{"id":353513,"date":"2017-01-11T17:58:43","date_gmt":"2017-01-11T22:58:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/sexual-assault-civil-statutes-of-limitations-by-state.html"},"modified":"2023-09-20T09:50:05","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T14:50:05","slug":"sexual-assault-civil-statutes-of-limitations-by-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/sexual-assault-civil-statutes-of-limitations-by-state.html","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Assault Civil Statutes of Limitations by State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sexual Assault Civil Statutes of Limitations by State<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The option to file a civil claim for sexual assault is only available for a limited time. Each state has its own law setting a deadline for rape and sexual abuse lawsuits.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The pain of dealing with a sexual assault case can be extremely overwhelming for a victim. They may have already gone through a criminal case relating to sex crimes committed by another person. But survivors of sexual assault may also seek compensation for personal injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because this decision can be difficult, you may want to speak with a compassionate personal injury attorney<\/a> about your concerns or goals. They can tell you how long you have to file a lawsuit in your state and what the process would involve.<\/p>\n

How Sexual Assault Civil Laws Work<\/h2>\n

Sexual assault torts<\/a>\u00a0(civil wrongs) are privately actionable separately and apart from criminal charges. This includes harm suffered due to sexual assault as an adult or sexual abuse as a minor. The harm is not limited to sexual penetration and includes other sex acts.<\/p>\n

Each state has its own unique\u00a0time limit for filing these types of cases<\/a>, known as a sexual assault civil statute of limitations. The time limit to sue the perpetrator can be extended or “tolled<\/a>” in some cases if the victim is considered “legally incapacitated.” For example, if the victim was a minor during the alleged sexual abuse, the amount of time may be extended.<\/p>\n

Civil and criminal statutes of limitations may be different. This article only discusses the former, as it is only about laws for civil cases. Victims of sexual abuse may be subject to varying multi-year statutes of limitations depending on where the wrongful sexual conduct occurred.<\/p>\n

The law recognizes the unique nature of these types of injuries, including the trauma that may follow the child into adulthood. In those states that recognize a pause or tolling of the statute, the clock starts running once the\u00a0minor reaches a certain age<\/a>, typically 18. This means legal action may be available for someone who may have otherwise run past the time limit to file their civil action.<\/p>\n

State Statutes of Limitations<\/h2>\n

Here is an overview of sexual assault civil statutes of limitations by state, including the code, basic time limits to file, and any tolling provisions for\u00a0child sex abuse<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

State<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Sexual Assault\/Rape Statute of Limitations<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Time Limit<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Tolling\/Extension in Child Sex Abuse Case<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Alabama<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Ala. Code \u00a7 6-2-38<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No special extension<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Alaska<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Alaska Stat. \u00a7 09-10-065<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Three years from the date of the incident for:\n
    \n
  • Misdemeanor sexual abuse of a minor<\/li>\n
  • Misdemeanor sexual assault<\/li>\n
  • Incest<\/li>\n
  • Felony indecent exposure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Yes, legal action may be brought at any time for violations of the following offenses:\n
    \n
  • Felony sexual abuse of a minor<\/li>\n
  • Felony sexual assault<\/li>\n
  • Unlawful exploitation of a minor<\/li>\n
  • Felony sex trafficking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Arizona<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

A.R.S. \u00a7 12- 542(1)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident in most cases; no time limit for violent sexual abuse<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, within two years of the victim’s 18th birthday, or no limit if the assault happened before the victim was 15 years old<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Arkansas<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Ark. Code \u00a7 16-56-130(a)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, extended to three years from the moment of discovery if the person was under 18 at the time of sexual abuse<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

California<\/th>\n\n

Ca. Civ. Proc. Code \u00a7 340.16<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Ten years from the date of the incident or three years from the date when the victim knew or should have known of the sexual abuse\/assault<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, extended by\u00a0Assembly Bill 218<\/a>. Must file a lawsuit by age 40 or within five years of discovering the abuse as an adult<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Colorado<\/th>\n\n

Colo. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 16-5-401<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes,\u00a0Colo. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 16-5-401,<\/a>\u00a0if the victim was under the age of 18, they have 20 years after turning 18 to file charges<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Connecticut<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Conn. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 52-577e<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No time limit<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes,\u00a0Conn. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 52-577d<\/a>. No later than 30 years from the date the person reaches the age of majority<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Delaware<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Del. Code tit. 10, \u00a7 8119<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes,\u00a0Del. Code tit. 10 \u00a7 8145<\/a>. No time limit for child sex abuse claims<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

District of Columbia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

D.C. Code \u00a7 12-301(11)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

If under 35 years of age: the date the victim reaches the age of 40 years, or five years from when the victim knew, or reasonably should have known, of any act constituting sexual abuse, whichever is later<\/p>\n

