Strom Law Firm is a sexual abuse litigation firm with a nationwide reputation and presence. At Strom Law Firm, our sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to standing up for survivors of sexual abuse nationwide, providing compassionate and relentless legal advocacy to help them seek justice.
Alabama Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Alabama has no statute of limitations specific to child sexual abuse. The Alabama Supreme Court has not adopted a discovery rule or any provision for repressed memory claims. Claims must be brought within two years of the date of the injury.
Strom Law Firm’s experienced sexual abuse attorneys can help evaluate claims under these laws, including those for abuse that occurred years or even decades ago, and explain your rights and options
Alaska Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Alaska has no statute of limitations for felony sexual abuse. Under AS § 09-10-065, a person may bring an action at any time for felony sexual abuse of a minor or felony sexual assault. Alaska also has a delayed discovery, or realization, statute. Under AS § 09-10-140, discovery is defined as when “the plaintiff discovered or through use of reasonable diligence should have discovered that the act caused the injury or condition.”
Arizona Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
A person may bring action based on childhood sexual abuse within 12 years after they reach the age of majority. In certain cases, Arizona has applied its statutory minority and disability (A.R.S. § 12-502) tolling provisions to the general tort statute (A.R.S. § 12-542) of limitations. To toll a statute of limitations means to suspend or delay the start of a statute.
Arkansas Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Civil claims must be filed within three years of the discovery of childhood sexual abuse.
Under the Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse, victims who were 21 as of July 31, 2021, along with any future victims, now have until they turn 55 or three years from discovering the abuse—whichever is later—to take legal action against their abuser or any organizations that failed to protect them. Strom Law Firm sexual abuse attorneys can help you navigate the statute of limitations to avoid missing important deadlines
California Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Actions must commence within 22 years of the plaintiff’s 18th birthday or within five years of discovery, whichever date ends later. When the statute of limitations expires, victims are not able to file claims or recover compensation.
As per the California Child Victims Act, Survivors sexually abused as minors can file claims until age 40 (22 years after turning 18); Survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are over 40 can file claims only if they discovered psychological injuries arising from their abuse within the past 5 years.
If you were sexually abused when you were 18 or older, your claim may be subject to California’s statute of limitations requiring adult survivors to file within 10 years from the date of the assault/abuse, or within 3 years from the date they discovered injuries resulting from the assault/abuse.
Colorado Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Any civil action based on sexual misconduct may commence at any time without limitation. This applies to causes of action accruing on or after Jan. 1, 2022. It also applies to causes of action accruing before Jan. 1, 2022, if the applicable statute of limitations, as it existed before that date, has not yet expired.
- There is no statute of limitations for civil sexual misconduct claims involving child sexual abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2022.
- Child sexual abuse survivors whose abuse occurred on or after January 1, 2016 may still bring civil claims
Connecticut Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Action must be taken within 30 years from the date the victim reached the age of 21. The statute of limitations for bringing a sexual abuse lawsuit in Connecticut will depend on the specific facts of a case, including the age of the victim and even the criminal guilt of the alleged abuser.
- Claims involving convicted abusers. Thanks to an amendment made effective in 2022, Connecticut has no statute of limitations for civil actions brought against alleged abusers who have been convicted of 1st-degree sexual assault or 1st-degree aggravated sexual assault. (Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 926 § 52-577e).
- Abuse claims involving victims 21 or younger. In Connecticut, victims who were sexually abused under 21 years of age can file civil claims within 30 years from the date they turn 21. This means child sexual abuse survivors and survivors abused between the ages of 18 and 20 have until the age of 51 to file civil lawsuits. (Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 926 § 52-577d).
- Abuse claims involving adult victims. Connecticut does not have a specific statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits filed by victims who were abused or assaulted as adults. Instead, adult survivors are subject to the statute of limitations applicable to torts like personal injury. In Connecticut, this is three years from the date of the alleged abuse (Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 926 § 52-577).
Delaware Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
The Delaware Child Victims Act eliminated the statute of limitations for civil cases related to childhood sexual abuse that occurred after July 9, 2005 and claims may be brought any time after the act or acts that constituted sexual abuse of a minor by an adult.
