Sexual Abuse & Assault Statute of Limitations by State

The sexual abuse statute of limitations sets how long you have to file a civil lawsuit. Deadlines vary by state and your age at the time the abuse happened. Discovery rules or lookback windows may give you more time, even after the usual deadline has passed.

How long you have to file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit ranges from about one year to no time limit at all, depending on the laws that apply to your claim. These deadlines apply to lawsuits seeking accountability — not criminal charges brought by a prosecutor.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, two important things to consider are your age at the time and your state’s laws, such as discovery rules or lookback windows. These details can be important as you seek support and justice.

How Discovery Rules and Lookback Windows Affect Statutes of Limitation

A discovery rule may allow more time to file a lawsuit after you recognize the connection between the abuse and its harm. In other words, your deadline to file starts when you realize the harm done, rather than when the injury happened.
A lookback window can reopen claims with deadlines that have already expired, allowing cases to proceed even if the standard deadline has passed. Typically, states or other jurisdictions pass laws extending the filing deadline.

If you believe your deadline has passed, you may still be able to pursue legal action.

How Long Do You Have to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

The time to file your case also depends on when the clock starts. This could be when the sexual abuse happened, when you became an adult or when you realized the harm caused by the abuse. Due to these factors, each state’s deadline isn’t always a simple number.

Civil deadlines set how long you have to sue for compensation. Criminal deadlines set how long a prosecutor has to charge the accused. This guide covers civil lawsuits, not the criminal lawsuit deadlines.

Even if it looks like the deadline has passed, your state may have exceptions or laws that allow older claims to move forward.

Examples of Active Sexual Abuse Litigation in the United States

Church of Latter-Day Saints abuse lawsuits:: Plaintiffs allege that leaders or associated groups within the LDS Church did not take sufficient steps to stop or address sexual abuse.
Juvenile detention center lawsuits:: These cases allege that juvenile center staff committed sexual abuse and that juvenile detention facilities did not adequately safeguard people in their care.
Nursing home abuse lawsuits:: Patients and their families have brought cases seeking responsibility for suspected neglect or sexual abuse in nursing homes.
Roblox lawsuits:: Families, teenagers and young adults claim that Roblox enabled online child grooming, sexual exploitation or assault.
Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawsuits:: These lawsuits claim that passengers were assaulted during rides and that Uber or Lyft did not provide adequate protection.

Consumer Notice offers a free, confidential case review to help you see if you have a claim. An experienced, compassionate attorney will review your case and contact you to explain your options if you qualify for a lawsuit. The review is confidential, and you are not obligated to go through with a lawsuit.

Legal Help for Survivors and Families

Get a Confidential Review

What Affects Your Deadline to File

Three main factors can affect your filing deadline: your age at the time of the abuse, whether a discovery rule applies and whether a law has reopened expired claims.

Your Age When the Abuse Happened

In many states, the filing deadline pauses while a survivor is still a minor, usually until they turn 18. After that, the filing period may start, though some states set a different age or remove the deadline for certain childhood sexual abuse cases.

The age you were when the abuse happened, not just your current age, helps decide which rules apply.

Whether the State Has a “Discovery Rule”

Some states have a discovery rule. This means the deadline to file starts when a survivor discovers, or should have discovered, the link between the abuse and its harm, instead of when the abuse happened.

The law’s exact language matters. Some laws distinguish between discovering an injury and realizing what caused it. Not every survivor can use the discovery rule, and the details vary by state.

Special “Lookback Windows” That Reopened Old Claims

A lookback window is a special period when survivors can file civil lawsuits even if their original deadlines have passed. States like California, New York and New Jersey have created these windows, but they cover different types of cases and have varying deadlines.

Examples of Lookback Windows in Sexual Assault Law

California: State law AB-250 revived a prior adult sexual assault lookback window that closed Dec. 31, 2023. The newer window runs from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027, for qualifying adult sexual assault claims involving an institution that concealed the abuse.
California: State law AB 2777 gives survivors of sexual abuse at private businesses and organizations the right to sue until Dec. 31, 2026, for sexual assault that happened on or after Jan. 1, 2009.
New York: The Child Victims Act lookback window was twice extended — first to Jan. 14, 2021, and again to Aug. 14, 2021.
New Jersey: Previously, people had to file before they turned 20 for childhood abuse. If the abuse occurred as an adult, survivors had to file within two years of the act. All survivors were given a lookback window to file between Dec. 1, 2019, and Nov. 30, 2021.