If 35 or older: five years, or five years from when the victim knew, or reasonably should have known, of any act constituting sexual abuse, whichever is later<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, the date the victim reaches the age of 40 years or five years from when the victim knew, or reasonably should have known, of any act constituting sexual abuse, whichever is later<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Florida<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Fla. Stat. \u00a7 95.11(7), (9)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Within seven years after the age of majority, within four years after the person leaves the dependency of the abuser, or within four years from the time of discovery, whichever occurs later<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, there is no time limit for sexual battery offenses on victims under age 16<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Georgia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3- 33.1(b)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Under the Hidden Predator Act, a person who suffered childhood sexual abuse has until 53 to file a civil claim<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Hawaii<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Haw. Rev. Stat. \u00a7657-7<\/a><\/p>\n

Haw. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 \u00a7657-1.8<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

By 26 or three years from the discovery of the abuse, whichever comes later<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Idaho<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Idaho Code \u00a7 6-1704(1)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, a suit may be brought within five years of the victim reaching the age of majority<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Illinois<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 735, \u00a7 13–202<\/a>,\u00a0\u00a7 13\u2014202.2(b)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Typically, two years from the date of the incident, there is no statute of limitations if the civil suit is based on a Class X felony<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, civil actions for damages based on childhood sexual abuse may happen at any time<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Indiana<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Ind. Code \u00a7 34-11-2-4(1)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, cases stemming from childhood sex abuse must be brought within seven years from the date of the incident or within four years from when the minor is no longer a dependent of the alleged perpetrator<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Iowa<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Iowa Code \u00a7669.13<\/a>,\u00a0\u00a7614.8A<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, within four years of the date of discovery. Sexual abuse or sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist, or school employee must be brought within five years of the date the person was last treated by the counselor or therapist or within five years of the date the victim was last enrolled or attended the school<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Kansas<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Kan. Stat. \u00a7 60-523<\/a><\/p>\n

K.S.A. \u00a7 60-513(a)(4) and (5)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, within 13 years after the victim turns 18 or three years after an abuser is criminally convicted for a child sex abuse-related crime, whichever happens later<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Kentucky<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Ky. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 413.249<\/a>,\u00a0\u00a7413.140(1)(a)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

One year from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, within five years of the commission of the act or the last of a series of acts by the same perpetrator, within five years of the date of discovery, or within five years after the victim turns 18<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Louisiana<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Louisiana Revised Statute 9:2800.9(A)<\/a>,<\/p>\n

Civ. Code \u00a73492<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

One year from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, lawsuits can be brought until the victim turns 48 (30 years after their 18th birthday)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Maine<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, \u00a7 752-C<\/a>,\u00a0Maine Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, lawsuits for sex acts against minors can be brought at any time<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Maryland<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Md. Cts. and Jud. Proc. \u00a7 5-117<\/a>,\u00a0Maryland Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, within seven years of the date the victim reaches the age of majority<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Massachusetts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

General Laws of Massachusetts Part III, Title V, 260-4C<\/a>,\u00a0Massachusetts Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, must bring a lawsuit within 35 years of the acts alleged to have caused an injury or condition or within seven years of the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that an emotional or psychological harm or condition was caused by said act, whichever is later. The statute is tolled until the minor turns 18 years old<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Michigan<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

MCL 600.5805<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Ten years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No special tolling provision for minors<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Minnesota<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Minn. Stat. \u00a7 541.073<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Six years from the time the victim knew or had reason to know that the injury was caused by sexual abuse<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, if the victim is a minor, the six-year limitations begin one year after the plaintiff reaches 18 and terminate at age 25<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Mississippi<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Miss. Code Ann. \u00a715-1-49<\/a>,\u00a0\u00a7 15-1-59<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, within three years of reaching the age of majority<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Missouri<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Mo. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 537.046<\/a>,\u00a0Missouri Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Five years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, childhood sexual abuse that occurred when the person was under 18 must bring a lawsuit within 10 years of the person reaching 21 or within three years of the date of discovery, whichever happens later<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Montana<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Mont. Code \u00a7 \u00a727-2-204(1)<\/a>,<\/p>\n

Mont. Code Ann. 27-2-216<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, before the victim of childhood sexual abuse alleged to have caused the injury reaches 27, or not later than three years after the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that the act of childhood sexual abuse caused the injury.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Nebraska<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Neb. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 25-207<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Four years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, victims of child sex abuse can file within four years of reaching age 21<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Nevada<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. \u00a7 11.215<\/a>,\u00a0Nevada Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, child sex abuse actions must begin within 10 years after the person either reaches 18 or discovers the causal connection of the injury<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

New Hampshire<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

N.H. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 508:4-9<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

