Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.Frequently asked questions
Can I still file a lawsuit if the abuse happened years ago?
Possibly, yes. Under CPLR 214-g (New York's Child Victims Act), survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until age 55 — or within 2.5 years of discovering the abuse caused psychological or physical harm — to file a civil claim. If you are unsure whether your window is still open, a referral to Banville Law can help clarify your options.
Does the camp have to have known about the abuse for me to have a case?
Not necessarily. Camps can be held liable under theories of negligent hiring, negligent supervision, or negligent retention — meaning they may be responsible if they failed to properly screen or oversee staff, even if they claim they were unaware of what happened.
Does filing a civil lawsuit mean I have to go to court?
Not always. Many civil cases resolve before trial, and you decide the pace at which you move forward — there is no obligation to proceed until you are ready. Every conversation with Banville Law is protected by attorney-client privilege.
What if I am not ready to talk about the details yet?
That is completely understandable — coming forward takes courage, and there is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with at any stage. If you need immediate support, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673) is free, confidential, and available 24/7.