District of Columbia/ Washington DC Sexual Abuse Statue of Limitations
If sexual abuse occurred when the victim was younger than 35, claims must be brought by the time the victim turns 40 or five years from “when the victim knew, or reasonably should have known” of sexual abuse. The later date applies.
Florida Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Claims founded on alleged abuse or incest may be commenced at any time within seven years after the age of majority. Claims may also be commenced within four years after the injured person leaves the dependency of the abuser or within four years from the time of discovery by the injured party of both the injury and the causal relationship between the injury and the abuse, whichever occurs later.
Sexual battery offenses on victims under age 16 may be brought forth at any time. However, this does not apply to actions that would have been time barred on or before July 1, 2010.
Georgia Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Any civil action for recovery of damages suffered because of childhood sexual abuse committed on or after July 1, 2015, must be commenced on or before the victim is age 23 or within two years from when the victim “knew or had reason to know of such abuse and that such abuse resulted in injury.”
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims are generally as follows:
- Child Sexual Abuse Claims. In Georgia, survivors of child sexual abuse have until the age of 23 to file civil claims against abusers and institutions responsible for their abuse. For abuse that occurred on or after July 1, 2015, claims may be filed within a two-year discovery window, which means two years from the date a survivor discovered the connection between their abuse and resulting damages (i.e. depression, PTSD, and other injuries).
- Adult Sexual Abuse Claims. Sexual abuse claims brought by survivors who were abused as adults are typically subject to the state’s two-year statutory window for personal injury claims. This means adult survivors must file claims within two years of the date they were last abused or assaulted.
if you are a survivor with a potential claim, it is critically important to take timely action and speak with our Georgia sexual abuse attorneys about your legal options and the statute of limitations applicable to your case.
Hawaii Sexual Abuse Statue of Limitations
Claims arising from sexual abuse of a minor must be brought within eight years after the 18th birthday of the minor or eight years after the perpetrator attains the age of majority. Claims may also be brought three years after the minor discovers or should have discovered that injury occurring after the minor’s 18th birthday was caused by the sexual abuse. The later date applies.
Idaho Sexual Abuse Statue of Limitations
An action based on childhood sexual abuse may be commenced at any time if the action would not have been time barred under the statute of limitations or statute of repose before Jan. 1, 2014.
Illinois Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Sexual abuse lawsuits, like other claims brought by plaintiffs who seek damages for injuries, are subject to a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. When the statute of limitations expires, victims will not be able to file a claim or recover compensation.
Indiana Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
General statute of limitations requires that action for injuries to the person must be filed within two years of the time when the cause of action accrues. Actions for injuries that result from sexual abuse of a child must be commenced within seven years after the action occurred or four years after the person ceased to be a dependent of the alleged perpetrator. Any person who is under a legal disability when the cause of action occurs may bring the action within two years after the disability is removed. An action for female genital mutilation must commence no later than 10 years after the victim’s 18th birthday.
Kentucky Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
In instances in which an injured party, who has reached the age of majority, discovers injury because of childhood sexual abuse, an action for damages shall commence within four years from the time the injured party discovers both the injury and the causal relationship between the injury and the sexual abuse. Under current Kentucky law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse born after March 23, 2002 typically have until age 28to file civil lawsuits against entities that allowed the abuse to happen.
Kansas Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
No action for recovery of damages suffered because of childhood sexual abuse shall be commenced more than 13 years after the victim attains 18 years of age or more than three years after the date of a criminal conviction for the crime, whichever occurs later.
The law (HB 2127), took effect in July 2023 and brought about the following changes:
- Extended civil statute of limitations. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse now have until the age of 31 (13 years after they turn 18) to bring sexual abuse claims against abusers and/or responsible entities. State law previously required child sex abuse survivors to bring claims within 3 years of turning 18.
- Temporary lookback period following criminal convictions. In addition to extending the civil SOL by 10 years, the law also eliminated the criminal statute of limitations for child sex abuse charges and created a three-year lookback period in cases where abusers are convicted in criminal court. This means that when an abuser is convicted of a criminal charge involving child sexual abuse, survivors will have three years during which they can pursue civil legal action – no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Kentucky Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Civil actions for sexual abuse may be brought within 10 years of the last act of abuse, within 10 years of the date of the victim’s discovery of the abuse, within 10 years after the victim reaches the age of 18 or within 10 years of the conviction of a civil defendant for an offense included in the definition of childhood sexual assault or abuse.
