California Statute of Limitations
Survivors in California Have a Window to File a Lawsuit until December 31st, 2022
How has the Law Changed?
California has extended the statute of limitations for civil claims for child sexual abuse . The law now allows victims up to the age of 40 (age of majority, 18, plus 22 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 California but were previously prevented from filing a civil suit due to the statute of limitations. The California “Lookback Window” provides those survivors a three-year window to file a lawsuit. That window closes on December 31, 2022.
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.
What does this law mean for sexual abuse survivors?
This law means that survivors who were sexually abused in California and were previously prevented from filing a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and/or the organization/s who failed to protect because of the statute of limitations now have until December 31, 2022 to file suit in California.
Now What?
If you were sexually abused as a child in the state of California 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 California attorneys in handling abuse related civil cases.
Remember, this ‘Lookback Window’ closes on December 31, 2022!
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.