Just because the lookback window has closed doesn’t mean all other filing options are gone. Regular extended deadlines, discovery rules or other laws might still apply.

Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations by State

The time you have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit depends on a combination of each state’s filing deadline, whether it has a discovery rule and whether it has a lookback window. Exceptions and specific rules for certain claims can affect your situation.

Civil filing deadline for adult survivors of sexual abuse/assault, by state

State	Civil Filing Deadline	Discovery Rule (yes/no)	Source
Alabama	Within two years of the incident, under the general personal injury statute of limitations.	No.	Alabama Code § 6-2-38(l)
Alaska	No time limit for listed felony offenses, including felony sexual assault. For certain lesser offenses, claims must be filed within three years.	No.	Alaska Stat. § 09.10.065
Arizona	General personal injury baseline: two years after the act.	No.	Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542
Arkansas	General personal injury statute of limitations: Three years after the abuse.	No.	A.C.A. § 16-56-105
California	Within 10 years from the last covered act or within 3 years from discovery of the resulting injury or illness.	Yes.	CA Civ Pro Code § 340.16 (2025)
Colorado	No time limit for civil claims against sexual abuse that occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2022. Claims may also be filed against sexual abuse acts that occurred on or before Jan. 1, 2022, if the previous statute of limitations hasn't expired on Jan. 1, 2022.	No.	Colorado SB21-073
Connecticut	A claim to recover damages from sexual assault may be filed at any time after the date of the act if the person at fault for the act has been convicted. Other claims against a person for sexual abuse of an adult may fall under the general personal injury statute: within two years from the date of the first injury or from discovery.	Yes, under the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims.	Conn. Gen. Stat., Chapter 926 Sec. 52-584
Delaware	General personal injury limitation: Within two years from the sexual abuse.	No.	Delaware Code, Title 10 § 8119
Florida	Under the general personal injury statute of limitations: Within four years after the act.	No.	Florida Statutes §95.11(3)
Georgia	General personal injury baseline: Within two years after the sexual abuse against an adult.	No.	O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33
Hawaii	General personal injury baseline: Within two years after the sexual abuse.	No.	Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7
Idaho	General personal injury statute of limitation: Within two years after the abuse.	No.	Idaho Code § 5-219
Illinois	General personal injury baseline: Within two years after the sexual abuse.	No.	735 ILCS 5/13-202
Indiana	General personal injury baseline: Within two years after cause of action begins.	No.	Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4
Iowa	General personal injury timeline: Within two years after the sexual abuse.	No.	Iowa Code § 614.1
Kansas	Within one year for assault and battery. Within two years under personal injury claims.	No.	Kan. Stat. § 60-514 and § 60-513
Kentucky	General personal injury baseline: Within one year after the injury.	No.	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140
Louisiana	Within three years from the sexual abuse or the day the survivor is informed of the identity of the offender.	No.	Louisiana Revised Statutes 46:2184
Maine	Under general personal injury timeline: Within six years after the sexual abuse.	No.	Title 14, §752
Maryland	General civil baseline: Within three years after the sexual abuse, unless another provision supplies a different period.	No.	Md. § 5-101
Massachusetts	General baseline: Within three years after the sexual abuse.	No.	Mass. ch. 260, § 2A
Michigan	Ten years for damages arising from conduct meeting the statutory definition of criminal sexual conduct.	No.	Mich. § 600.5805
Minnesota	Within six years for covered adult sexual abuse claims. Claims against institutions or employers of the accused are also subject to a 6-year limitation period.	No.	Minn. Stat. § 541.073
Mississippi	General personal injury baseline: Within three years after the act.	No.	Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49
Missouri	Under the general personal injury statute of limitations: Within five years after the sexual abuse.	No.	Mo. § 516.120
Montana	General baseline: Within three years after the sexual abuse.	No.	Mont. § 27-2-204
Nebraska	General baseline: Within four years after the injury.	No.	Neb. § 25-207
Nevada	No time limit under § 11.217 for covered claims against the alleged perpetrator or a person convicted of the assault. Does not automatically apply to institutions.	No.	Nev. Chapter 11—§ 11.217
New Hampshire	No time limit for claims based on covered sexual assault or incest offenses.	No.	House Bill 705
New Jersey	Within seven years from reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the covered sexual offense.	Yes.	N.J. § 2A:14-2a, enacted text
New Mexico	General personal injury baseline: Within three years.	No.	N.M. § 37-1-8
New York	Twenty years for specific sexual offenses covered by CPLR § 213-c. Within three years under general personal injury time limitations.	No.	N.Y. CPLR § 213-c Consolidated Laws of New York Chapter 8 Article 2
North Carolina	Under the general personal injury statute of limitations: Within three years after the act.	No.	N.C. General Statutes, § 1‑52
North Dakota	Within nine years after the sexual abuse.	No.	North Dakota Century Code Title 28, Section 28-01-22.2
Ohio	General personal injury: Within two years after the act. Assault and battery claims against a mental health professional based on sexual conduct or contact: Within two years after the incident. The periods for both claims are paused if the perpetrator is out of state or conceals themself.	No.	Ohio § 2305.115 Ohio § 2305.10
Oklahoma	General personal injury timeline: Within two years after the sexual abuse.	No.	Oklahoma Statute 12 O.S. § 95
Oregon	Covered adult sexual assault claims may be filed at any time.	No.	Oregon Chapter 12—§ 12.118
Pennsylvania	Survivors who were abused between the ages of 18 and 23 may file a civil suit until their 30th birthday. Adults 24 and older must file a claim within two years from the date of the sexual abuse.	No.	42 Pa. § 5524 Act No. 87 of 2019
Rhode Island	General personal injury baseline: Within three years after the sexual abuse.	No.	R.I. § 9-1-14
South Carolina	Within three years under standard personal injury timelines.	No.	S.C. Chapter 3—§§ 15-3-530
South Dakota	General personal injury time limit: Within three years after the act.	No.	S.D. § 15-2-14
Tennessee	If law enforcement was informed of the sexual assault: Within five years of the act. If law enforcement wasn't informed of the sexual assault: Within three years of the act.	No.	Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-118 (Danielle’s Law)
Texas	Not later than five years after the injury is sustained from sexual assault.	No.	Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.0045
Utah	General personal injury timeline: Within four years of the injury.	No.	Utah Code Section 78B-2-307
Vermont	General baseline: three years after discovery of the injury.	Yes.	12 V.S.A. § 512
Virginia	Under the general personal injury statute of limitations, claims must be filed within two years of the adult sexual abuse act. Claims against a person of authority for sexual abuse should be filed within 15 years after the act.	No.	Virginia Code § 8.01-243
Washington	Within three years of the incident, governed by the general personal injury statute of limitations.	No.	RCW 4.16.080
West Virginia	Within two years, under the general statute of limitations for personal injuries.	No.	West Virginia Code § 55-2-12(b)
Wisconsin	General personal injury timeline: Within three years of the act.	No.	WI Stat § 893.54 (2025)
Wyoming	Within four years of the action, under the general personal injury statute of limitations.	No.	Wyoming 1-3-105

