CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Atlanta
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

Alabama Sexual Abuse Attorneys

There is very limited time to file a child sex abuse lawsuit under current law in Alabama. However, a new law is currently being considered that would extend the time to file child sex abuse cases in Alabama and possibly open up a revival window that would permit cases to be filed for a limited time, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.

Alaska Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Under current Alaska state law, survivors of sexual abuse have two years from the date of their abuse, or two years from the date they discover the connection between their injuries (which can include addiction, self-harm, and other mental health issues) and the abuse (or a defendant’s actions that led to the abuse), to file civil lawsuits against an institutional defendant.

Determining the statute of limitations in your claim can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. Contact Levy Konigsberg for a free consultation

Arizona Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 in Arizona have until age 30 to file civil lawsuits.

Arkansas Sexual Abuse Attorneys

The statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse lawsuits sets a deadline for victims to bring claims against their abuser. In 2021, Arkansas extended this deadline with the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act (Senate Bill 676). 

Under this new Law, 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.

The new Law also introduced a three-year lookback window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse who were previously barred from filing a civil suit because of the statute of limitations. Adults who experienced abuse as children were able to file civil claims from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2024, no matter when the abuse took place.

Arkansas' Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act recognizes the significant hurdles survivors of childhood sexual abuse face in processing their trauma and deciding to take legal action against their abusers and those who failed to protect them. Attorneys at Levy Konigsberg can help you navigate the statute of limitations to avoid missing any crucial important deadlines.

Atlanta Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Like other personal injury claims, sexual abuse lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations, you will be barred from recovering compensation for your losses.

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits is as follows:

• Adult survivors: Adult survivors of sexual abuse have two years from the date of the abuse to file a lawsuit.
• Child survivors: Adults who were abused as children have until they turn 23 years of age to file a civil lawsuit.

It is important to note that the statute of limitations is a complex area of law, and there are many exceptions that may apply in your case. For this reason, it is important to consult with an experienced Atlanta sex abuse lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations.

California Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 are not able to file claims or recover compensation.

Fortunately, California has recognized that the statute of limitations can act as a barrier to justice for sexual abuse survivors, which research has shown can take years or decades to come to terms with their abuse and the damages it had caused. As such, California passed the Child Victims Act in 2019 to extend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits.

Under the CA Child Victims Act

• Survivors sexually abused as minors can file claims until age 40 (22 years after turning 18)

Colorado Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 Colorado law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse at privately-operated facilities who were born after January 1, 1998 may file civil lawsuits at any time.

Connecticut Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Connecticut has been a leader in revising the civil statute of limitations—or the deadline by which Plaintiffs must file suit to be eligible for a recovery of damages—in cases involving sexual abuse.

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 Attorneys

The Delaware Child Victims Act eliminated the statute of limitations for civil cases related to childhood sexual abuse that occurred after July 9, 2005. This means that if you were abused after this date, you are able to file a civil case at any time.

Florida Sexual Abuse Attorneys

The amount of time that a victim of childhood sexual abuse in Florida has to file a lawsuit depends on the facts and circumstances of the particular case. We recommend that you reach out to us if you have questions about the statute of limitations in your case.  For those who were sexually abused in privately-operated Florida juvenile residential facilities when they were under age 16, and were born after July 1, 1988, there should be no statute of limitations that applies. So, in most cases, this means that a person who experienced sexual assault when under age 16 is permitted to file a civil lawsuit at any time so long as they were born after July 1, 1988 (i.e. the person did not turn age 22 as of July 1, 2010).

Georgia Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 in Georgia have until age 23 to file civil lawsuits.

Illinois Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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.

Determining the statute of limitations in your claim can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims brought by victims who were abused as minors is generally as follows:

• Claims brought by survivors of childhood sexual abuse (abuse that occurred when the victim was under 18 years of age) may be commenced at any time for victims who were born on or after July 24, 1983.

Indiana Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 Indiana law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse typically have seven years after the abuse occurred or until age 20, whichever is later, to file civil lawsuits. 

This limitation highlights the urgency for survivors and families to act promptly in seeking justice.

Kentucky Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 Kentucky law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse born after March 23, 2002 typically have until age 28 to file civil lawsuits against entities that allowed the abuse to happen.

Kansas Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Years of research have confirmed that survivors face many challenges when it comes to processing the effects of sexual abuse and coming forward to report it – especially if they were abused as minors.

