Sexual Assault / Abuse

We fight for victims, and hold abusers accountable.

Javerbaum Wurgaft regularly represents victims of sexual and other physical abuse in a host of contexts. We are at the forefront of seeking justice for victims of abuse and securing needed legal reforms governing child welfare practices. Our handling of several high-profile cases has directly led to significant settlements and changes in the law.

Eric Kahn first began working in this area of the law when he was retained to seek justice in the notorious case involving the torture and death of 7-year-old Faheem Williams, and the abuse of his brothers, all of whom were under State supervision. Faheem was subjected to outrageous abuse and neglect, leading to his death. His brothers were finally rescued only after severe abuse. In a bellwether case filed against the State of New Jersey and the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), Mr. Kahn obtained a $7,500,000.00 settlement. The serious lapses that were uncovered during this case further led to significant reform of DYFS (now known as the Division of Child Placement and Permanency), and the very manner it handles child welfare matters.

The Firm also represented the Estate of a developmentally disabled adult living under the supervision of the State and its Department of Health and Human Services. After years of neglect, the young woman starved to death. This high-profile litigation led to a settlement of $2,100,000.00, as well as the passage of a new law adding various protections for individuals in similar situations.

Over the years, Mr. Kahn and the firm have represented victims of abuse in numerous contexts. These include individuals physically abused while residing in group homes, children sexually abused by their priests, and school children sexually abused by teachers and coaches. The firm also seeks justice for victims of sexual abuse by Boy Scout leaders. In many cases, these abuses were covered up by the organization for years or even decades. One recent, significant settlement, which is subject to a confidentiality agreement, involved the abuse of dozens of victims at a prestigious educational institution, which abuse was covered up for decades.

Javerbaum Wurgaft attorneys are committed to advocating on behalf of victims of physical and/or sexual abuse. They are committed to holding the abusers and their institutions responsible for the abuse and the lack of supervision which permitted the abuse to occur.