Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.Frequently asked questions
Can I still file a lawsuit if the camp abuse happened years ago?
Yes, in most cases. Under New York's Child Victims Act, survivors of childhood sexual abuse in New York can file a civil claim until their 55th birthday under CPLR §208(b). A separate provision, CPLR §214-g, briefly allowed survivors of any age to revive previously time-barred claims, but that window closed on August 14, 2021. If your claim hadn't already expired before 2019, or you filed during that window, you're likely still protected under the age-55 rule today. Coming forward takes courage, and the law was written to give survivors the time they need.
Can the summer camp itself be held responsible, not just the individual who abused me?
Yes. Camps can be held civilly liable for negligent hiring, negligent supervision, or negligent retention of staff who posed a risk to children. Institutional failure to protect survivors is independent of any criminal case against the individual perpetrator.
What if I am not ready to share every detail yet?
You don't need to be. Every conversation with Banville Law is protected by attorney-client privilege, and you set the pace. There is no obligation to proceed, and you decide every next step.
Does filing a civil lawsuit require a criminal report first?
No. A civil lawsuit is entirely separate from the criminal justice process. You can pursue a civil claim regardless of whether criminal charges were ever filed — and you choose which path, if any, to take.