If you were abused as a child, turning 18 does not always mean you lose the chance to file a lawsuit. Many states pause the deadline while you are a minor, give extra years to file or even remove the deadline for some childhood sexual abuse cases.

Some states also have discovery rules that give you more time to file if you realize the harm from the abuse later in life.

Civil filing deadline for child sexual abuse survivors, by state

State	Deadline for Minor Survivors	Discovery Rule (yes/no)	Source
Alabama	General personal injury statute of limitations: Claims must be filed within two years of the date of the injury.	None specifically for child sexual abuse.	Ala. Code § 6-2-38
Alaska	No time limit for listed felony offenses, including felony sexual abuse of a minor. Claims for lesser offenses should be filed within three years of the cause of action.	Yes. A claim may be filed against lesser offenses within three years after the survivor discovers the injury caused by childhood sexual abuse.	AS § 09-10-065 and § 09-10-140
Arizona	Within 12 years after turning 18. The timeline is paused for survivors of unsound mind. The countdown to the deadline restarts after the disability is removed.	No.	A.R.S. § 12-514  A.R.S. § 12-502
Arkansas	Within three years from the date of discovery of the sexual abuse.	Yes. A claim may also be filed after the survivor discovers the effect of the sexual abuse act or acts.	AR Code § 16-56-130 (2025)
California	No time limit. Survivors 40 years or older need to file certificates of merit from their attorney and a licensed mental health practitioner. These certificates will declare that there is reasonable and factual cause for the civil action and that, in the practitioner's professional opinion, the survivor has experienced childhood sexual abuse.	No.	Ca. Civ. Proc. Code § 340.1
Colorado	No time limit for covered claims started on or after Jan. 1, 2022. Claims made before Jan. 1, 2022, may also be filed at any time, provided they have not yet expired.	No.	Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-80-103.7
Connecticut	Within 30 years from the date the minor survivor turns 21.	No.	Conn. Gen. Stat., Chapter 926 §§ 52-577d and 52-577e
Delaware	At any time after the act or acts.	No. Delaware doesn't have a statute of limitations for sexual abuse of minors by an adult.	Del. Code tit. 10 § 8145
Florida	Within seven years after reaching the age of majority or within four years after the minor stops being dependent on the abuser, whichever occurs later.	Yes, within four years after the minor discovers the injury and its effect, whichever occurs later than the seven-year deadline.	Florida Statute § 95.11(8)
Georgia	For covered abuse before, on or after July 1, 2015: On or before the minor survivor reaches age 23.	Yes, within two years for childhood sexual abuse that happened on or before July 1, 2015. If the civil suit is filed after the survivor turns 23 but within the two years, the court will determine when the discovery occurred.	O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.1
Hawaii	For sexual abuse committed before July 1, 2024: Eight years after the survivor turns 18 years old or three years after the survivor discovers that the injury arising after they turn 18 was caused by the childhood sexual abuse. The later date applies. For sexual abuse that happened on or after July 1, 2024: Thirty-two years after the survivor turns 18 or five years after the minor survivor discovers that the injury occurring after they turn 18 resulted from the sexual abuse. The later date also applies in this instance.	Yes.	Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 657-1.8
Idaho	Within five years from the date when the minor survivor reaches age 18. A claim may also be filed within five years after discovery of the abuse and its effects after the survivor turns 18. The later date applies.	Yes.	Idaho Code § 6-1704
Illinois	A claim may be filed at any time if the childhood sexual abuse occurred on or before Jan. 1, 2014. A claim for abuse committed before Jan. 1, 2014 must be filed within 20 years after the survivor turns 18 or within 20 years after discovery of the injury caused by the sexual abuse.	Yes, for cases before January 1, 2014.	735 ILCS 5/13-202.2
Indiana	Within the later of seven years after the start of the cause of action, or four years after the minor survivor stops being a dependent on the person who performed the sexual abuse. If the survivor is under legal disability, they can file a claim within two years after the removal of the disability.	No.	Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4 and § 34-11-6-1
Iowa	Four years after adult discovery of injury and childhood abuse connection.	Yes. The minor survivor may file a claim within four years after the date of discovering injury from childhood sexual abuse.	Iowa Code § 614.8A
