Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between reporting to police and filing a civil lawsuit?
A criminal report asks the state to prosecute the coach, while a civil lawsuit holds the coach and the sports organization financially accountable for failing to protect you. You can pursue one, both, or neither — the choice is yours.
Can I still file a civil lawsuit if the abuse happened when I was a child?
Under New York’s Child Victims Act (CPLR 214-g), survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file civil claims until age 55, or within 2.5 years of discovering the abuse caused lasting psychological or physical injury. Many survivors still have time to act.
What if the sports organization says they didn’t know the abuse was happening?
Organizations can be held liable under theories of negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and negligent retention — even if they claim they were unaware. Their duty is to implement safeguards and act on warning signs, and civil law holds them to that standard.
Is my conversation with Banville Law completely confidential?
Yes — attorney-client privilege protects everything you share. You are not obligated to proceed, and you decide every next step. Banville Law accepts referrals from attorneys, so if you are reaching out on behalf of a survivor, the same confidentiality applies.