The decision represents a major Child Victims Act trial success and places responsibility on New York City for systemic shortcomings that permitted the abuse

/PRNewswire/ -- Herman Law, the nation's premier law firm focused solely on representing victims of child sexual abuse, announced today that a New York jury has issued a verdict delivering justice for survivors by granting $18 million in a groundbreaking Child Victims Act decision against the City of New York.

This matter, directed by founder and prominent trial attorney Jeff Herman, stands as the initial Child Victims Act lawsuit in New York to conclude with a trial verdict, marking a historic point for the state's legal environment concerning both survivors of childhood sexual abuse and institutional responsibility. The New York Child Victims Act permits survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims that had been blocked by prior state time limits.

A jury in the Supreme Court of Kings County determined that the City of New York behaved recklessly regarding the sexual abuse of survivor A.P. during his time as a student at P.S. 15 Patrick F. Daly School in Brooklyn in the early 1970s. He suffered abuse at the hands of public school music teacher John Clark. Records indicated that school administrators knew of earlier complaints about Clark yet neglected to intervene to safeguard students.

Herman, who has advocated for survivors in notable abuse matters throughout New York, has served as a key advocate in holding institutions responsible for victims of childhood sexual abuse.

"This outcome marks a historic recognition that survivors merit justice," said Herman. "When warning signs are overlooked by schools and institutions, children remain vulnerable. That damage lingers with survivors, and verdicts like this underscore that survivors deserve to be heard, assisted and offered a route to justice via the legal system."

For Herman Law, this verdict highlights the firm's strong dedication to advocating for survivors, providing a platform for victims to aid their recovery as they seek justice by holding institutions accountable for negligence that enables sexual abuse.

The verdict further illustrates the part civil litigation serves in revealing systemic shortcomings, ensuring organizations tasked with child welfare face consequences for inadequate supervision and response, thereby safeguarding future generations of children.

The result of this precedent-setting case strengthens Herman Law's ongoing role in representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse and its focus on advancing matters that deliver justice for survivors while shaping accountability benchmarks across the state. Survivor perspectives guide every case Herman Law handles, converting years of quiet into lasting accountability in court.

To learn more about Herman Law, visit HermanLaw.com.

About Herman Law
Since its start in 1997, Herman Law has solely represented victims of sexual abuse and has secured over one billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for survivors. Herman Law's skilled team focuses on seeking justice, ensuring institutions answer for their actions and assisting survivors in healing by empowering them through civil litigation. The firm's areas cover sexual abuse in religious settings, foster care systems, schools, healthcare facilities, camps, daycare centers and similar organizations. Herman Law has aided thousands of survivors, obtaining notable verdicts and settlements to support their path to justice and recovery. To learn more, visit HermanLaw.com.

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SOURCE Herman Law