Revenge Porn Damages in New York: What You Can Recover

If you're a victim of revenge porn in New York, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. The law provides several avenues for recovering damages, including emotional distress, lost wages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees.

Types of Damages in Revenge Porn Cases

New York's revenge porn laws, including Civil Rights Law 52-B and relevant county laws, provide for various types of damages:

  • Compensatory Damages: These are intended to compensate you for the actual harm you've suffered, including:

    • Emotional Distress: This covers the emotional trauma caused by the revenge porn, such as shame, humiliation, anxiety, and depression.

    • Lost Wages: If you had to take time off work or lost your job due to the revenge porn, you can recover lost income.

    • Medical Expenses: This includes past and future costs of therapy or counseling related to the revenge porn.

  • Punitive Damages: These are intended to punish the perpetrator and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the perpetrator's actions were particularly egregious.

  • Attorney's Fees: In many cases, the court can order the perpetrator to pay your attorney's fees, reducing the financial burden on you.

  • Injunctive Relief: This is a court order that prohibits the perpetrator from further sharing the images or engaging in other harmful conduct.

Liquidated Damages under Federal Law

Under the federal Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA), which includes provisions addressing revenge porn, you may be able to recover liquidated damages in the amount of $150,000, in addition to actual damages and other relief.

Proving Emotional Distress in a Revenge Porn Case

You can recover damages for emotional distress even without medical proof. Your testimony about your experience and how the revenge porn impacted your life can be sufficient evidence. However, if you've sought professional help, such as therapy or counseling, this can strengthen your claim and help you recover medical expenses.

How Much Can You Recover in a Revenge Porn Lawsuit?

The amount of damages you can recover depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Factors that may be considered include:

  • The severity of the emotional distress you suffered

  • The extent of any financial losses you incurred

  • The egregiousness of the perpetrator's conduct

Contact a Revenge Porn Lawyer in New York

If you're a victim of revenge porn, it's crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you understand your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact Veridian Legal today for a free and confidential consultation.

FAQs about Revenge Porn Damages in New York

  • A: Yes, your testimony about your experience can be sufficient to recover damages for emotional distress.

  • A: You may still be able to recover damages for other harms, such as emotional distress and punitive damages.

  • A: The court considers the egregiousness of the perpetrator's conduct, their financial resources, and other factors.

  • A: In many cases, the court can order the perpetrator to pay your attorney's fees.

  • A: Liquidated damages are a set amount of money that the court can award in certain cases, such as those involving revenge porn under federal law.

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Contact a Revenge Porn Lawyer Today

If you're a victim of revenge porn in New York, you don't have to suffer in silence. The law provides avenues for seeking justice and recovering compensation for the harm you've endured. Our experienced revenge porn lawyers at Veridian Legal are here to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.