$15 Million Verdict

Jane Doe v. Bart Francis Piscitello
Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau
Case handled by The Derek Smith Law Group attorney Danilo Bandovic 

The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $15 million judgment on behalf of a survivor of child sexual abuse under the New York Child Victims Act. Our client, Jane Doe, was sexually abused by a family member more than thirty years ago. With the help of The Derek Smith Law Group attorney Danilo Bandovic, she pursued justice through civil court and obtained a powerful verdict in her favor.

This decision reinforces that child sexual abuse and child sexual assault will not be tolerated and are punishable to the full extent of the law.

Case Summary

Jane Doe, the plaintiff, was eleven years old when the defendant, a relative, began sexually abusing her. The abuse continued until she was between fourteen and fifteen years old. Like many survivors, Jane Doe remained silent for over two decades. In her forties, she disclosed the abuse to her family.

Around that same time, the defendant was separately accused of having child pornography on his computer. These charges were unrelated to the abuse Jane Doe experienced.

Unable to pursue criminal charges due to the passage of time, Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit under the New York Child Victims Act. At the time, she was in her mid-forties and had endured years of panic attacks, anxiety, depression, and other psychological harm stemming from the abuse.

The Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her a total of $15 million:

• $5 million for past pain and suffering
• $5 million for future pain and suffering
• $5 million in punitive damages

About Jane Doe

Despite the trauma she suffered, Jane Doe chose to reclaim her life. With the help of therapy, trauma coaching, and a strong support system, she committed to healing and personal growth. She worked tirelessly to overcome the impact of her past through self-care and professional help. Today, she uses her experience to inspire and support other women who have survived childhood sexual abuse.

Jane Doe came forward not only to pursue justice for herself, but to help others find their voice. Her strength, resilience, and determination now serve as a source of hope for survivors of childhood sexual trauma.

About the New York Child Victims Act

The New York Child Victims Act allows adult survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits against their abusers until they reach the age of 55. The law was designed to account for the complex emotional and psychological impact of child sexual abuse, which often delays disclosure.

Key features of the law:

• Civil claims can be filed until age 55
• Cases are assigned to a designated section of the court system
• Judges are specially trained to handle these cases
• Cases are typically scheduled for trial within 12–18 months

Child Sexual Abuse Laws in Other States

Several states across the U.S. have implemented similar laws to help adult survivors of child sexual abuse pursue justice:

• Pennsylvania: Civil claims allowed until age 55
• New Jersey: Civil claims allowed until age 55
• California: Civil claims allowed until age 40 (with exceptions defined by law)
• Florida: House Bill 525 eliminated the statute of limitations for abuse of minors aged 16 or younger
• Federal Law: The Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act allows claims to be filed at any time in federal court

What to Do If You or a Loved One Has Experienced Child Sexual Abuse

Even if many years have passed, survivors of child sexual abuse still have legal options. While criminal prosecution may not be possible, civil lawsuits can help hold abusers accountable and provide financial relief for the long-term impact of abuse.

These cases take time. In many instances, it can take months—or even years—for a court to issue a decision. Our legal team works thoroughly to ensure that every case is carefully built and supported by evidence so survivors have the best possible chance at a successful outcome.