Kansas	Within 13 years after the minor survivor turns 18 or within three years after the conviction of the crime.	No. Kansas has a fixed window for filing claims.	Kan. Stat. Ann. § 60-523
Kentucky	Within 10 years of the survivor reaching age 18. Expired claims as of March 23, 2021, are revived and may be filed within five years after the applicable statute of limitations expired.	Yes.	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.249
Louisiana	A civil suit against a person for childhood sexual abuse that results in permanent impairment, physical injury or scarring may be filed at any time. A suit may also be filed at any time after a criminal conviction for sexual abuse of a minor.	No.	La. Rev. Stat. § 9:2800.9
Maine	No time limit for covered sexual acts against minors, including expired claims.	No.	Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 752-C
Maryland	A civil suit may be filed at any time before the survivor reaches the age of majority. A suit may also be filed within 20 years after the date the survivor reaches the age of majority or three years after a conviction for childhood sexual abuse. § 5-117(d) limits previously barred claims if the alleged survivor is deceased when the action begins.	No.	The Child Victims Act of 2023 Md. § 5-117(d)
Massachusetts	Within 35 years from the acts or within seven years after discovery of the acts or the injury, whichever occurs later. The time limit is suspended until the minor survivor reaches the age of 18.	Yes, within seven years after the survivor discovers the acts or injuries.	Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 4C
Michigan	At any time before the survivor reaches the age of 28 or within three years after the date of discovering the sexual abuse and the resulting or related injury. The later date applies.	Yes.	MCL 600.5851b
Minnesota	No time limit for claims against the perpetrator of the childhood sexual abuse act. The claim must be filed before the survivor reaches 24 years of age if the perpetrator was below 14 years old when they committed the sexual abuse. Claims against institutions must be filed within six years of the abuse, before the survivor turns 24 years old, and provided that the survivor was below 18 years old at the time of the abuse.	No.	Minn. Stat. Ann. § 541.073 (Child Victims Act.)
Mississippi	Within three years after the survivor reaches the age of majority or, if the survivor is of unsound mind, after the removal of the disability. The pause in the statute of limitations due to being of unsound mind will never extend beyond 21 years.	No.	Miss. Code Ann. §§ 15-1-49 and 15-1-59
Missouri	Within 10 years of the minor survivor reaching the age of 21 or within three years of the date the survivor discovers the injury or illness resulting from the sexual abuse. The later date applies. This time limit applies to claims filed on or after August 28, 2025.	Yes.	Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.046
Montana	Before the minor survivor turns 27 or no later than three years after the survivor discovers the injury from the sexual abuse. The deadline applies to claims against an individual or an institution.	Yes.	Mont. Code § 27-2-216
Nebraska	No time limit for covered claims against directly responsible persons for abuse on or after August 24, 2017, or earlier claims that haven't expired. Claims against persons or organizations other than the person directly responsible for the abuse must be made within 12 years after the survivor reaches the age of 21.	No.	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-228
Nevada	Claims may be filed at any time after the act or acts.	No.	Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.215
New Hampshire	No time limit.	No.	N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4-g
New Jersey	If sexual abuse of a minor is committed on or after December 1, 2019, claims must be filed within 37 years after the survivor reaches the age of majority.	Yes. The countdown to the deadline begins when the injury is discovered, and its relationship to the act is established. A claim must be filed within seven years.	N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:14-2a N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:61B-1
New Mexico	By the time the survivor turns 24, or three years from the date that the survivor disclosed the childhood sexual abuse when receiving health care from a licensed medical or mental health care provider.	No.	NM Stat § 37-1-30 (2025)
New York	Survivors have until they are 55 years old to file a civil case against institutions or persons directly responsible for the childhood sexual abuse.	No.	NY Courts—Child Sex Abuse Cases