Louisiana Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
An action against a person for sexual or physical abuse of a minor or for physical abuse of a minor resulting in permanent impairment or permanent physical injury or scarring may be filed at any time. An action against a person convicted of a crime against the child may be filed at any time following conviction. In Louisiana, victims of child sex abuse could previously only file claims against their abusers and those who enabled the abuse before they turned 28 years old.
Maine Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Civil actions for sexual acts toward minors may be commenced at any time. This applies to all actions of sexual acts toward minors regardless of the date of the sexual act and regardless of whether the statute of limitations on such actions expired prior to the effective date of the statute.
Maryland Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
An action for damages arising out of an alleged incident or incidents of child sexual abuse may occur any time before the victim reaches the age of majority, 20 years after the victim reaches the age of majority or three years after the date the defendant is convicted of a crime related to the alleged incident.
Child Sexual Abuse Survivors who were sexually abused as minors in Maryland now have unprecedented opportunities to pursue justice against their abusers and any institutions that failed to protect them as per the Child Victims Act that was signed into law April 2023.
Key details about Child Victims Act of 2023:
- The Child Victims Act eliminates the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits based on child sexual abuse, which means that there is no deadline by which survivors must initiate legal action.
- The Child Victims Act creates an unlimited lookback period that allows child sexual abuse survivors to file lawsuits over abuse that occurred at any time in the past, even if such claims were barred by the previous statute of limitations.
Under Maryland state law, if the victim was an adult at the time of the abuse, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit is 3 years from the date of the abuse – no matter if the claim if brought against the alleged abuse or an institution.
Given the 3-year statute of limitations for adult sexual abuse lawsuits, it is advised that survivors with potential claims reach out to a Strom Law Firm sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible.
Massachusetts Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Actions of tort alleging the defendant sexually abused a minor shall be commenced within 35 years of the acts alleged to have caused an injury or condition or within seven years of the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that an emotional or psychological injury or condition was caused by said act, whichever period expires later. The time limit for commencement of an action under this section is suspended until the child reaches 18 years of age.
Michigan Sexual Abuse Lawsuits and Statute of Limitations
The period of limitations is 10 years for an action to recover damages sustained because of criminal sexual conduct. Strom Law Firm Sexual Abuse lawyers specializes in handling both childhood sexual abuse cases and adult sexual abuse cases.
Mississippi Sexual Abuse Abuse Lawsuits and Statue of Limitations
Victims must file their claims within three years of the act constituting sexual abuse under § 15-1-49. The person may bring the action within three years of removal of disability of infancy or unsoundness of mind under § 15-1-59.
Minnesota Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
An action for damages based on sexual abuse must be commenced within six years of the alleged sexual abuse in the case of alleged sexual abuse of an individual 18 years or older. The action may be commenced at any time in the case of alleged sexual abuse of an individual under the age of 18, but actions must be commenced before the plaintiff is 24 years of age in a claim against a natural person alleged to have sexually abused a minor when that natural person was under 14 years of age.
Missouri Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Civil claims must be filed either within 10 years of the time the victim reaches age 21 or within three years from the date the victim discovers or reasonably should have discovered that physical or psychological injury was caused by abuse. This applies to any action commenced on or after Aug, 28, 2004, including any action which would have been barred by the application of the statute of limitation applicable prior to that date.
Montana Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
An action based on intentional conduct brought by a person for recovery of damages for injury suffered because of childhood sexual abuse against the individual who committed the acts must be commenced before the victim reaches 27 years of age or no later than three years after the victim discovers or reasonably should have discovered that the injury was caused by the act of childhood sexual abuse.
A claim for damages that would otherwise be barred because the statute of limitations expired may be commenced within one year of May 7, 2019, if the individual who committed childhood sexual abuse is alive at the time the action proceeds or is commenced and has admitted to the commission of the act.