As a result, great strides have been made in Kansas to educate lawmakers about these challenges and how they conflict directly with statutes of limitations that require survivors to file civil lawsuits within a short period of time. The result has been mostly positive, with the Kansas Legislature passing a long-anticipated law to bolster the rights of survivors.

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.

While these are significant changes that expand the rights of survivors, many argue they still fall short.

As the data tells us, sexual abuse survivors often take decades to process their abuse, connect their trauma to the harm they’ve suffered, and make the difficult decision to step forward and seek justice. According to several studies, the average age that child sexual abuse victims take these steps is 52.

This being the case, there is still widespread support for Kansas to eliminate the child sexual abuse SOL entirely and give survivors an unlimited amount of time to file. Additionally, advocates are still pushing for lawmakers to create a window during which survivors with previously time-barred claims could file lawsuits – a feature that was in initial versions of HB 2127 before it was dropped in the final bill.

Louisiana Sexual Abuse Attorneys

A statute of limitations is a legal time limit for starting legal proceedings after an alleged offense. 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.

In 2021, Louisiana lawmakers passed a “lookback window” bill allowing abuse survivors to file civil lawsuits against their abusers regardless of when the abuse occurred, within three years (ending June 2024). Recently, they extended this period until June 14, 2027.

Maine Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Thanks to several legislative amendments, survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Maine have considerable protections when it comes to filing civil claims for compensation against abusers and responsible institutions. This includes:

• A 2000 law that indefinitely extended the state’s statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse, giving those who were abused as minors an unlimited amount of time to file civil lawsuits.
• A 2021 law that retroactively lifted the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits based on childhood sexual abuse, giving survivors with previously barred claims the right to file lawsuits.

Maine’s current laws regarding for child sexual abuse lawsuits are among the most expansive in the nation but were once criticized for falling short. That’s because prior to the latest amendment, Maine’s unlimited filing window for child sex abuse lawsuits did not apply to survivors with claims where the statute of limitations had already expired.

Fortunately, state lawmakers finally pushed to retroactively lift the statute of limitations on previously time-barred claims in 2021. Thanks to this significant move, survivors who were sexually abused as minors now have the right to file lawsuits against their abusers and the institutions that failed to protect them no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

Legal Update: Maine’s 2021 legal amendment has been challenged by entities that view civil sex abuse lawsuits as major financial and reputational threats. This includes the Maine Catholic Church, which has led legal challenges arguing that the new law is unconstitutional and that survivors should only be able to file claims against individuals (many of whom are no longer alive or lack the ability to sufficiently compensate victims) who committed the abuse.

Maryland Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Maryland has been a frontrunner in passing legislation that greatly expands the rights of sexual abuse survivors – and especially survivors of child sexual abuse.

Thanks to the Child Victims Act, which was signed into law in April 2023 by Governor Wes Moore, 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.

Here are some key details about Child Victims Act of 2023:

• The CVA 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 CVA 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.

The Child Victims Act went into effect on October 1, 2023, and prison and juvenile detention systems with long histories of child sexual abuse are seeing a growing number claims brought by survivors abused years and decades ago.

While Maryland has significantly revised state laws regarding the statute of limitations for civil suits brought by child sexual abuse laws, it has not done so for claims brought by adult survivors.

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 seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

Massachusetts Sexual Abuse Attorneys

In 2015, Massachusetts lawmakers passed groundbreaking legislation to greatly expand the rights of child sexual abuse survivors. Specifically, these legislative amendments gave survivors, whom research has shown can take years or decades to process their abuse and its resulting impact on their lives, far more time to file civil lawsuits than what was previously provided for under the law.

Claims against abusers

Under current Massachusetts law (Chapter 260 § 4C), survivors of child sexual abuse must file civil claims against their abuser within 35 years of the final act of abuse or within 7 years of discovering that they suffered damages as a result of their abuse, whichever is later.

There are two important facts about the law and its application in child sexual abuse cases:

• The statute of limitations can be “tolled” until child victims turn 18, which means that survivors have 35 years from the date they turn 18 to file civil claims.
• The statute contains a “delayed discovery” provision allowing child victims to file claims within 7 years of discovering that they suffered damages due to their abuse. This means that victims may still be eligible to file civil lawsuits even if it has been more than 35 years since their abuse, provided they had not previously discovered the connection between their abuse and resulting damages, which may include addiction, anxiety, depression, and other emotional and psychological injuries.

