FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Attorney Laura E. Laughlin of Messa & Associates wins unanimous jury verdict in excess of $1 million for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Philadelphia, PA – August 5, 2025
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Attorney Laura E. Laughlin of Messa & Associates won a unanimous 8-0 jury verdict of $1,020,000.00 on behalf of two adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse against the perpetrator, Defendant Willie Etheridge in Middlesex County Superior Court of New Jersey. The sexual abuse by Defendant Willie Etheridge took place on Rutgers University’s New Brunswick campus and Plaintiffs’ childhood home from the ages of approximately 3-6 years old. The case, Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 v. Willie Etheridge, was filed under New Jersey’s Child Sex Abuse Act and look back window, which was opened in 2019 to allow victims of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims years later against their abusers as well as others responsible for the abuse. In addition to New Jersey opening a window to allow claims to be filed, the law changed in 2019 to allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file claims up to their 55th birthday. The verdict includes compensatory and punitive damages against Defendant Willie Etheridge.
Attorney Laura E. Laughlin stated, “It was a powerful verdict reflecting that the jury believed two survivors of childhood sexual abuse, whose lives have been forever changed by what the Defendant Willie Etheridge did to them. This verdict shows that survivors and their voices matter and no one is above accountability, no matter how many years have passed. I have and will always stand firmly with survivors of sexual abuse and assault and this outcome highlights why extending statutes of limitations of childhood sexual abuse is so vital—justice delayed no longer has to mean justice denied.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of childhood sexual abuse and you wish to explore your legal options, please contact Attorney Laura Laughlin at 215-568-3500 or LLaughlin@messalaw.com. For more information, please contact Margaret Ambrose at 215-568-3500 or mambrose@messalaw.com.
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Messa & Associates, P.C. represents individuals and their families in complex personal injury matters, including product liability, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, fires and explosions. Our attorneys serve Pennsylvania clients throughout the state, including in Philadelphia and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Bucks County, and Luzerne County. Additionally, Messa & Associates are proud to serve New Jersey clients throughout that state, and also litigate selected cases throughout the country.
