do everything publicly. Many survivors pursue claims against not only the individual perpetrator, but also the organizations that enabled harm through negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to act.
The Different Types of Sexual Abuse & Assault:
Survivors of sexual abuse can file lawsuits against:
-
Edelstein Law fiercely advocates for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, holding perpetrators and institutions accountable to secure justice, healing, and meaningful compensation.
-
Clergy and religious institution abuse victims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can seek experienced legal representation at Edelstein Law to pursue justice, hold institutions accountable, and obtain compensation for lifelong physical, emotional, and financial harm.
-
If you were assaulted while using Uber or Lyft in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, Edelstein Law provides experienced, compassionate representation to pursue full compensation from drivers, platforms, and insurers.
-
Schools, camps, and youth programs must be held accountable for institutional negligence that leads to abuse, bullying, or unsafe conditions, and victims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey deserve experienced legal representation to secure justice and full compensation.
-
If you or a loved one experienced adult sexual assault by a coworker, supervisor, or other authority figure, discover your civil options — including workplace claims, Title VII and state-law suits, and personal injury or negligent hiring actions — to pursue compensation and accountability with experienced Pennsylvania and New Jersey counsel.
Sexual abuse is a criminal act, but civil lawsuits allow survivors to hold perpetrators and negligent institutions financially responsible.
Who can be held accountable in a civil case?
Survivors of sexual abuse can file lawsuits against:
✔️ Perpetrators – The individual who committed the abuse
✔️ Employers & Institutions – Schools, churches, hospitals, camps, and businesses that failed to prevent abuse
✔️ Property Owners & Landlords – Those who allowed abuse to occur on their premises
✔️ Third Parties – Organizations that enabled or turned a blind eye to abuse (e.g., ride-share services, hotels, clubs)
At Edelstein Law, we aggressively pursue all responsible parties to ensure you receive justice and financial compensation.
Evidence that can Support a Claim:
-
Detailed, contemporaneous medical and therapy notes documenting injuries, behavioral changes, disclosures, treatment plans, and clinicians’ observations provide critical, corroborative evidence to support a sexual abuse claim.
-
Reports and communications—such as school incident reports, employer/HR records, internal complaints, emails, and witness statements—create contemporaneous, corroborating evidence that can establish a pattern of abuse, show notice to responsible institutions, and strengthen a sexual abuse claim in court or settlement negotiations.
-
Witness statements and detailed timeline notes strengthen a sexual abuse claim by corroborating events, establishing patterns of behavior, preserving contemporaneous evidence, and increasing credibility with investigators, insurers, and courts.
-
Policies, training, and supervision documents are critical evidence in sexual abuse claims because they reveal negligent hiring, inadequate staff training, ignored red flags, and institutional failures to enforce safety protocols—linking organizational misconduct directly to the survivor’s harm.
-
Digital records—such as messages, logs, emails, and metadata—can provide crucial, verifiable evidence to corroborate timelines, prove patterns of abuse, and strengthen a sexual abuse claim in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Time Limits can be Strict—Don’t Guess
Statue of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims
Pennsylvania: Special civil deadlines for sexual abuse claims when the survivor was under 18 (37 years after turning 18) and additional rules for ages 18–23; many other tort claims use a two-year limitation.
New Jersey: Civil actions for minors generally within 37 years after reaching adulthood or within 7 years of discovery; for adults, within 7 years from discovery, with tolling or equitable doctrines possible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Sexual abuse or assault encompasses a range of non-consensual behaviors involving unwanted sexual contact, exploitation of trust, or coercive actions. These actions can be physical, verbal, or involve non-physical misconduct such as harassment or exploitation, often occurring in environments where the victim is particularly vulnerable. Because definitions can vary depending on New Jersey and Pennsylvania statutes, it is imperative to consult with a legal expert to determine how the law applies to your situation.
-
Victims of sexual abuse or assault may be eligible to pursue several types of compensation. This can include:
Medical Expenses: Covering immediate treatment, therapy, and ongoing health-related costs.
Economic Losses: Including loss of earnings or other financial hardships resulting from the abuse.
Pain and Suffering: Addressing both the physical and emotional toll the incident has taken on your life.
Punitive Damages: In some instances, additional damages may be considered if the conduct is proven to be especially harmful or egregious.
Every case is unique, so the specific damages available and the strategy for obtaining them depend on your circumstances. Our legal team is committed to evaluating every aspect of your situation to help secure the maximum recovery possible.
-
Deciding whether to settle or proceed to trial is a highly personalized decision that depends on multiple factors. Settlements can provide a quicker resolution and avoid the stress and uncertainty of a trial. In contrast, a court case may be the best avenue if the facts of your case require a more formal adjudication process to ensure fair compensation. Key considerations include:
The strength and availability of evidence.
The willingness of the opposing party to negotiate a fair settlement.
Personal preferences regarding a trial process's potential length, publicity, and emotional strain.
Edelstein Law attorneys will thoroughly assess the merits of your case and work with you to determine a strategy that maximizes your legal and personal interests.
You’ve been through enough
“We don’t just fight legal battles; we restore dignity, rebuild lives, and empower survivors to reclaim their narrative.”
Request a Free, Confidential Case Review:
Tell us what happened and what you’re dealing with now. We’ll respond promptly, explain your options, and outline next steps.
No fee unless we win
Fast Response
Serving Pennsylvania & New Jersey—All Counties
Prefer to call? — Philadelphia (215) 893-9311 • New Jersey (856) 809-3150
Navigation
Back to Practice Areas
Explore all case types, or start a confidential review and we’ll route you to the right practice team.
Detected: General
This page provides general information and is not legal advice.