Claims against others, including organizations responsible for the abuse

A separate Massachusetts law governs claims against persons or entities other than the abuser, such as the operator of a facility who allowed the abuse to occur. Under this law, survivors of child sexual abuse that occurred after June 2014 may file civil claims against persons or entities other than the abuser within 35 years of the final act of abuse. 

The “delayed discovery” rule allowing survivors to file within 7 years of discovering that they suffered damages due to their abuse applies the same as in claims against abusers.

Massachusetts’ current statute of limitations for child sexual abuse survivors provides far more time for survivors to take legal action than the previous law, but advocates and some lawmakers are still pushing to eliminate the statute of limitations entirely in child sexual abuse cases. There is currently a proposed bill (S.1038) that is making its way through the state Legislature that would do just that.

Michigan Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Under Michigan law, a person who was the victim of a sex crime may be entitled to file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation.  A sexual abuse case must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is the timeframe within which a survivor can file a civil lawsuit. Under Michigan law, survivors sexually assaulted under the age of 18 may have until age 28 to file a lawsuit.  To understand the statute of limitations for your case, it's essential to consult with an experienced lawyer. At Levy Konigsberg, our attorneys specialize in handling both childhood sexual abuse cases and adult sexual abuse cases. We can assess the merits of your potential case and determine how the Michigan statute of limitations specifically applies to the facts of your case.

Minnesota Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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.

Determining the statute of limitations in your claim can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. Under Minnesota law, if you were born after May 25, 1989, you may be able to bring a civil claim for childhood sexual abuse at any time.

Levy Konigsberg’s experienced 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

Missouri Sexual Abuse Attorneys

In Missouri, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a limited amount of time to pursue civil lawsuits and damages. This statute of limitations varies depending on whether lawsuits are brought against abusers or institutions.

The statute of limitations for claims brought against abusers is:

• Within 10 years from the date a survivor turns 21; or
• Within three years from the date a survivor discovers injuries caused by their childhood sexual abuse (i.e. depression, addiction, incarceration, etc.).

Survivors have even less time to file claims against institutions that failed to protect them from abuse. Filing claims against responsible entities is nearly always preferable because institutional defendants have the financial means and insurance to fairly compensate victims.

In claims brought against entities, survivors must bring their suits:

• Before the age of 26; or
• Within three years from the date they discover the connection between their abuse and resulting damages.

However, as in other states, Missouri has seen growing momentum to change the statute of limitations in civil sexual abuse cases. That’s because research resoundingly agrees that survivors of sexual abuse often take decades to process their abuse and its impact on their lives. According to Child USA, a nonprofit think tank, the average age that victims report childhood sexual abuse is 52.

Recognizing the challenges survivors face in processing abuse, and how short statutes of limitations function as a barrier to justice more often than not, Missouri lawmakers have proposed a measure to give survivors greater opportunities to seek justice.

If passed, the pending law would:

• Extend the civil statute of limitations for child victims to age 55.
• Create a temporary two-year window for child sexual abuse survivors to file claims over abuse that occurred at any time in the past.

Montana Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 Montana law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse typically have until age 27 to file civil lawsuits.

Nebraska Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 Nebraska law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse typically have until age 33 to file civil lawsuits.

Nevada Sexual Abuse Attorneys

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse lawsuits has been significantly extended to support victims in seeking justice. Under the revised statutes, victims who were under 18 at the time of the abuse have until their 38th birthday to file a lawsuit. This period includes the age of majority (18) plus an additional 20 years. There is no statute of limitations for adult victims of sexual assault, allowing them to file a lawsuit at any time. 

New Hampshire Sexual Abuse Attorneys

In recent years, New Hampshire lawmakers have passed groundbreaking legislation to expand the rights of sexual abuse survivors.

This includes the Crime Victims’ Right Enhancement Act of 2020, which eliminated the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits arising from sexual abuse and assault involving victims of all ages.

This law means that 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 Attorneys

The statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse lawsuits 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 healthcare provider or counselor, whichever occurs later.

However, a proposed bill (HB 73) introduced in 2025 offers hope for change. This bill would provide better opportunities for victims to seek justice if passed. If passed, the bill would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases and open a permanent revival window for victims whose claims expired under the current statute of limitations.

