Penn State Sex Abuse Scandal

Philadelphia and Allentown, Pennsylvania, New Jersey

Over the past several weeks, our nation has been transfixed on the grotesque allegations involved with the Penn State sex abuse scandal.

Wapner Newman shareholder, Steven G. Wigrizer, as a prominent Penn State alumnus, is deeply saddened that these heinous crimes have tarnished the image of his alma mater. However, Mr. Wigrizer, along with the entire Wapner Newman legal team, urges you to re-focus any hostile energy into the use of productive legal action. The American judicial system entitles a child abuse victim to confront his aggressor and be compensated for his or her nightmare.

If an individual was the victim of sexual abuse as a child, that person has the right to file a civil lawsuit against the person who committed the abuse, as well as, any other person or entity that is responsible for the abuse having taken place. This can include the church or school which employed and/or supervised the child predator.

In 2007, the Pennsylvania legislature adopted 42 P.S.C.A. 5552(c)(3). In effect, that statute extended the statute of limitations for a minor victim of sexual abuse by permitting the Commonwealth to prosecute the aggressor until the child’s 50th birthday. This new statute of limitations for sexual offenses committed against minors applies to the following charges: rape, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, indecent exposure, incest, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, sexual abuse of children, and sexual exploitation of children.

The Penn State scandal has been a cruel reminder of the manner in which adults can take advantage of our impressionable youth. However, please join Wapner Newman in ensuring that the attention being given to this atrocity does not go to waste, but is instead used to enhance our ability to protect those who need it most: our children.

If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual abuse, contact Wapner Newman today. We can be reached at 1.215.569.0900. Your consultation will be free. Let’s work together to curtail the victimization of those who cannot protect themselves.