There is no limit for victims of sexual assault; they can bring a suit at any time<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, there is no limit for victims of sexual assault; they can bring a suit at any time<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

New Jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

N.J. Stat. \u00a7 2A:61B-1<\/a>,\u00a0New Jersey Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Seven years from the offense or seven years from discovery, whichever is later, to file a lawsuit<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, before their 55th birthday or seven years from the discovery of damages, whichever is later<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

New Mexico<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

N.M. Code \u00a7 37-1-30<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, a lawsuit must be brought either by the person’s 24th birthday or three years from the discovery, whichever comes first<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

New York<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

N.Y. CVP 213-C<\/a>;<\/p>\n

Adult Survivors Act (ASA)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Generally, 20 years from the date of the incident.<\/p>\n

Adult Survivors Act (ASA) gives a limited one-year window to file in 2023 for conduct from any year.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, the statute of limitations does not run out until the victim reaches age 55.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

North Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

N.C.G.S. \u00a7 1-52(16)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Yes, may file a civil action within two years of the date of a criminal conviction for a related felony sexual offense against a defendant for claims related to sexual abuse suffered while the plaintiff was under 18.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

North Dakota<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

N.C.G.S. \u00a7 1-52(16)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, 10 years from when the victim knew or reasonably should have known that a potential claim exists resulting from alleged childhood sexual abuse<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Ohio<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

ORC Ann. \u00a7 2305.111(c)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, 12 years from the date of the minor’s 18th birthday<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Oklahoma<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Okla. Stat. tit. 12, \u00a7 95<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident or from the discovery of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, tolled until the minor reaches 18 or until five years after the perpetrator is released from the custody of a state, federal, or local correctional facility or jail, whichever is later<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Oregon<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

ORS \u00a7 124.005<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, a lawsuit must be brought before the person turns 40 or not more than five years from the date the person discovers the causal connection between the child abuse and the injury, whichever period is longer<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Pennsylvania Code 42 Pa. CSA 5533(b)(2)<\/a>,Pennsylvania Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, 12 years from the date a victim reaches the age of majority<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Rhode Island<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

R.I. Gen. Laws \u00a7 9- 1-51<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, within seven years of the alleged act or within seven years of the time of discovery<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

South Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

S.C. Code Ann. \u00a7 15-3-555<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, within six years after the person reaches 21 years old or three years from the time the victim realizes that their injuries are caused by child sexual abuse<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

South Dakota<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

S.D. Codified Laws \u00a7 26-10-25<\/a>,\u00a0South Carolina Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, within three years of the alleged act or three years of the time of discovery<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Tennessee<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Tenn. Code Ann. \u00a7 28-3-104, 28-1-106<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

One year from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The statute is tolled until the minor turns 18 but must be brought within one year of that date<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Texas<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Civil Practice and Remedies Code Title 2B<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Typically two to five years, but see the statute to learn more<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, the statute of limitations does not begin until the victim’s 18th birthday<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Utah<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Utah Code Ann. \u00a7 78B-2-308<\/a>,\u00a0Utah Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Four years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, victims of child sex abuse may file action at any time<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Vermont<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

12 V.S.A. \u00a7 522<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No time limit<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, victims of child abuse may file action at any time<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Va. Code Ann. \u00a7 8.01-243<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, the statute of limitations is tolled until a minor turns 18. Then, it is two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Washington<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Wash. Rev. Code \u00a7 4.16.340<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Three years from the date of the incident or time of discovery<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, the statute of limitations is tolled until the minor turns 18, and then it becomes within three years of the alleged act, within three years of the time discovery that injury was caused by said act, or within three years of the time of discovery that the act caused the injury for which the claim is brought<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

West Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

W.Va. Code \u00a7 55-2-15<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, two years from the date of the minor turning 18 years old<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Wisconsin<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Wis. Stat. \u00a7 893.587<\/a>,\u00a0Wisconsin Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Two years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Yes, must be filed before the victim’s 35th birthday<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Wyoming<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Wyo. Stat. \u00a7 1-3-105<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Four years from the date of the incident<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Yes, eight years after the victim’s 18th birthday or three years after the time of discovery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Note: State laws are always subject to change, usually through enacting new legislation, court decisions, and other means. Contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/i><\/p>\n

Learn More About Sexual Assault Claims: Contact an Attorney Today<\/h2>\n

Each state has its own deadline for filing a sexual assault or child sex abuse claim in civil court. Sometimes, these laws can get complicated and confusing, especially for child victims who never reported to law enforcement. If you’re considering filing a civil lawsuit, you likely have questions and need legal advice.<\/p>\n

It may be in your best interests to contact an\u00a0injury attorney<\/a> in your state with experience in sexual assault and abuse cases. They can tell you about deadlines and represent you in court.<\/p>\n\n\n

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