Harborfields Juvenile Detention Center (Atlantic County) Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse File Civil Claims

In Atlantic County, New Jersey, sexual abuse has been an issue at juvenile detention centers. As a victim of Harborfields Juvenile Detention Center (Atlantic County) sexual abuse, you have the right to pursue compensation for legal damages while holding negligent parties responsible. 

At Injury Lawyer Team, our attorneys have the experience necessary to guide you through the claims process and fight for fair compensation. Our law firm has helped many survivors recover millions of dollars in damages via sexual abuse lawsuits in multiple New Jersey counties. 

Allegations of Sexual Abuse at Atlantic County Juvenile Detention Facility

The most prominent case of sexual abuse involved the juvenile detention facility in Egg Harbor City. In 2025, several plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the Harborfields Juvenile Detention Center for abuse they suffered as minors when staying in the facility. Six men, who are now adults, claimed the abuse occurred between 1992 and 2004, involving victims aged 12 to 17. 

According to the New Jersey juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuits, employees regularly groped, raped, and threatened to kill the victims for speaking out. The men claimed that other employees took no action to prevent the abuse. Some of the plaintiffs even avoided taking showers due to the fear of being sexually assaulted by staff members. 

One victim stated that three employees sexually assaulted him at once. He also reported that some boys were being drugged and taken to the showers to be assaulted by staff members. 

What Damages Can Sexual Abuse Victims Recover in Atlantic County, New Jersey?

One of the goals of a youth detention center sexual abuse lawsuit is to recover compensation for the victim’s legal damages. 

If you have been abused at this Atlantic County center, Injury Lawyer Team can help you assess the following damages for your lawsuit:

Economic Damages

Economic losses are more straightforward and are typically attached to specific amounts. These damages may include:

• Lost income – Injuries suffered in a sexual assault may prevent the victim from working
• Lost earning capacity – A victim of abuse may struggle to find employment due to their experiences
• Medical expenses – Costs associated with treatment may be covered, including emergency care, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy

Non-Economic Damages

This type of loss often drives up the value of a settlement in Atlantic County. Non-economic losses are more related to the emotional impact of the incident, including:

• Emotional distress – Psychological challenges may arise after experiencing sexual abuse, such as depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-harm, and suicide ideation
• Pain and suffering – If sexual assault resulted in physical injuries, you could be compensated for the pain you suffered and continue to suffer
• Loss of enjoyment of life – The struggle to enjoy normal activities may diminish your quality of life, which can increase the potential payout in your lawsuit

Punitive Damages

In certain cases, a judge may award a category of compensation called punitive damages. This is only considered in cases involving gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or institutional cover-ups. 

For example, if an Atlantic County facility chooses to protect an abusive employee rather than act on reports of an assault incident, the institution could be found liable for covering up the violation, which would result in punitive damages for the victim. 

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action?

Understanding the statute of limitations that governs New Jersey sexual abuse lawsuits is essential when considering legal action. 

Under the New Jersey Child Victims Act, the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims was increased to the age of 55 or within seven years of discovering the abuse (whichever is later). This means you have until your 55th birthday to pursue compensation for juvenile detention center abuse as a minor, or seven years beyond the date of discovering the abuse. 

However, the statute of limitations for a crime involving the sexual assault of a child has been eliminated in New Jersey. This means you can press charges at any point for childhood sexual abuse, even if the abuse occurred decades ago. Criminal actions and civil lawsuits are distinct legal processes that do not affect each other. 

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

Whether you suffered abuse in an Atlantic County institution or at other facilities in New Jersey, Injury Lawyer Team is ready to help. We provide a compassionate approach for survivors of sexual abuse so you have the space to tell your story. 

Our legal services include: 

• Thoroughly investigating the abuse and the institution involved 
• Assessing all legal damages for maximum compensation
• Gathering evidence to build a strong case
• Submitting subpoenas to acquire facility documentation
• Establishing liability with Atlantic County or other responsible agencies
• Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Litigating your case in civil court if necessary

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs for our services, and we only get paid from the settlement if we win. Contact us today at 866-757-6452 to schedule a free consultation with our law firm. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.