Nebraska Sexual Abuse Statue of Limitations
Nebraska has no time limitation for an action against the individual(s) directly causing an injury or injuries suffered by a plaintiff who was a victim of sexual assault of a child if the assault occurred on or after Aug. 24, 2017, or before August 24, 2017, if such action was not previously time barred. Otherwise, the action must be brought within 12 years of the plaintiff’s 21st birthday.
Nevada Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
An action to recover damages for an injury to a person arising from the sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of the plaintiff which occurred when the plaintiff was less than 18 years of age may be commenced any time after it occurred.
New Hampshire Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
A person alleging to have been subjected to any sexual assault or incest may commence a personal action at any time.
According to the New Hampshire state law, survivors who were sexually abused in New Hampshire can file civil lawsuits over abuse that occurred at any time in the past and may file lawsuits even if their claims were barred under the previous law.
New Mexico Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse lawsuits in the state of New Mexico sets a deadline for victims to bring New Mexico child abuse claims against their abuser. Survivors of child sex abuse can file until age 24 or within three years of disclosing the abuse to a counselor or healthcare provider, whichever occurs last.
New York Child Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
When it is shown that a criminal action against the same defendant has been commenced with response to the same event or occurrence, including rape and sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, the plaintiff must file a claim within five years from the termination of the criminal action.
New Jersey Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Every action for an injury resulting from the commission of sexual assault, any other crime of a sexual nature or sexual abuse against a minor under the age of 18 that occurred prior to, on or after Dec. 1, 2019, must be commenced within 37 years after the minor reaches the age of majority. Actions may also be commenced within seven years from the date of reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the act.
Any civil action for injury or illness based on sexual abuse against a minor under 18 years of age must accrue at the time of reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the act of sexual abuse.
North Carolina Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
A claim for relief resulting from childhood sexual abuse must be commenced within 21 years after a potential claim resulting from alleged childhood sexual abuse accrued. The time period does not begin to run until the plaintiff has reached age 15.
Ohio Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
An action for childhood sexual abuse must be brought within 12 years of when the victim reaches the age of majority. If the abuse was fraudulently concealed from the victim, the running of the limitations period is delayed until the time the victim discovers or should have discovered the act.
Oregon Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
An action based on child abuse or conduct knowingly allowing, permitting or encouraging child abuse must be commenced before the victim’s 40th birthday. If the person has not discovered or reasonably should not have discovered the causal connection between the injury and the child abuse, the action must be brought not more than five years from the date of discovery or when the victim reasonably should have discovered it, whichever period is longer.
Oklahoma Sexual Abuse Statue of Limitations
An action brought for recovery of damages for injury suffered because of childhood sexual abuse or exploitation or incest against the perpetrator must be commenced before the victim’s 45th birthday.
Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations & Pending Law
If an individual entitled to bring a cause of action arising from sexual abuse is under 18 years of age, the action must be brought within 37 years after attaining the age of 18. If the individual is at least 18 but less than 24 years of age, the individual has until they attain the age of 30 to bring the action. The statute of limitations does not accrue during the time in which an individual is an unemancipated minor.
Rhode Island Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
All causes of action brought against a perpetrator of sexual abuse, or against a non-perpetrator whose negligent supervision of a person or whose conduct contributed to the sexual abuse, shall be commenced within the later of 35 years of the act or seven years from the time the victim discovered the injury or condition or should have reasonably discovered that the injury or condition was caused by the abuse. The time limit for such an action shall be suspended for a child until they reach 18 years of age.
South Carolina Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
A civil action to recover damages for injury arising out of sexual abuse or invest must be commenced within six years after the person becomes 21 years old or within three years from the time of discovery of the injury and the causal relationship between the injury and the sexual abuse or incest.
If you or your loved one have been victimized by sexual abuse or sexual assault, the skilled and compassionate South Carolina attorneys at Strom Law Firm are here to help. We are experienced in representing victims of sexual abuse and other sex crimes, and we are available to help guide you through this difficult time. A South Carolina sexual abuse lawyer is ready to meet with you in person at your convenience. You can also contact us online or by phone at 803-252-4800 to schedule a time to talk with a member of our team.
