When survivors are finally heard, justice roars.
In a seismic moment for survivors of sexual violence, two New York juries—within weeks of each other—returned historic verdicts totaling over $2.7 billion in damages. These cases weren’t just about individual predators. They were about powerful institutions, willful silence, and decades of systemic failure.
And they were only possible because New York had the courage to pass civil window legislation.
A $1.6 Billion Reckoning: Reginald Archibald
In one of the largest verdicts of its kind, more than 100 women who said they were sexually abused as children by Dr. Reginald Archibald, a former NY pediatrician, were awarded $1.6 billion in damages. Archibald, long affiliated with Rockefeller University Hospital, used his position of trust to conduct hundreds of so-called “medical exams” that were, in fact, systematic abuse.
Many of these women are now in their 60s, 70s—even 80s. They suffered in silence for decades while the institution enabled and protected their abuser. Their lawsuits, and their voices, were only possible due to New York’s Child Victims Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on civil claims for child sexual abuse.
A $1.68 Billion Verdict Against James Toback
Shortly after the Archibald verdict, another jury sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. James Toback, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director, was ordered to pay $1.68 billion to five women who accused him of sexual abuse, harassment, and emotional trauma.
These courageous women said Toback used his influence in the film industry to lure and exploit aspiring actresses.
This case, too, was made possible by New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which offered a one-year civil window for adult survivors of sexual assault to come forward—no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Why Civil Window Laws Are Life-Changing
These two verdicts underscore the critical importance of civil window legislation. Without it, both the Archibald and Toback survivors would have been permanently barred from seeking justice.
Civil “lookback windows” allow survivors to file lawsuits after the statute of limitations has expired, acknowledging the truth: it takes years, often decades, for survivors to come forward.
According to Child USA, the average age of disclosure for child sexual abuse is 52. Trauma silences. Shame isolates. And powerful institutions count on that silence to protect their reputations and bottom lines.
Window laws break that silence wide open.
Civil Lawsuits = Systemic Accountability
While criminal justice can be limited by evidence and time, civil lawsuits offer a different kind of power:
- They expose cover-ups.
- They hold institutions accountable.
- They validate survivors publicly.
- They lead to lasting change and safer policies.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we’ve built our firm on the belief that survivors deserve truth, justice, and a legal team that fights fiercely for both. Our attorneys have helped survivors take on school districts, churches, youth organizations, universities, and high-profile individuals—and win.
Civil litigation is not just about money. It’s about naming the harm and ensuring it cannot continue.
States With Civil Window Laws
Thanks to tireless advocacy, several states have passed lookback windows or eliminated civil statutes of limitations altogether.
30 States and 3 Territories revived claims: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, HI, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NV, NJ, NY, NG, OH, OR, RI, UT, VT, WV, DC, NMI, & Guam
But many survivors remain locked out of justice in states that have not passed such reforms—Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and others must act.
The Fight Ahead
Justice shouldn’t expire. We need nationwide reform—including:
- Lookback windows in all 50 states
- Permanent elimination of civil SOLs for child sexual abuse
- Trauma-informed courts and support systems for survivors
If you are a survivor, know this: You are believed. You have options. And it is never too late to reclaim your power.
Andreozzi + Foote is here to help. Contact us at www.victimscivilattorneys.com for a free, confidential consultation.
Two verdicts. Billions in damages. Countless survivors finally heard.
Let’s make sure every state has a window. Let’s give every survivor a voice. If you have a civil case against an institution contact us today. 1-866-753-5458
