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Sexual Abuse Lawyer New York City

Fighting for survivors of sexual abuse in NYC, The Bull takes on predators and institutions alike.

Justice for Survivors Starts Here

Sexual abuse is a violation of the most personal kind, and under New York law, survivors have the right to seek accountability and full financial restitution. At The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we bring over 150 years of combined litigation experience to cases involving sexual assault, molestation, trafficking, and institutional abuse. Our firm has helped countless survivors confront their abusers and recover the compensation they deserve. Michael S. Lamonsoff, known as “The Bull,” is one of the most aggressive and respected sexual abuse attorneys in New York City. With a dual Master’s degree in psychology and education from Columbia University and a background in therapy, Mr. Lamonsoff has the rare ability to litigate with power while showing compassion to his clients.

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Michael The Bull Fights for Survivors of Sexual Assault

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse Under New York Law

Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. It is defined by a violation of consent, personal boundaries, and bodily autonomy. New York law allows survivors of sexual abuse to pursue both civil and criminal claims against their abusers and institutions that enabled the harm.

While the legal definition varies by charge, sexual abuse can include:

  • Sexual assault
  • Unwanted touching or fondling
  • Sexual assault by coercion or manipulation
  • Exploitation or trafficking
  • Harassment in the workplace or other institutional settings

Even if the abuse occurred long ago, recent changes in New York law may give you a path to legal action.

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“The key to winning a verdict for survivors of sexual abuse is to understand the psychology of both your client and sexual predator.”

Michael S. Lamonsoff, Esq.

Why Survivors Choose The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff

We understand what it takes to stand up to powerful institutions, and we never back down.

When you hire us, you get:

  • A team that has recovered over a billion in verdicts and settlements
  • Nationally recognized trial lawyers who prepare every case for court
  • 1,400+ five-star reviews from real clients
  • Multilingual legal staff (English, Spanish, Portuguese)
  • A proven record in sexual abuse litigation, including one of the largest verdicts in NYC history
NYC injury lawyer, Michael S. Lamonsoff

What Makes Michael “The Bull” Lamonsoff Different

Before he was a lawyer, Mr. Lamonsoff trained as a therapist and worked directly with survivors of sexual abuse. This experience shapes every case our firm handles. He knows how to listen to survivors, support them through litigation, and use their story to build an aggressive legal strategy.

That rare combination of legal power and psychological insight is what makes The Bull one of the most trusted names in this field.

$16 Million Verdict Against the New York City Board of Education for Sexual Abuse by a Teacher

Our Results for Sexual Abuse Survivors

We’ve secured powerful outcomes for clients who were failed by the systems meant to protect them:

  • $16 million jury verdict against the NYC Board of Education for abuse by a teacher
  • Confidential seven-figure settlements against churches, schools, and healthcare institutions
  • Successful prosecutions under the Adult Survivors Act and Child Victims Act

Our wins don’t make statements. They make history.

The Impact of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse leaves physical and emotional wounds that may last a lifetime. Victims often suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming or maintaining relationships. The effects can ripple through every part of life — work, school, family, and health.

We fight for compensation that reflects the full scope of what you’ve endured.

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Where Sexual Abuse Commonly Occurs

Many cases involve trusted institutions that failed to protect the people in their care. These include:

  • Schools and universities
  • Churches and religious organizations
  • Sports teams, camps, and youth clubs
  • Hospitals, rehab centers, and nursing homes
  • Foster care and childcare facilities
  • Military and correctional institutions
  • Workplaces and entertainment venues

Our firm has taken on all of the above, and most importantly, we have won.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Sexual Abuse Case

Sexual abuse cases are emotionally and legally complex. The abuser may deny the events, and institutions will often try to avoid liability. A skilled sexual abuse lawyer in New York City:

  • Investigates and secures evidence quickly
  • Coordinates with trauma-informed medical and psychological experts
  • Builds a strong, survivor-focused narrative
  • Fights insurance companies and legal defenses
  • Pursues full compensation for the long-term effects

With The Bull on your side, you’re never fighting alone.

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How to Choose a Sexual Assault Attorney

Sexual abuse cases require exceptional sensitivity, discretion, and the legal skill to hold institutions — not just individuals — accountable. Here’s what you should look for when choosing a sexual assault lawyer:

Institutional Accountability Experience

The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff secured a $16 million verdict against the New York City Department of Education on behalf of a young girl abused by her teacher over a two-year period, with the jury finding the DOE reckless in its supervision.

What to Look For in an Attorney

Choose a firm experienced with New York's Child Victims Act, Adult Survivors Act, and other litigation look-back windows, and one that treats survivors with compassion throughout a difficult process.

Discretion and Client-Centered Advocacy

Survivors deserve an attorney who prioritizes their well-being while aggressively pursuing schools, employers, or institutions that enabled the abuse.

Overall Firm Results

The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, led by Michael "The Bull" Lamonsoff, has recovered over a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients across all practice areas.

Over A Billion In Verdicts & Settlements

His clients call Michael Lamonsoff “The Bull” because he never stops fighting for them. Thanks to “The Bull” and his team of top-rated litigators, The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC., is consistently rated as one of the top personal injury law firms in New York City.

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$16,000,000 Verdict Awarded to a Victim of Sexual Abuse
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Proving Sexual Assault in a Civil Case

In civil court, survivors must show that it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred. This is a lower standard than criminal court but still requires strong evidence and skilled legal presentation. Learn more in our guide to proving sexual assault.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse

In addition to the perpetrator, civil lawsuits can name third parties who enabled or ignored the abuse:

  • School boards and educational institutions
  • Churches and religious leaders
  • Medical facilities and treatment centers
  • Employers or supervisors
  • Property owners who allowed unsafe conditions

We pursue every liable party to ensure no one escapes accountability.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Every case is unique, but we fight to recover compensation for:

  • Medical and psychological care (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Lost income or job opportunities
  • Costs of relocation or protective services
  • Punitive damages where applicable

Our job is to make the legal system work for your healing and financial stability.

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Prior Important Laws That Protect Sexual Abuse Survivors

Adult Survivors Act (ASA)

Passed in 2022, the ASA allowed adult survivors of sexual abuse a one-year lookback window to file civil claims regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Though this window has closed, ongoing claims are still being transferred to our firm.  Though the opportunity to initiate a lawsuit under this act ended in November 2023.

Child Victims Act (CVA)

Extended the civil and criminal statutes of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse. Survivors can now file lawsuits until age 55 and bring criminal charges until age 28.  Though the opportunity to initiate a lawsuit under this act ended in 2021.

These laws reflect the growing recognition that survivors need more time and legal power to come forward.

Resources for Survivors

If you’re in crisis or need emotional support, these national resources can help:

  • RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
  • NSVRC Resources for Survivors
  • ACF Trauma Toolkit

You are not alone. Help is here.

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FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim?

It depends on your age and when the abuse occurred. Some laws, like the CVA, allow you to file until age 55. Speak with our legal team to confirm eligibility.

What’s the process for a civil sexual abuse case?

We begin with a confidential consultation, followed by investigation, case filing, and — if necessary — litigation. Many cases settle out of court, but we prepare for trial from day one.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Speak with a New York City sexual abuse lawyer who understands what you’ve been through and knows how to win. Contact The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff today for a confidential, no-cost consultation. Call 212-962-1020 or contact us online to get started.

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