Survivors Demand Action as Insurers Stall Child Sex Abuse Payouts in New York

Ad Campaign Pressures Gov. Hochul to Enforce Child Victims Act and Hold Insurers Accountable

A new advocacy campaign is calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to compel insurance companies to fulfill their obligations to survivors of child sexual abuse under the state's Child Victims Act (CVA). The campaign, launched by the Coalition for Just and Compassionate Compensation (CJCC), urges the governor to ensure that insurers pay claims related to abuse cases involving institutions like churches, schools, and youth organizations.

Background on the Child Victims Act

Enacted in 2019, New York's Child Victims Act extended the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse, allowing them to file civil lawsuits against abusers and the institutions that enabled them. This legislation opened a window for thousands of survivors to seek justice for abuses that occurred years or even decades ago.

However, many of these cases have faced delays as insurance companies dispute their responsibility to cover settlements and judgments. Advocates argue that this has left survivors without the compensation they are entitled to, despite the legal provisions of the CVA.

The Advocacy Campaign's Message

The CJCC's campaign includes a 30-second television ad airing in Albany and other upstate markets. The ad criticizes Governor Hochul for not taking stronger action to enforce the CVA and accuses her of siding with insurance companies over survivors. It highlights that the governor has received significant campaign contributions from the insurance industry, suggesting a conflict of interest.

"Who turns their back on over 14,000 survivors of child sex abuse? Our Kathy Hochul," the ad states. "She stands with her big insurance buddies denying responsibility while donating to her campaign."

Survivors and advocates are calling for the governor to direct the state's Department of Financial Services to enforce the CVA and ensure that insurers fulfill their contractual obligations.

Governor Hochul's Response

In response to the campaign, Governor Hochul's office has stated that the disputes between insurers and institutions are private contractual matters and that the administration has demonstrated its commitment to survivors through legislation and funding.

"Governor Hochul has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to survivors of sexual assault, signing new laws and investing record funding to .... "It's ludicrous for this organization ...."

The state's Department of Financial Services has indicated that it is monitoring ongoing litigation and will hold insurers accountable as appropriate.

The Importance of Timely Compensation

For survivors, timely compensation is not just a financial matter—it is a critical component of healing and justice. Delays in payouts can exacerbate trauma and hinder the recovery process. Advocates emphasize that the CVA was designed to provide a clear path to justice and that insurers must not be allowed to obstruct this process.

Legal Support for Survivors

Navigating the complexities of the CVA and dealing with uncooperative insurers can be daunting for survivors. At Survivors of Abuse NY, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to those seeking justice.

Thomas Giuffra, Esq. – The Abuse Lawyer NY, has extensive experience in handling cases involving institutional abuse and is dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that survivors receive the compensation and closure they deserve.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of child sexual abuse and is facing challenges in obtaining rightful compensation, contact Survivors of Abuse NY today. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Source:

New York Post