South Dakota Sexual Abuse Statue of Limitations
A civil action for injury suffered because of childhood sexual abuse must begin within three years of the act or three years of the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that the injury or condition was caused by the abuse. No person who has reached 40 years of age may recover damages from any person or entity other than the perpetrator.
Tennessee Sexual Abuse Statue of Limitations
A civil action for an injury or illness based on child sexual abuse that occurred when the injured person was a minor must be brought within three years from the time of discovery for abuse that occurred before July 1, 2019. For abuse that occurred on or after July 1, 2019, the action must be brought within the later of 15 years after the person becomes 18 or within three years from the time of discovery of the abuse.
Texas Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
In Texas, the current statute of limitations for civil sex abuse claims depends on when a survivor was born. For those who were born after September 1, 1997, the statute of limitations is the age of adulthood plus 15 years, which means that survivors of sexual abuse as minors will have until the age of 33.
Legislation is currently pending in Texas that would eliminate the statute of limitations and revive expired claims for abuse that occurred at any time in the past.
Utah Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
A victim may file a civil action against a perpetrator for intentional or negligent sexual abuse suffered as a child at any time. A victim may file a civil action against a non-perpetrator within four years after the individual attains the age of 18 years. If the victim discovers sexual abuse after age 18, the victim may file a claim within four years after the discovery of the abuse.
A civil action against an individual for sexual abuse that was time barred as of July 1, 2016, may be brought within 35 years of the victim’s 18th birthday or within three years of the effective date of the statute, whichever is longer.
Vermont Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
A civil action for recovery of damages for injury suffered because of child sexual or physical abuse may be commenced at any time after the act. This retroactively applies to any sexual abuse or physical abuse that occurred prior to July 1, 2019, irrespective of any statute of limitations.
Virginia Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is a law that limits the amount of time you have to start a legal case after something wrong or illegal has happened. Under current law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse who were born after July 1, 1993, have until age 38 to file civil lawsuits.
It’s important to note that while these are the general statutes of limitations, specific circumstances can affect these timeframes. Therefore, consulting with a Storm Law Firm sexual abuse attorney experienced in sexual abuse laws is advisable to understand the nuances of any particular case.
Washington Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Claims of action shall be commenced within three years of the act alleged to have caused the injury or condition or within three years of when the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that the injury was caused by the act. The time limit for commencement of an action is suspended until a child reaches age 18.
West Virginia Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
For those who were minors at the time of the alleged abuse, the law provides an extended period to initiate civil actions. Specifically, a personal action for damages resulting from sexual assault or sexual abuse of a person who was an infant at the time of the act must be brought within 18 years after reaching the age of majority (18 years old), or within four years after discovery of the sexual assault or sexual abuse, whichever is longer.
Wisconsin Sexual Abuse Statue of Limitations
Actions for childhood sexual assault must be brought before the injured party reaches the age of 35.
Note: For certain offenses, if the state obtains a DNA sample within the applicable statute of limitations and later identifies a match, prosecution may commence within 12 months of the identification or within the original statute of limitations, whichever is later.
Given the complexity and potential changes in laws, it’s advisable to consult with a Strom Law Firm child sexual abuse lawyer for special guidance.
Wyoming Sexual Abuse Statue of Limitations
Action for childhood sexual abuse may be brought up to eight years after the victim’s 18th birthday or up to three years after the time of discovery. It’s important to note that these timeframes can be influenced by specific circumstances, such as when the victim becomes aware of the abuse or its impact. Therefore, consulting with a Strom Law Firm sexual abuse lawyer experienced in Wyoming’s sexual abuse laws is advisable to understand the applicable deadlines and legal options
FREE Consultations for Victims of Sexual Abuse
Strom Law Firm is committed to supporting victims of sexual abuse by offering free, confidential consultations. Recognizing the profound physical and emotional impact of such experiences, their compassionate attorneys provide a safe environment to discuss legal options and pursue justice. With extensive experience in handling sensitive cases, Strom Law Firm ensures that survivors receive the guidance and representation they deserve.
Contact us today at 803-252-4800 or contact us to discuss your case with our experienced legal team.
