New York City on Brink of $1 Billion in Damages as Lawsuits Against Institutions Opened Up
A measure passed by the New York City Council this week may cost the city hundreds of millions of dollars after lawmakers cleared the way for lawsuits against institutions to move forward. The bill, which now awaits the mayor's signature, brings closure to numerous survivors of sexual abuse who had their cases dismissed in June due to a technicality.
The controversy revolves around a 2022 law that expanded liability to include entities, not just individuals. However, courts ruled that the change did not apply retroactively, leaving a loophole that led to the dismissal of hundreds of lawsuits filed under the law's lookback window. The city had agreed to delay action on those cases in an effort to prevent further dismissals.
The new bill creates an 18-month window for survivors to file suits, allowing them to sue institutions, not just individuals, for incidents that occurred before the 2022 amendment. This change clarifies the law and provides a clear path forward for plaintiffs who were previously unable to pursue their claims.
For Jerome Block, a lawyer representing 600 plaintiffs suing the city for abuse they allegedly suffered at juvenile detention centers as children, the bill's passage is a significant relief. "It was devastating when hundreds of cases were dismissed," he said. "The survivors had already endured years of trauma and pain, only to have their hope of justice yanked away from them."
The legislation's impact could be substantial, with estimates suggesting it may cost the city up to $1 billion. A woman planning to sue Jeffrey Epstein's estate under the new lookback window is just one example of the far-reaching consequences.
While the city's Law Department has declined to comment on the matter, lawmakers and advocates have long argued that survivors should be able to seek justice against enabling entities. The bill's main sponsor, Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers, emphasized this point: "We want to make sure that survivors have the ability to seek justice on all levels, and that includes institutions."
A measure passed by the New York City Council this week may cost the city hundreds of millions of dollars after lawmakers cleared the way for lawsuits against institutions to move forward. The bill, which now awaits the mayor's signature, brings closure to numerous survivors of sexual abuse who had their cases dismissed in June due to a technicality.
The controversy revolves around a 2022 law that expanded liability to include entities, not just individuals. However, courts ruled that the change did not apply retroactively, leaving a loophole that led to the dismissal of hundreds of lawsuits filed under the law's lookback window. The city had agreed to delay action on those cases in an effort to prevent further dismissals.
The new bill creates an 18-month window for survivors to file suits, allowing them to sue institutions, not just individuals, for incidents that occurred before the 2022 amendment. This change clarifies the law and provides a clear path forward for plaintiffs who were previously unable to pursue their claims.
For Jerome Block, a lawyer representing 600 plaintiffs suing the city for abuse they allegedly suffered at juvenile detention centers as children, the bill's passage is a significant relief. "It was devastating when hundreds of cases were dismissed," he said. "The survivors had already endured years of trauma and pain, only to have their hope of justice yanked away from them."
The legislation's impact could be substantial, with estimates suggesting it may cost the city up to $1 billion. A woman planning to sue Jeffrey Epstein's estate under the new lookback window is just one example of the far-reaching consequences.
While the city's Law Department has declined to comment on the matter, lawmakers and advocates have long argued that survivors should be able to seek justice against enabling entities. The bill's main sponsor, Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers, emphasized this point: "We want to make sure that survivors have the ability to seek justice on all levels, and that includes institutions."
I'm so down for this new bill 
. It's about time these institutions got held accountable 
. Those poor survivors were through so much already 
and now they're getting a second chance at justice 
. The city might take a hit financially 
. 600+ cases are being reopened 
which is just wow 
. It's about time these institutions stopped enabling the abuse and started taking responsibility 
. This bill is giving people hope again 
and I'm so here for that 
think about it, some ppl who went thru trauma are finally gettin a chance to see some justice, & the city's like "ok, we'll take the hit" 
hope they prepare cuz this is gonna be costly 
This new bill is like a ray of hope for people who've been through unspeakable trauma. It's crazy to think about how one law can create so much uncertainty and pain for so many lives. I mean, can you imagine having your hope of justice taken away from you because of some technicality? 
The fact that institutions are being held accountable is a huge step forward, but at what cost? 
But honestly, I can see why it's worth it. Those survivors have been through so much trauma, and to be denied justice because of some technicality is just cruel. 
. They've been silenced and dismissed for far too long, and it's amazing that they're finally getting a chance to fight back 
.
. But at the same time, where does it end? Is there going to be lawsuits against all these institutions now? It's just going to keep piling up costs and liabilities... ugh 
does anyone know what Jeffrey Epstein's estate has been doing with all that money they got from his victims??