Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault?

Each state has a statute of limitations on sexual abuse and assault, which are legal time limits for filing a civil sexual abuse lawsuit. Once this deadline passes, survivors may lose the ability to seek compensation through the legal system.

Sexual abuse claims can be pursued in both civil and criminal court, but each has different deadlines. Civil statutes of limitations for sex abuse victims are often longer and allow survivors to seek compensation even if criminal charges aren’t filed or don’t result in a conviction.

About Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Assault & Abuse 

• No time limits in some cases: Some states have no time limits for certain sexual assault cases, while others may allow only a few years.
• Extended time for childhood abuse: Most states give survivors of childhood sexual abuse more time to take legal action.
• Different starting points: In some states, the clock starts when the abuse occurred. Others follow the discovery rule, which delays the deadline until the survivor realizes the abuse caused lasting harm like anxiety, depression, addiction, or relationship struggles.
• Lookback windows: Temporary laws in some states allow survivors to file cases that would otherwise be past the deadline, usually only for a limited time.
• Filing after death: Survivors may still file a lawsuit even if the abuser has died by pursuing claims against their estate or the institution that allowed the abuse.

Because these rules are complex and change frequently, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to understand what deadlines apply to your case. Even if you think too much time has passed, you may still be able to take legal action.

Our compassionate team can review your case for free and explain your rights. We believe survivors deserve to be heard and to pursue justice, no matter how much time has gone by.

Understanding the Statutes of Limitations on Sexual Assault

Statutes of limitations for sexual assault determine how long survivors have to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. Once the deadline expires, survivors may miss their chance to file a lawsuit, even if there is strong evidence of abuse.

Because many survivors often wait years to come forward, understanding the time limit in your state is critical to preserving your right to seek justice.

Some states’ laws recognize survivors may need time to come forward due to:

• Fear of retaliation
• Feelings of shame or self-blame
• Lasting trauma that takes years to process
• Manipulation or pressure from an abuser or institution

For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, it can take well into adulthood to process what happened and feel ready to seek justice.

"People in their 60's and 70's attest to the fact that it took them their whole life to finally figure out why they go through failed relationship after failed relationship."
– Nevada Senator Lisa Krasner 

In recent years, many state lawmakers have reformed their sexual assault statutes of limitations.

Some have extended or removed deadlines entirely, while others have created temporary “lookback windows” that reopen expired claims, giving survivors more time to pursue a sexual abuse settlement or verdict.

Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault by State

Every state sets its own statute of limitations for sexual assault. These laws determine how long survivors have to file a civil lawsuit against a perpetrator or an institution that failed to protect them from abuse.

Sex abuse statutes of limitations are constantly being reviewed and updated by lawmakers. These deadliness are subject to change, so it’s important to contact an experienced sexual abuse attorney who can explain the rules that apply to your case.

As a national law firm, Sokolove Law understands the deadlines in each state and can act quickly to file your claim in time.

Find out more about the general filing deadlines for civil sexual abuse cases involving children and adults.

The sexual abuse laws in each state often include exceptions and rules that affect filing deadlines. Some states extend the statute of limitations if the abuse is discovered later in life, while others have removed deadlines entirely.

Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys can help survivors understand how the law may apply to their situation and determine if they're able to take legal action.

Alabama Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

The Alabama statute of limitations for sexual assault is 2 years from when the harm occurred. This deadline can be extended to 2 years from the survivor's 19th birthday if the abuse happened when they were a child.

Alabama has not adopted a discovery rule, meaning the deadline does not extend if the survivor only realizes the harm later.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in Alaska

In Alaska, civil claims for sexual abuse involving misdemeanor sexual abuse of a minor, misdemeanor sexual assault, incest, or felony indecent exposure generally must be filed within 3 years of the incident.

For serious offenses like felony sexual abuse of a minor, felony sexual assault, sex trafficking, and human trafficking, Alaska law allows survivors to file a civil lawsuit at any time, no matter how many years have passed.

Additionally, Alaska recognizes a delayed discovery rule. Under state law, the clock begins when the survivor discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, that the abuse caused harm.