Levy Konigsberg's experienced 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.

New York Sexual Abuse Attorneys

A statute of limitations sets deadlines for victims to bring claims against their abuser or entities responsible for the abuse. New York has pioneered efforts to make it easier for sexual abuse survivors to seek justice and compensation.

In 2019, New York passed the Child Victims Act, expanding the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. 

New York Juvenile Detention Center Attorneys

A statute of limitations sets deadlines for victims to bring claims against their abuser or entities responsible for the abuse. New York has pioneered efforts to make it easier for sexual abuse survivors to seek justice and compensation.

In 2019, New York passed the Child Victims Act, expanding the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Under current law: (1) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at privately operated juvenile detention centers who were born after February 14, 1998, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits; and (2) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at juvenile detention centers operated by governmental entities, who were born after November 15, 1999, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits.

In addition, on January 29, 2026, the New York City Council enacted Introduction 1297, an amendment to the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA). Introduction 1297 reopens the GMVA lookback window for 18 months. As a result, survivors with previously time-barred claims for sexual abuse that occurred in New York City and prior to January 9, 2022 can file lawsuits between January 29, 2026 and July 29, 2027. Survivors of sexual abuse that occurred in New York City and on or after January 9, 2022 have seven years to bring their claims.

Thus, there may be new avenues to seek justice for previously time-barred claims of abuse at New York juvenile detention centers. If you were sexually abused at a New York juvenile detention center at any time, reach out today.

New York Residential Treatment Center Attorneys

A statute of limitations sets deadlines for victims to bring claims against their abuser or entities responsible for the abuse. New York has pioneered efforts to make it easier for sexual abuse survivors to seek justice and compensation.

In 2019, New York passed the Child Victims Act, expanding the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Under current law: (1) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at privately operated residential treatment centers who were born after February 14, 1998, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits; and (2) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at residential treatment centers operated by governmental entities, who were born after November 15, 1999, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits.

New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorneys

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations previously imposed a strict deadline for victims of sexual abuse to file claims or seek compensation. However, recognizing the lasting impact of sexual abuse and the obstacles survivors face in pursuing justice, the state enacted the Child Victims Act in 2019. This landmark legislation significantly extended the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse cases. The law provides more opportunities for victims to seek justice and compensation, acknowledging the complexities and challenges associated with reporting and prosecuting sexual abuse.

Under New Jersey law, specifically NJ Stat. § 2A:14-2a, survivors of sexual abuse now have an extended timeframe to pursue legal action.  Childhood sexual abuse victims can file civil claims until age 55 or seven years after recognizing the trauma, whichever is later. This allows survivors to seek justice against their abusers and any liable institutions. For those sexually abused as adults (age 18 or older), the deadline to file a civil lawsuit is seven years from the incident of abuse.

Seeking legal guidance is crucial when navigating the complexities of the statute of limitations. Your attorney can review your case, explain the statute of limitations to you, and assist you in determining if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.

North Carolina Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 North Carolina Law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse who were born after December 1, 1998 typically have until age 28 to file civil lawsuits.

Ohio Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Civil sexual abuse lawsuits are subject to a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. In Ohio, current law caps the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases at the age of adulthood plus 12 years, which means that survivors sexually abused as minors typically only have until the age of 30 to file claims.

Because much of the abuse against children within Ohio’s Catholic churches occurred decades ago, the state’s current statute of limitations on civil sex abuse claims means that numerous survivors are unable to file lawsuits and recover compensation for their damages. However, lawmakers have pushed for changes in the law, including a pending measure to extend the civil statute of limitations.

Oregon Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Under current law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Oregon have until their 40th birthday, or five years from the date they discover that their damages (which can include addiction, self-harm, and other mental health issues) are connected to their abuse, to file civil lawsuits.

Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse  Attorneys

In Pennsylvania, the current statute of limitations for civil sex abuse claims is the age of adulthood plus 37 years, which means that survivors sexually abused as minors typically have until the age of 55 to file legal action, as long as they were born after November 26, 1989.

As in other states across the country, Pennsylvania’s current statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims has been criticized for barring numerous survivors from seeking justice and compensation for their damages and for failing to recognize accepted research about the considerable difficulties survivors face when processing their abuse and taking steps to come forward. Thanks to new efforts by advocates and lawmakers, however, there are now several pending measures before the Pennsylvania Legislature that seek to expand the rights of child sex abuse survivors.

