New Jersey Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you were harmed in New Jersey, you have rights here at home. Talk with a survivor-focused lawyer who will listen first and move at your pace.
Your local attorneyMax Morgan, Esq.
Justice in New Jersey
You can pursue justice in New Jersey, and the law is on your side
New Jersey is one of the most survivor-protective states in the country. After a major 2019 reform, the state widened the window to file a civil claim, made it easier to hold institutions accountable, and recognized that survivors often come forward years or decades later. That means many people who were once told it was "too late" now have a real path forward.
You do not need to have every answer before you reach out. A New Jersey sexual abuse lawyer can tell you whether your situation may still qualify, explain how the process works, and handle the legal pressure so you can focus on your life. Conversations are private, and there is no cost to ask.
Time limits do apply, and they vary by state. Many states have recently expanded or reopened the window to file. A free, confidential call simply tells you where you stand — no pressure, no obligation.
Your local attorney
Max S. Morgan, Esq.
The Weitz Firm, LLC
- 220 Lake Drive East, Suite 210, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002
- Admitted: New Jersey (2013)
- Rutgers Law School – Camden, J.D. magna cum laude (2013); Penn State University, B.S. (2010)
Max S. Morgan is a New Jersey-admitted attorney with The Weitz Firm, LLC, serving survivors throughout the state from the firm's Cherry Hill office. A magna cum laude graduate of Rutgers Law School in Camden, he focuses his practice on holding individuals and institutions accountable for sexual abuse and assault.
Max handles child sexual abuse, sexual assault, psychiatrist and mental-health professional misconduct, and human trafficking cases. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in New Jersey, and clients describe him as precise, prepared, and steady. He represents survivors with discretion and respect at every step.
Handles: Child sexual abuse, Sexual assault, Psychiatrist & therapist abuse, Human and sex trafficking
Why survivors trust us
Real attorneys. Proven results. Quiet strength.
New Jersey statute of limitations
How long do you have to file a sexual abuse claim in New Jersey?
In most cases, adult survivors in New Jersey have seven years to file a civil lawsuit, measured from the assault or from the date you reasonably discovered the harm and its connection to the abuse. New Jersey's 2019 reform significantly expanded these deadlines, especially for people abused as children. Here is the general framework:
- Adult survivors (18+): Generally seven years from the offense, or seven years from reasonable discovery of the injury and its cause, whichever is later.
- Survivors of childhood abuse: The reform allows claims to be brought up to age 55, or within seven years of reasonable discovery, whichever is later, giving survivors far more time than the old law allowed.
- Criminal cases: There is no statute of limitations for sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in New Jersey, so criminal charges can be brought at any time, separate from a civil claim.
- Institutions: Public entities and nonprofit organizations that were once shielded by immunity can now be held civilly accountable in abuse cases.
- Look-back window: The state opened a temporary revival window for certain previously expired claims; that window has since closed, so timing matters.
Because the rules depend on your age, when the abuse occurred, and when you connected it to your injuries, the only way to know your deadline is to have a lawyer review the facts. This is general information, not legal advice; deadlines depend on the facts of each case.
What we handle
New Jersey sexual abuse cases we take
Survivors come to us from many situations. These are common case types we pursue across New Jersey.
Child sexual abuse
Civil claims for abuse that happened in childhood, including cases now allowed under New Jersey's expanded deadlines.
Institutional abuse
Schools, youth programs, churches, camps, and other organizations that failed to protect those in their care.
Doctor & therapist abuse
Misconduct by psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, and other professionals who exploited their position of trust.
Assault & trafficking
Sexual assault by an individual, and human or sex trafficking claims against those who enabled or profited from the harm.
Simple & safe
How it works
Reach out privately
Call or fill out a short, confidential form. Tell us only what you’re comfortable sharing.
We listen & match you
We connect you with an attorney licensed in your state who handles your type of case.
You decide what’s next
Your free consultation is no-obligation. If you move forward, there’s no fee unless you win.
New Jersey FAQ
Common questions from New Jersey survivors
Can I still file a sexual abuse claim in New Jersey?
Often, yes. New Jersey gives adult survivors up to seven years from the offense or from reasonable discovery, and survivors of childhood abuse can generally file up to age 55 or within seven years of discovery. The only way to confirm your deadline is to have a lawyer review your specific facts.
Is there a criminal statute of limitations for sexual assault in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey has no time limit on criminal charges for sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault, so prosecution can begin at any time. A civil claim is separate and has its own deadlines, so you may have options even if no criminal case was ever filed.
Can I sue an institution in New Jersey, not just the abuser?
Yes. Since the 2019 reform, public entities and nonprofit organizations that were once protected by immunity can be held civilly liable. If a school, church, program, or employer enabled or ignored the abuse, that organization may share responsibility for the harm.
What does it cost to talk to a New Jersey sexual abuse lawyer?
Nothing to start. The initial conversation is free and confidential, and these cases are typically handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. You will never be asked to pay out of pocket to begin.
Will my case be kept confidential?
Your first conversation is private, and we handle every case with discretion. Many civil claims are resolved through confidential settlements, and your lawyer can discuss what privacy protections may apply to your situation before you decide anything.
Will I have to testify in court?
Often, no. Many New Jersey cases resolve through settlement without a trial. If your case does proceed, your lawyer will prepare you fully and stand beside you, and steps can be taken to make testimony as protected and respectful as possible.
What kind of evidence is needed in a New Jersey abuse case?
More than you might think can support a claim, even without physical evidence. Your own account, records, witness statements, prior reports, and patterns of institutional conduct can all matter. Your lawyer will help gather and preserve what is relevant, so you do not have to figure it out alone.
Can I recover for emotional distress in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey law recognizes the deep emotional and psychological harm caused by abuse. Civil claims can seek compensation for emotional distress, therapy and counseling, and the lasting impact on your life, not only out-of-pocket costs.
Free & confidential
Talk to a New Jersey sexual abuse lawyer
Your message goes privately to our New Jersey intake team. Share only what you are comfortable sharing, and we will respond with care.
- 100% confidential — your privacy is protected
- No fee unless we win your case
- You stay in control of every step
Prefer to talk now? (877) 421-9608
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You don’t have to carry this alone.
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