Arizona Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

In Arizona, civil sexual assault claims must be filed within 2 years under the state's personal injury law.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may also file within 12 years of their 18th birthday or age 30.

Statute of Limitations for Arkansas Sexual Assault

Under Arkansas law, survivors generally have 3 years from the date of the abuse to file a civil sexual assault claim.

For childhood sexual abuse, the deadline extends to 3 years from the date the survivor discovers, or should have discovered, that the abuse caused their injuries.

Statute of Limitations for California Sexual Assault

The statute of limitations for California sexual assault is generally 10 years from the incident. If the abuse isn’t recognized right away, survivors have 3 years from when they discovered, or should've reasonably discovered, the abuse and its impact.

In January 2026, California opened a temporary 2-year lookback window allowing certain adult survivors whose civil claims were previously barred by the statute of limitations to take legal action. The window closes on December 31, 2027.

The California child sex abuse statute of limitations allows survivors to file a claim up to 22 years after turning 18 or within 5 years of discovering the abuse. For abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, survivors can bring a claim at any time.

Colorado Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

In Colorado, civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct can be filed at any time if the abuse happened on or after January 1, 2022, or if the old deadline hadn't run out by then.

For abuse that took place before 2022, survivors generally have 6 years to file. If that deadline had already passed before the law changed, the 6-year limit applies.

Connecticut Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations gives adult survivors 3 years to sue for sexual assault. If the offender is convicted of certain types of assault, survivors may have longer.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Connecticut can file a civil claim until they turn 51. This extended window recognizes the time it often takes to process and come forward about abuse.

Delaware Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

In Delaware, the statute of limitations for most civil sexual assault claims involving adults is 2 years from the date of the abuse.

However, Delaware has eliminated the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Survivors can file a civil claim at any time, regardless of how many years have passed since the abuse occurred.

As of September 2025, Delaware lawmakers are considering HB 75, a bill that would let all survivors of childhood sexual abuse file civil lawsuits at any time, even if the deadline has already passed..

District of Columbia Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault

In the District of Columbia, if sexual abuse occurred when the survivor was younger than 35, civil claims must be filed by the time they turn 40 or within 5 years of when the survivor knew, or reasonably should have known, about the abuse.

If the abuse occurred at 35 or older, survivors have 5 years from the act or discovery. D.C. law gives survivors a long window to come forward, with extra time built in for those who only realize the impact of the abuse years later.

Florida Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

In Florida, the sexual assault statute of limitations is 4 years for adult survivors. However, if the abuse occurred repeatedly, the deadline begins on the date of the last abusive act.

For survivors who were under 16 at the time of the abuse, the sexual assault statute of limitations in Florida places no deadline on filing a civil claim. However, this doesn’t apply to cases that expired before July 1, 2010.

Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations in Georgia

The sexual assault statute of limitations in Georgia is typically 2 years from the date of the abuse. However, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until their 23rd birthday to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser.

Under the Hidden Predator Act, Georgia opened a 2-year window from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2017 to revive some previously time-barred child-abuse claims. That window is now closed.

Hawaii Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including sexual assault, is 2 years from the date of the incident.

Hawaii childhood sexual abuse deadlines include:

• Abuse before July 1, 2024: Must be filed by age 26 (8 years after 18) or within 3 years of discovery, whichever is later
• Abuse on or after July 1, 2024: Must be filed by age 50 (32 years after 18) or within 5 years of discovery, whichever is later

We can help families in all 50 states file a sexual abuse claim. Contact Sokolove Law now to learn about the deadline that applies in your case.

Idaho Statute of Limitations on Sexual Abuse

The statute of limitations for sexual assault in Idaho is 2 years from the date of the abuse, providing a short window for survivors to take legal action.

Childhood sexual abuse survivors may file a civil lawsuit within 5 years after turning 18 or within 5 years of discovering the abuse and its connection to their injuries, whichever is later. This only applies to cases that took place after July 1, 1989.

Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations in Illinois

The sexual assault statute of limitations in Illinois gives survivors 2 years to file a civil lawsuit. For the most violent sexual assaults, there is no statute of limitations for civil claims.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse can also file a civil lawsuit at any time, as long as they were not already time-barred before January 1, 2014.