These groundbreaking measures, which are expected to pass, will create new opportunities for survivors to step forward and obtain long-overdue justice. If passed, these measures would create a temporary two-year window for child sexual abuse survivors to file claims over abuse that occurred at any time in the past.

Rhode Island Sexual Abuse Attorneys

South Carolina Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 South Carolina law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse typically may file a civil lawsuit up until age 27 or three years after the victim realizes that the abuse caused injury–whichever comes later. However, a proposed bill (S 0148) introduced in 2025 offers hope for change. This bill would provide better opportunities for victims to seek justice if passed. If passed, the bill would extend the statute of limitations for sexual abuse to age 59 or 8 years from discovery, whichever is later, and open a 1-year revival window to file civil lawsuits for child sexual abuse.

Levy Konigsberg's experienced 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.

Texas Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 Attorneys

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 Utah law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse typically have until age 22 to file lawsuits against an organization that is responsible for allowing their abuse to occur.

This limitation highlights the urgency for survivors and families to act promptly in seeking justice.

Vermont Sexual Abuse Attorneys

In 2019, Vermont lawmakers passed H. 330, an historic measure that completely removed the time limits for child sexual abuse survivors to file civil lawsuits.

Hailed as one of the strongest statute of limitations reforms for victims in the country, Vermont’s law was intended to account for the fact that sexual abuse survivors abused as minors often take decades to process their abuse and the effects abuse has had on their lives, and that most do not step forward with their claims under the average age of 52.

Under Vermont’s sexual abuse law:

• There is no statute of limitations for civil actions based on childhood sexual abuse, which means survivors can file lawsuits no matter how much time has elapsed since they were abused.
• The statute of limitations elimination is fully retroactive, which means that child sex abuse survivors can file lawsuits over abuse that occurred at any time in the past, including claims that were previously time-barred.
• The law allows victims to sue institutions, organizations, or companies that permitted or perpetuated child sexual abuse.

Virginia Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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.

Washington Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Under current Washington state law, survivors of sexual abuse have three years from the date of their abuse, or three years from the date they discover the connection between their injuries (which can include addiction, self-harm, and other mental health issues) and the abuse (or a defendant’s actions that led to the abuse), to file civil lawsuits.

In March 2024, the governor signed into law a bill (House Bill 1618) removing the statute of limitations for civil claims related to child sexual abuse. As a result, for any sexual abuse occurring on or after June 6, 2024, there is no deadline to file.

However, the new law is not retroactive, meaning that it does not apply to sexual abuse that occurred before June 6, 2024. Survivors of sexual abuse that occurred before this time still have three years from the date of their abuse, or three years from the date they discover the connection between their injuries and the abuse or actions that led to the abuse, to file civil lawsuits. 

West Virginia Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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.

Determining the statute of limitations in your claim can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. In West Virginia, claims brought by survivors of childhood sexual abuse (abuse that occurred when the victim was under 18 years of age) generally must be commenced before the survivor reaches age 36.

Wyoming Sexual Abuse Attorneys

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 Wyoming law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse typically have until age 26 to file civil lawsuits.

This limitation highlights the urgency for survivors and families to act promptly in seeking justice.

We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims

At Levy Konigsberg, we have the experience and resources to help survivors in sexual abuse lawsuits involving all types of institutions and circumstances, including:

• Boy Scout Sexual Abuse
• Catholic Church Sexual Abuse
• Cruise Ship & Airline Sexual Abuse
• Doctors or Medical Staff Sexual Abuse
• Entertainment Industry Sexual Abuse
• Foster Care Sexual Abuse
• Group Home Sexual Abuse
• Hotel & Motel Sexual Abuse
• Other Religious Group Sexual Abuse
• Police Sexual Assault
• Psychiatric Hospital Sexual Abuse
• Rideshare Sexual Abuse
• School Sexual Abuse
• Sex Trafficking Lawsuits
• Social Media & Online Games Sexual Abuse
• Spas and Massage Parlors Sexual Abuse
• Summer Camp Sexual Abuse
• Voyeurism
• Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse
• Youth Facility Sexual Abuse
• Youth Sport Sexual Abuse