The clock is ticking. A landmark date will soon be upon us. Starting in mid-August, adult Victims of Childhood Sex Abuse can begin filing claims against their abusers and the organizations that harbored them.

The one-year window is a result of the Child Victims Act, a groundbreaking state law that went into effect last February. It grants victims a limited period of time to seek justice on claims that would otherwise be time-barred under the statute of limitations.

Which organizations will be on the hook?

Hundreds, if not thousands, of victims are expected to come forward with lawsuits. The most prominent target, by far, will be the Catholic Church. Anticipating the flood of litigation, the New York Archdiocese has taken steps to secure insurance coverage so it can pay out claims.

However, the Catholic Church isn’t the only culprit. The legislation allows for claims against any individual, institution or organization — public or private, religious or secular, for-profit or not. This means claims will also likely surface against:

• Public and private schools
• Churches and religious groups
• Boy Scouts, the YMCA and other youth organizations
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Child care centers

Child Sex Abuse is sadly widespread across all types of organizations, and this window will provide a valuable opportunity to root it out.

Wondering if you have a claim?

The sooner you seek legal help, the better. Once the deadline closes for the one-year window, adults with time-barred claims will no longer have access to the courts.

At Tolmage, Peskin, Harris, Falick, our legal team can walk you through your options. We provide knowledgeable, sensitive guidance. Reach out today for a free case review.