Indiana Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

The Indiana statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases is generally 2 years from the date of the assault.

For childhood sexual abuse, survivors have 7 years to take legal action. While Indiana has no lookback window, a very narrow, one-time revival allowed certain Boy Scouts-related claims to be filed through July 1, 2025.

Statute of Limitations for Iowa Sexual Assault

In Iowa, survivors of sexual abuse generally have 2 years from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit.

After turning 18, childhood sex abuse survivors have 4 years to take legal action. This period begins when they realize both the injury and its connection to the abuse.

Cases involving abuse by a counselor, therapist, or school employee must be filed within 5 years of the last treatment or school enrollment, with extra time for minors and a separate 4-year discovery period if the harm is discovered in adulthood.

Kansas Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault

In Kansas, survivors of sexual abuse have 2 years from the date of the assault to file a lawsuit. However, state law extends this timeframe significantly for child victims.

Anyone who experienced childhood sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit within 13 years after turning 18. A claim may also be filed within 3 years after a criminal conviction related to the abuse, whichever comes later.

Kentucky Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

In Kentucky, civil sexual abuse lawsuits involving adult survivors usually must be filed within 1 year of the assault.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file a civil lawsuit within 10 years of:

• The last act of abuse
• Discovering the abuse and its impact
• Turning 18
• The abuser’s conviction for a related offense

Kentucky law provides several different ways to calculate the filing deadline, which gives survivors more flexibility than in many states.

Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault in Louisiana

In Louisiana, adult survivors of sexual assault typically have 3 years to file civil lawsuits. This period starts either from the date the injury occurred or from when the victim was notified of the abuser's identity by law enforcement or a court, whichever comes later.

However, Louisiana has eliminated the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse, meaning claims can now be filed at any time. This change reflects a commitment to justice for survivors, regardless of how much time has passed.

The state also enacted a lookback window allowing survivors whose claims had previously expired to file new civil lawsuits. Although initially set to expire in 2024, this deadline has been extended through June 2027, and Louisiana’s Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality.

“For many victims of child sexual abuse, the revival provision represents their first and only opportunity to bring suit.”
– Chief Justice John Weimer, Louisiana Supreme Court

Maine Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault

In Maine, the statute of limitations for sexual assault for adults must be filed within 6 years of the abuse taking place.

By contrast, Maine law says such actions may be filed at any time. However, in January 2025, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the statute’s retroactive revival provision was unconstitutional as applied to already-expired claims, so previously time-barred cases remain barred.

Maryland Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault

Under Maryland law, adults typically must file a sexual abuse lawsuit within 3 years of the date of the assault.

In 2023, Maryland passed the Child Victims Act to eliminate the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse entirely. As a result, there's no deadline to take legal action in these cases.

Because these rules can be complex, it’s important to speak with an attorney to find out how much time may remain to file a claim.

Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, adults generally have 3 years from the date of their assault to file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, however, the law allows much more time.

In cases involving child abuse, the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Massachusetts is paused until the survivor turns 18. A child sexual abuse lawsuit may be brought within 35 years of the abuse or 7 years of discovering the abuse caused emotional or psychological injury, whichever is later.

Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations in Michigan

The sexual assault statute of limitations in Michigan is generally 10 years from the date of the incident.

However, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until their 28th birthday to sue or 3 years after discovering injuries caused by criminal sexual conduct, whichever occurs later.

Minnesota Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

Minnesota law sets different deadlines depending on the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse. Survivors who were 18 or older when the abuse occurred must file a civil lawsuit within 6 years.

Anyone abused between the ages of 14 and 18 can file a lawsuit against their abuser at any time, but kids who were younger than 14 must take legal action before they turn 24.

Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault in Mississippi

In Mississippi, adult survivors of abuse and survivors of childhood sexual abuse must generally file a civil lawsuit within 3 years.

However, if the survivor is a minor or legally incapacitated at the time, they may bring a claim within 3 years after they turn 21.

Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations in Missouri

In Missouri, adult survivors have 5 years to file a sexual abuse lawsuit to pursue justice and compensation.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse must file a civil lawsuit within 10 years after turning 21 or within 3 years of discovering that the abuse caused physical or psychological injury. The later date applies.

