Matthew G. Bonanno, Esq. Recovers $19.5 Million Settlement in Child Sexual Abuse Case

RAM Law Attorney Matthew G. Bonanno, Esq., in collaboration with Vincent Nappo, Esq. of Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala (PCVA), has secured a $19.5 million settlement against the State of New Jersey and its Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) on behalf of two survivors of child sexual abuse.

This resolution, finalized on May 23, 2025, is one of the largest settlements in New Jersey history for survivors of child sexual abuse. It marks the third major case successfully brought by Bonanno and Nappo against the State of New Jersey for systemic failures within child welfare. In March 2024, the same legal team obtained a historic $25 million unanimous jury verdict against the State in a separate child sex abuse case.

The clients, a brother and sister, were sexually abused by their foster father between 1969 and 1972 while living in a state-licensed foster home. That same home—and the same foster father—were involved in a previous case brought by Bonanno, which resulted in a $6.75 million settlement in August 2024.

This recent case was filed under New Jersey’s Child Victims Act (CVA), which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse. Bonanno and Nappo currently represent nearly 175 clients statewide who are pursuing justice under the CVA.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, our compassionate and experienced legal team at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. (RAM Law) is here to help. Call us today at 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We proudly serve clients from our offices in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey.