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Can You Sue for School Sexual Abuse in New York?

Yes — survivors can sue a school for sexual abuse in New York; civil claims hold institutions accountable independent of any criminal case.

Laurence P. Banville Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq. Last updated June 2026
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Laurence P. Banville, New York personal injury attorney
Laurence P. Banville Managing Partner · NY & D.C. Bars

Frequently asked questions

Can I still file if the abuse happened years ago?

Under New York’s Child Victims Act (CPLR 214-g), survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit until age 55, or within 2.5 years of discovering that the abuse caused psychological or physical injury — whichever is later. Many survivors have valid claims even decades after the abuse occurred.

Does a civil lawsuit mean I have to go to court?

Most civil sexual abuse cases are resolved before trial, and you decide how involved you want to be at every step. A lawsuit is about holding the institution accountable on your terms, at your pace — there is no obligation to proceed in any particular way.

What if the school denies the abuse occurred?

Civil liability does not depend on the school admitting fault. Attorneys can pursue claims of negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and negligent retention — legal theories that focus on the institution’s failure to protect students, not solely on the perpetrator’s actions.

Is my conversation with Banville Law confidential?

Yes — every conversation is protected by attorney-client privilege from the moment you reach out. Nothing you share is disclosed without your consent, and speaking with an attorney does not obligate you to file a lawsuit.

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Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Laurence P. Banville

Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.

Managing Partner, Banville Law · New York & D.C. Bars

Laurence Banville is a New York personal injury attorney and the Managing Partner of Banville Law. Born in County Wexford, Ireland, he earned his law degree summa cum laude from University College Dublin and once defended insurance companies in product-liability litigation — experience he now uses for injured New Yorkers. He has been named to the Irish Legal 100 and the Irish Echo’s Top 40 Under 40, and is an AVVO Rated attorney.

NY Bar D.C. Bar Irish Legal 100 AVVO Rated AAJ Member

Read Laurence’s full bio →

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Laurence P. Banville, Esq., New York personal injury attorney
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