This extended window recognizes the reality that survivors may not connect their trauma to the abuse until years later.

"Short statutes of limitations for sex crimes ask the impossible of many victims: report the crime before they have recovered from the trauma.”
– Texas A&M Law Review

Montana Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse

In Montana, for survivors who were adults at the time they were abused, state law generally allows 3 years from the date of the assault to file a civil lawsuit.

If the abuse occurred during childhood, survivors have a longer window. They must file their claim either before turning 27 or within 3 years of discovering that the abuse caused harm, whichever comes later.

Statute of Limitations for Nebraska Sexual Assault

In Nebraska, adults generally have 4 years to file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for therapy, lost income, and more.

For those abused as children, there is no time limit if: 

• The abuse occurred on or after August 24, 2017, or
• The abuse occurred before that date but the claim was not already time‑barred

If one of these conditions isn’t met, the survivor has 12 years after their 21st birthday to take legal action.

Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations in Nevada

In Nevada, there is no statute of limitations for adult survivors of sexual assault, meaning victims can seek justice at any time due to legislation passed in 2023.

Similarly, child survivors are not bound by a filing deadline in cases involving sexual abuse or exploitation.

“With the passage of time, people tend to forget the victim, but the victim never forgets, and to have some closure associated with this type of violence and lifelong detriment to the psyche, I think it's important laws like this help with that matter. It doesn't fix it, but it helps.”
– Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault

In New Hampshire, survivors of sexual assault or abuse can file a civil lawsuit at any time. There is no statute of limitations for these claims. By removing deadlines, the state gives survivors the ability to come forward whenever they're ready.

However, there's a tension between the 2020 law eliminating civil time limits for child sex abuse claims and Article 23 of the New Hampshire Constitution, which bars retroactive laws. Courts are weighing that issue now, and the outcome could affect some survivors with older claims.

New Jersey Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

In New Jersey, adult survivors of sexual assault generally must file a civil lawsuit within 7 years of the offense or 7 years from when they discovered the harm was caused by the abuse, whichever comes later.

The statute of limitations for sexual assault in New Jersey applies to abuse that occurred before, on, or after December 1, 2019, when the law went into effect.

Statute of Limitations for New Mexico Sexual Assault

In New Mexico, adult survivors generally have 3 years from the date of the abuse to file a civil lawsuit.

For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the statute allows them to take legal action either until their 24th birthday or within 3 years after first disclosing the abuse to a licensed medical or mental health care provider.

New York Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault

In New York, survivors generally have 20 years from the date of the abuse to file a civil claim. Childhood survivors can file up to age 55.

Under the Adult Survivors Act, a special 1-year filing window was made available in 2022-2023 for claims that had otherwise expired.

Lawmakers are working on a new bill that would allow survivors to sue state or public institutions that allowed child sexual abuse to happen without survivors having to recall details about the abuse.

North Carolina Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse

North Carolina law allows adult survivors to file a civil lawsuit within 3 years of the most recent incident of abuse.

Additionally, survivors of childhood abuse have up to 2 years after a criminal conviction of their abuser to file a civil suit, even if the initial filing period has already passed.

North Dakota Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

In North Dakota, civil lawsuits for sexual abuse must generally be filed within 9 years of the incident for adult survivors.

For those abused as minors, the window is longer, allowing claims to be filed within 21 years of the abuse. If the victim was under 15, the 21-year period of limitation doesn't begin to run until they have turned 15.

In 2019, lawmakers extended the statute of limitations for cases of sexual abuse, but they can't be applied retroactively.

Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault in Ohio

The statute of limitations on sexual assault in Ohio generally gives adult survivors of sexual abuse 1 year from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit.

However, survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Ohio may file a civil lawsuit by the age of 30. If the abuse was covered up, the deadline doesn’t begin until the survivor discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the abuse.

Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, adult survivors of sexual abuse generally have 2 years from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit. Filing deadlines run either 2 years from the date of the abuse or 5 years after the abuser is released from jail, whichever is later.

The 45th-birthday rule took effect November 1, 2017. The statute does not include a retroactive revival of claims that were already time-barred before the change.

