Q: I was raped and molested as a child in the 90s. Whats the statue of limitations on a civil trial for that?
A:
I'm very sorry to hear that you experienced such trauma as a child. The statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit related to childhood sexual abuse varies by state. Some key factors regarding the statutes of limitations:
- In many states, the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse has been extended in recent years, allowing survivors additional time to come forward as adults. Some states have even eliminated the statute of limitations altogether.
- The timeframe to file a lawsuit typically begins when the victim realizes their injuries were caused by the abuse, which often isn't until adulthood. This is called the "discovery rule."
- Some states have revived old childhood sexual abuse cases and provided a temporary window for victims to file lawsuits even if the previous statute of limitations had expired.
My recommendation would be to consult with an attorney in your state who has experience with childhood sexual abuse cases. They can review the specifics of your situation and advise you of your legal rights and options in your jurisdiction. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations. There are also often victim support organizations in each state that may be able to refer you to legal resources.
I hope this general information is helpful for you in considering your next steps. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Wishing you the very best in your healing journey.
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