Arkansas Statute of Limitations

Survivors in Arkansas Will Have a Two-Year Window from February 2022 to January 2024

How has the Law Changed?

In 2021, Arkansas extended the statute of limitations for civil claims for child sexual abuse . The law now allows victims up to the age of 55 (age of majority, 18, plus 37 years) to sue their abusers and/or the organizations that failed to protect them for monetary damages.

 

This new law also created a three year “Lookback Window” for survivors who were sexually abused as children in Arkansas but were previously prevented from filing a civil suit due to the statute of limitations. The Arkansas “Lookback Window” provides those survivors a two-year window to file a lawsuit. That window closes on January 31, 2024.

What does this law do specifically?

In 2002, those who were sexually abused in Arkansas had until age 21 (age of majority: 18, plus 3 years) or 3 years after the victim discovered they were abused to file a claim and seek justice in civil court. In 2021, Arkansas extended its civil statute of limitations to age 55 instead. Most notably, Arkansas passed the Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act in 2021 which opens a two-year window—from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2024—for claims that previously expired under the old law to be filed in civil court.

What is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations prevents injured parties from filing a civil lawsuit after a certain time period has expired. That time period usually begins from the date of the injury, or the date the injury was discovered. By the time it takes most sexual abuse survivors to get to a place where they are prepared to go to court, they often learn the painful news that the statute of limitations has expired. This law provides those survivors another opportunity to pursue justice and accountability.

Now What?

If you were sexually abused as a child in the state of Arkansas and want to speak with someone about your legal options, please complete this BozLaw PA online questionnaire and someone will be in touch with you for a free case evaluation. Though BozLaw PA is located in Florida, we partner with local Arkansas attorneys in handling abuse related civil cases.

Remember, this ‘Lookback Window’ closes on January 31st, 2024!

BozLaw PA is a law firm representing survivors of child and adult sexual abuse and clergy sexual abuse in civil cases around the country. Boz is licensed to practice in the state of Florida, but also represents clients around the United States by partnering with local lawyers admitted to practice in the states where these cases are filed. If you want to discuss your legal options after abuse, contact our office today.

 

Contact us at boz@bozlawpa.com or 386.682.5540 to discuss your options today.

 

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.