Statute of Limitations for Oregon Sexual Assault

In Oregon, adult survivors of sex abuse typically have 2 years from the date of the abuse to take legal action.

However, for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the deadline to sue extends until their 40th birthday or 5 years after discovering an injury caused by the abuse.

These extended timelines reflect an understanding of trauma’s long-term impact, acknowledging that many survivors only recognize the abuse or feel ready to act years later.

Call (800) 995-1212 right now to see if we may be able to file a sexual abuse lawsuit on your behalf and fight for the justice you deserve.

Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, adults generally have 2 years from the date of the assault to bring a civil lawsuit. For childhood sexual abuse survivors, Pennsylvania law extends the filing period significantly.

Childhood sexual abuse survivors may file:

• Until age 55 (37 years after turning 18) or
• Within 7 years of reasonably discovering that the abuse caused harm

State legislators are currently considering a bill that would establish a 2-year window for survivors whose claims were previously barred by the statute of limitations on sexual assault in Pennsylvania to take legal action.

Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, adults generally have 3 years from the date of the assault to file a civil lawsuit to pursue compensation for medical bill, emotional distress, and more.

These rules apply to both cases against individual abusers and to institutions whose negligence enabled or contributed to the abuse.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in South Carolina

In South Carolina, adult survivors generally have 3 years from the date of the assault to file a civil lawsuit.

For those abused as children, the statute allows claims to be filed within 6 years of a survivor’s 21st birthday or within 3 years of discovering that the abuse caused harm.

Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations in South Dakota

In South Dakota, both survivors assaulted as adults and children must file a civil lawsuit within 3 years of the abuse or within 3 years of discovering that the abuse caused their injuries.

However, once a survivor reaches age 40, they may only bring claims directly against the perpetrator, not against institutions or other parties that may have enabled the abuse.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in Tennessee

In Tennessee, adult survivors generally have 3-5 years from the date of the incident to file a civil sexual assault claim, depending on whether they filed a police report.

The previous 1-year deadline was extended in April 2024 when lawmakers passed "Danielle's Law."

For childhood sexual abuse:

• Before July 1, 2019: You have 3 years from the date you discover the abuse caused injury to file.
• On or after July 1, 2019: You can file until the later of your 33rd birthday or 3 years from discovery.

Our sexual assault attorneys can help you determine the deadline that applies in your case.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in Texas

For adult survivors, the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Texas is 5 years from the date of the incident.

For childhood sexual abuse cases, survivors have 30 years to file a civil lawsuit. Texas pauses limitations while someone is under 18, so survivors generally have until age 48 for most child sexual abuse claims.

Utah Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault

In Utah, adult sexual assault survivors generally have 4 years to file a civil lawsuit, while survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit against a perpetrator at any time.

For claims against institutions or organizations, survivors must generally file within 4 years of turning 18 or within 4 years of discovering the abuse if that happens later.

If your claim was already expired on July 1, 2016, you may still sue until your 53rd birthday or within 3 years of the 2016 law, whichever gives you more time.

Vermont Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

Under the Vermont sexual abuse statute of limitations, survivors have 3 years to sue an abuser for sexual assault.

For child sex abuse, Vermont places no time limit on when a survivor can file. This means those harmed have the right to bring a civil action at any point, thanks to a 2019 law that retroactively eliminated the filing deadline for childhood abuse.

Statute of Limitations for Virginia Sexual Assault

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for most civil sexual assault claims is 2 years from the date of the abuse. Survivors of childhood abuse generally have 20 years after turning 18 to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator.

In these cases, claims against institutions or others who contributed to the abuse may still be subject to the shorter 2-year deadline, making it important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

Washington State Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault

In Washington, state law requires survivors to file a civil lawsuit within 3 years of the abuse or within 3 years of discovering that the abuse caused their injuries.

The statute of limitations is paused while the survivor is under 18, so the clock does not start until adulthood.

For abuse that occurred on or after June 6, 2024, there is no time limit to file, giving survivors the ability to come forward when they're ready.

West Virginia Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

In West Virginia, most civil sexual assault claims must be filed within 2 years of the date the abuse took place.