North Carolina	The survivor may file a claim until the age of 28 years or within two years of the date of a criminal conviction for a related felony sexual offense related to the childhood sexual abuse.	No.	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-17(d)
North Dakota	Within 21 years after the survivor gathers the relevant facts for the potential claim. If the survivor was under 15 years old when the abuse was committed, the 21-year period doesn't start until they reach the age of 15.	No.	N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-25.1
Ohio	Within 12 years after the survivor reaches the age of majority.	Yes. If the perpetrator fraudulently concealed facts about childhood sexual abuse that was committed on or after August 3, 2006, the limitations period is paused until the survivor discovers those facts.	Ohio Code § 2305.111(c)
Oklahoma	Claims against an individual who directly committed the sexual abuse should be filed by the time the survivor turns 45. Claims against an institution should be filed within two years. The time period for filing claims against institutions is paused until the survivor reaches age 18.	No.	Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 95(6)
Oregon	No time limit.	No.	Or. § 12.117
Pennsylvania	Within 37 years after turning 18. The time period doesn't start while the survivor is an unemancipated minor.	No.	Pa. Cons. Stat. tit. 42 § 5533(b)
Rhode Island	Any claims against the individual who committed the abuse or an institution must be filed within 35 years of the childhood sexual abuse or seven years from the time the survivor discovers the injury caused by the act, whichever occurs later. The time period is paused until the survivor turns 18.	Yes.	R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-51
South Carolina	Within six years after the survivor turns 21 years old or within three years from the time the survivor discovers the injury caused by the abuse. The later date applies.	Yes.	S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-555
South Dakota	Within three years of the childhood sexual abuse or within three years of the time the survivor discovered the injury caused by the act, whichever time expires later. A survivor who is 40 years old or older may only recover damages from the actual person who committed the abuse.	Yes.	S.D. Codified Laws § 26-10-25
Tennessee	Within 30 years of the survivor reaching age 18.	Yes. Within three years from the time the survivor discovers the childhood sexual abuse.	Tennessee Public Chapter Number 291
Texas	Not later than 30 years after the survivor has a complete legal claim. The time limit is paused if the person who committed the abuse is unknown (John or Jane Doe). The defendant's name must be amended not later than 30 days after identification. The time limit restarts after the claim is amended.	No.	Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.0045
Utah	Claims against the perpetrator may be filed at any time. Claims against people or institutions that didn't directly commit the abuse may be filed within four years after the survivor turns 18 or within four years after the discovery of the abuse. The later date applies. Civil action against a person for sexual abuse that expired as of July 1, 2016, may be brought within 35 years of when the survivor turns 18 or within three years of the effective date of the statute, whichever is longer.	Yes.	Utah Code § 78B-2-308
Vermont	No time limit for filing a claim against a person for childhood sexual abuse. Claims to recover damages for sexual abuse that occurred before July 1, 2029 may be filed at any time, regardless of existing statute of limitations at the time when the acts happened.	No.	Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 522
Virginia	Within 20 years after the survivor has a claim against covered sexual abuse. Claims for other causes of action starting on or after July 1, 2020 should be filed within 10 years after the cause of action begins.	No.	Va. Code § 8.01-243
Washington	Claims against childhood sexual assault that occurred before June 6, 2024, should be filed within three years of the act. If the sexual assault occurred on or after June 6, 2024, there is no time limit for filing claims.	Yes. Claims must be filed within three years after discovery. This time limit is suspended until the minor survivor reaches age 18.	Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.340
West Virginia	Within 18 years after the survivor reaches the age of majority or within four years after discovery of the sexual abuse.	Yes.	W. Va. Code § 55-2-15
Wisconsin	The survivor must file a claim before turning 35.	No.	Wis. § 893.587
Wyoming	The survivor may file a lawsuit within eight years after turning 18.	Yes. A civil lawsuit may be filed within three years after discovery.	Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105

