$5 Million Verdict Affirmed for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivor Under NY Survivors Act

A Landmark $5 Million Verdict Sends a Powerful Message to Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

For far too long, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have carried the weight of trauma in silence — often believing that it was “too late” to seek justice. But a recent appellate court decision in New York demonstrates that the legal system can and does deliver meaningful accountability, even when the abuse occurred decades ago.

On February 18, 2026, the Appellate Division, Second Department affirmed a $5 million jury verdict in Quentin v. Knox (2026 NY Slip Op 00919), a civil sexual abuse case brought under New York’s Child Victims Act (CVA), also known as the Survivors Act (CPLR 214-g). The case involved allegations of repeated childhood sexual abuse that occurred in the 1960s — more than half a century before the lawsuit was filed.

This decision is a powerful reminder: it is not too late to hold your abuser accountable.

What Happened in Quentin v. Knox?

The plaintiff, Beverly Quentin, filed a civil lawsuit against her paternal uncle, Grannell Knox, alleging that he had repeatedly subjected her to sexual abuse when she was a child in the 1960s. The case was brought under the Child Victims Act, which created a special window for survivors to file civil lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse regardless of when the abuse took place.

The case went to a full jury trial in Westchester County. After hearing testimony and weighing the evidence, the jury found that sexual contact did occur when the plaintiff was under the age of 14. The jury awarded:

• $3 million for past pain and suffering
• $1 million for future pain and suffering
• $1 million in punitive damages

That is a total verdict of $5 million — a remarkably substantial award, particularly for a case tried in a suburban county.

The defendant moved to set aside the verdict, but the trial court denied the motion. He then appealed to the Appellate Division, Second Department, which affirmed the verdict in its entirety.

Why This Verdict Matters for Survivors

This case carries significance far beyond the parties involved. Here is why every survivor of childhood sexual abuse in New York should take notice:

1. The Survivors Act Works

New York’s Child Victims Act (CPLR 214-g), often called the Survivors Act, was enacted specifically to give survivors of childhood sexual abuse a path to justice that was previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Before this law, many survivors discovered — often after years of therapy and healing — that their legal window had closed before they were ever ready to come forward.

The Quentin v. Knox decision proves that this law is functioning exactly as intended. A survivor was able to bring a claim for abuse that occurred more than 50 years ago, present her case to a jury, and receive a substantial damages award — all because the Survivors Act removed the time barrier.

2. Juries Believe Survivors

One of the greatest fears many survivors have is that no one will believe them. This case demonstrates that juries take these allegations seriously. The appellate court specifically noted that jury credibility determinations are given great deference on appeal. In other words, when a jury decides that a survivor is telling the truth, appellate courts will not second-guess that finding lightly.

3. Substantial Damages Are Possible

The $5 million total verdict — including $4 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages — is notable for any civil case, but especially significant for a case tried in Westchester County, a suburban jurisdiction. This signals that juries across New York, not just in New York City, are willing to award significant compensation for pain and suffering in sexual abuse cases.

4. Punitive Damages Hold Abusers Accountable

The $1 million punitive damages award is particularly meaningful. Punitive damages go beyond compensating the survivor — they are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. The fact that the appellate court upheld this award sends a clear message: courts in New York take childhood sexual abuse cases seriously, and abusers may face financial consequences that reflect the severity of their actions.

Understanding New York’s Child Victims Act (Survivors Act)

The Child Victims Act, codified as CPLR 214-g, fundamentally changed the legal landscape for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in New York. Here are the key provisions that make cases like Quentin v. Knox possible:

• Extended statute of limitations: Survivors now have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse. Previously, the deadline was much shorter, cutting off many survivors before they were ready to come forward.
• Lookback window: The Act created a special window allowing survivors to file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred — even if the previous statute of limitations had already expired. This is how the plaintiff in Quentin v. Knox was able to sue for abuse from the 1960s.
• Civil claims against individuals and institutions: The law applies to claims against individual abusers as well as institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse.

