Child Sexual Abuse Cases in California – Statute of Limitations Extended
Sexual abuse is a heinous crime that can have lifelong effects on the victims. Understanding this lifelong effect, California has recently changed its statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. The new changes give survivors more time to seek justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered.
In this article, our California child sex abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C., will discuss the current state of the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases in California, including the changes that went into effect on January 1, 2023.
Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Cases
In California, the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases is as follows:
- Three years from the date the victim discovered or should have found that an injury occurred.
- Ten years from the date of the last act of abuse.
The Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act
In 2022, California passed the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act (AB 2777) This act reinstates claims for damages suffered as a result of sexual assault that occurred on or after January 1, 2009.
This means that survivors of child sexual abuse now have more time to file a claim for damages.
Below is a summary of this Act and how it can help you:
Purpose:
- To allow people to file a lawsuit even if a long time has passed since the sexual assault happened.
Eligibility:
- Claims of sexual assault that happened on or after January 1, 2009, and normally would not be allowed to be filed because too much time has passed.
- Claims of sexual assault that happened on or after the person’s 18th birthday when one or more groups or people are responsible for the damages (and they hid the abuse).
Timeline:
- Victims now have three more years to file a claim.
- Allows the lawsuits to be filed if they are already in court or if they are filed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.
- Does not allow lawsuits that have already been decided in court or that have already been settled.
How This New Statute Can Help Child Sexual Abuse Survivors
AB 2777 can help survivors of sexual assault by giving them an opportunity to seek justice and recovery for the harm they have suffered. This bill revives claims of sexual assault that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations, which means that even if a long time has passed since the assault happened, survivors can still file a lawsuit. This can give them a sense of closure and validation and the potential for financial compensation for their damages.
Speak to a California Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
Suppose you are a survivor of sexual assault and are interested in pursuing a legal claim. In that case, we encourage you to contact the California child sexual abuse lawyer at Beck Law P.C. We specialize in this area of law and can provide you with more information about your rights and options. We can also help you navigate the legal process.
Your attorney will provide you with guidance and support throughout the case and work to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