For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the law pauses the deadline until the survivor turns 18. After that, they generally have until their 36th birthday to take legal action. In some cases, they may also have up to 4 years from the date of discovery of the abuse or its effects, whichever is later.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, most civil sexual assault claims must be filed within 2 years of the abuse. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, a claim must generally be filed before the survivor turns 35.

Some legislators have repeatedly tried to pass a Child Victims Act that would open a 3-year lookback window, but it has failed multiple times.

Wyoming Sexual Assault Statutes of Limitations

In Wyoming, survivors of sexual assault generally have 4 years from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit.

For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the deadline is extended. A claim may be filed within 8 years after the survivor’s 18th birthday or within 3 years of discovering that the abuse caused harm, whichever is later.

We're here to help you figure out the deadline that applies to your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Factors Affecting Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Abuse

Civil statutes of limitations for sexual assault and abuse vary from state to state. Each legislature sets its own deadlines for how long survivors have to file a lawsuit.

These timelines are meant to balance fairness to defendants with the reality that survivors of abuse often face unique barriers to coming forward.

Key factors that affect statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims include:

• Abuse suffered: Laws may distinguish between sexual abuse, exploitation, or repeated abuse, with different rules for each. The severity of the abuse may also impact time limits.
• Age at the time of abuse: Many states give survivors of childhood abuse extra time to take legal action, often pausing the clock on the statute of limitations until they turn 18 or 21.
• Delayed awareness: Some states extend or remove the deadline if survivors didn’t realize the harm they suffered until later or if the perpetrator actively concealed the abuse.
• Type of defendant: Lawsuits filed directly against perpetrators may have different timelines than those against institutions like schools, churches, or youth organizations that allowed the abuse to occur on their watch.
• Who was involved: If the abuse was carried out by someone in a position of authority, like clergy, teachers, or doctors, some states provide longer filing windows.

Because these laws are constantly evolving, the sexual abuse time limits that are currently in place are subject to change. Our experienced attorneys can help clarify what deadlines may apply in your case.

Exceptions to the Sexual Assault Civil Statute of Limitations

While statutes of limitations set strict deadlines, many states recognize that sexual abuse is different from other injuries. Certain exceptions can extend or pause the statute of limitations in civil sexual assault cases.

These rules differ by state, but some of the most common include:

• Discovery rule: The clock may not start until the survivor realizes the abuse caused harm.
• Equitable tolling: Courts may pause deadlines if survivors were threatened or unable to file earlier.
• Fraud or concealment: If abuse was hidden or covered up, the filing period may be extended.
• Institutional liability: Different rules sometimes apply when suing schools, churches, or other organizations.
• Lookback windows: Some states have opened temporary periods that allow expired claims to be filed.
• Minor status: In most states, the deadline doesn’t begin until the survivor turns 18 or 21.
• Pending criminal cases: A civil deadline may be extended while a related criminal case is underway.

Even if it seems like the statute of limitations has passed in your state, you may still have options. Laws are changing rapidly, and exceptions or extensions may give you more time to act.

Criminal vs. Civil Statute of Limitations for Sex Abuse Victims

Sexual abuse lawsuits can be pursued in both the criminal and civil justice systems and may have different filing deadlines:

• Criminal cases: The state prosecutes the abuser, and the goal is punishment like prison, probation, or other penalties. Survivors may have little control over whether charges are filed or how the case proceeds.
• Civil cases: Filed by the survivor, these lawsuits seek to hold the responsible parties financially accountable. Survivors may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Some survivors may pursue both civil and criminal cases. However, even if criminal charges are never filed or don’t result in a conviction, a civil sexual abuse lawsuit may still be possible.

This path allows survivors to hold abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable while seeking financial support for healing and recovery.

Get Help from Our Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Time limits for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit can be complicated, but you don't have to navigate this alone. At Sokolove Law, we understand the deadlines in each state and can act quickly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys:

• Can help survivors in all 50 states
• Have secured over $10.1 Billion total for our clients
• Never charge any upfront costs or hourly fees

Call (800) 995-1212 right now or fill out our form for a free case review. We're here to listen and guide you through the legal process with compassion and care.

Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations FAQs