If you were sexually abused as a child in New York, this law may give you the right to seek justice and compensation — even if the abuse happened decades ago. An experienced assault and battery attorney can evaluate whether your claim falls within the Survivors Act’s protections.

What Compensation Can Survivors Seek?

Civil lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse may allow survivors to recover several types of damages, including:

• Past pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional and psychological trauma endured from the time of the abuse through the present. In Quentin v. Knox, this was the largest component at $3 million.
• Future pain and suffering: Recognition that the effects of childhood sexual abuse are lifelong. The $1 million future damages award reflects the ongoing impact on the survivor.
• Punitive damages: Additional damages designed to punish especially egregious conduct and deter others.
• Therapy and counseling costs: Reimbursement for past and future mental health treatment.
• Lost earnings: If the abuse affected the survivor’s ability to work or earn a living.

Every case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on the specific facts and circumstances. However, the Quentin v. Knox verdict demonstrates that New York juries are prepared to award substantial damages to survivors who come forward.

Taking the First Step: What Survivors Should Know

We understand that the decision to pursue legal action is deeply personal and can feel overwhelming. Here are some important things to know if you are considering filing a civil lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse:

1. You are not alone. Thousands of survivors across New York have used the Survivors Act to seek justice. You do not have to face this process by yourself.
2. Your case is confidential. Civil lawsuits can be handled with sensitivity and discretion. Your attorney’s first priority is protecting you.
3. Time may still be on your side. Even if the abuse happened decades ago, the Survivors Act may still allow you to file a claim. But it is important to act — legal deadlines do apply.
4. A consultation costs nothing. Speaking with an attorney about your situation is free and carries no obligation. It is simply an opportunity to understand your options.
5. This is about YOUR healing. Many survivors report that pursuing legal accountability is a meaningful part of their recovery process — regardless of the financial outcome.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Tenenbaum?

At the Law Offices of Jason Tenenbaum, we represent survivors of assault, battery, and sexual abuse with the compassion, discretion, and aggressive advocacy they deserve. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation our clients are entitled to.

Our firm serves clients across Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester, and all five boroughs of New York City. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still sue for childhood sexual abuse that happened decades ago in New York?

Yes. New York’s Child Victims Act (CPLR 214-g), also known as the Survivors Act, extended the statute of limitations and created a lookback window that allows survivors to file civil lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse regardless of when the abuse occurred. The Quentin v. Knox case involved abuse from the 1960s, and the court upheld a $5 million verdict.

What is the Child Victims Act / Survivors Act in New York?

The Child Victims Act (CPLR 214-g) is a New York law that extended the statute of limitations for civil claims arising from childhood sexual abuse. It allows survivors to file lawsuits until age 55 and created a special lookback window for older claims that had previously been time-barred.

How much compensation can I receive in a sexual abuse lawsuit?

The amount of compensation varies based on the specific facts of each case. Damages may include compensation for past and future pain and suffering, therapy costs, lost wages, and punitive damages. In Quentin v. Knox, the jury awarded $5 million, including $1 million in punitive damages.

Do I have to go to trial for a sexual abuse lawsuit?

Not necessarily. Many civil sexual abuse cases are resolved through negotiation or settlement before trial. However, as the Quentin v. Knox case shows, survivors who do go to trial can achieve substantial verdicts. Your attorney will advise you on the best strategy for your specific situation.

What does it cost to hire a lawyer for a sexual abuse case?

At the Law Offices of Jason Tenenbaum, we handle sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees and owe nothing unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Your initial consultation is completely free.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, the law may be on your side. The Quentin v. Knox decision affirms that New York courts will hold abusers accountable and award meaningful compensation to survivors — even decades after the abuse occurred.

You deserve justice. You deserve to be heard.

Call the Law Offices of Jason Tenenbaum at 516-750-0595 for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to listen, and we are ready to fight for you.

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