Buffalo Clergy Abuse Attorneys

New York’s Child Victims Act gives expanded rights to survivors of sexual abuse by extending the statute of limitations for bringing a claim.  This applies to both civil and criminal claims against priests, teachers, counselors, and anyone else who has committed sexual abuse. The Child Victim’s Act will also provide all abuse survivors, regardless of their current age, until August 21, 2021 to bring legal action against their abusers. Beginning on August 14, 2019, even those that were previously time-barred by the statute of limitations can file claims even if their abusers have died. The United States Bankruptcy Court, however has set a deadline of November 16, 2020 for filing bankruptcy claims against the Boy Scouts of America. When this time is up on August 21, 2021 In recognition of the fact that many victims have already been forced to wait years for access to the justice system, the new law will give trial preference to revived cases.  Judges will also be required to undergo additional training concerning crimes involving sexual abuse of minors. The Child Victim’s Act will also treat public and private entities equally by removing current notice of claim provisions for public entities and further clarifying that both entities are subject to the one-year look-back window. When this  time  is up on August 21, 2021, however, so is the opportunity to bring certain claims.  Furthermore, the  window may be significantly shortened if a defendant (such as a diocese or the Boy Scouts) declares bankruptcy.  It is incredibly important, therefore, to contact an attorney as soon as possible to learn about your options since your time to file a claim may be limited.