Even if the deadline in your state appears to have passed, a lookback window might still let you file a sex abuse lawsuit.

These temporary laws have their own rules and deadlines, so a window that was open before may no longer be available. A lawyer can help you find out if your state has an active window or another way to revive your claim. If the deadline has expired, it’s still worth checking the law instead of assuming you can’t take legal action.

States With No Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse

In some states, certain civil sexual abuse claims can be filed at any time. These sometimes, but not always, apply to sexual abuse that occurred while a minor.

The rules vary by state and based on the survivor’s age, when the abuse happened and who is being sued.

States With No Statute of Limitations on Certain Sexual Abuse

Alaska: No deadline for claims involving felony sexual abuse of a minor or felony sexual assault.
Colorado: Some claims can be filed at any time, but important limits apply depending on when the abuse occurred or whether a prior deadline has passed.
Delaware: No deadline for covered childhood sexual abuse claims, subject to each state’s statutory requirements.
Illinois: Some claims have no filing deadline, but limits apply based on when the abuse happened or whether a previous deadline has passed.
Louisiana: No deadline for covered childhood sexual abuse claims, subject to each state’s statutory requirements.
Maine: No deadline for covered childhood sexual abuse claims, subject to each state’s statutory requirements.
Minnesota: Many childhood sexual abuse claims have no deadline, but there are some exceptions.
Nebraska: Some claims can be filed at any time, but important limits apply depending on when the abuse occurred or whether a prior deadline has passed.
Nevada: No deadline for covered childhood sexual abuse claims, subject to each state’s statutory requirements.
New Hampshire: There is no deadline for covered sexual assault or incest claims.
Vermont: No deadline for covered childhood sexual abuse claims, subject to each state’s statutory requirements.
Washington: There is no deadline for covered childhood sexual abuse that happened on or after June 6, 2024. Different rules apply to abuse that happened before this date.

These laws recognize that survivors may need many years to fully understand the harm they experienced. However, it is still important to act as soon as possible because the law and available evidence matter.

Talk with an attorney to determine if your particular situation falls within the statute of limitations in your state.

What Happens If Your State's Deadline Has Passed?

If you think your state’s filing deadline has passed, you may still have options. Sometimes the deadline isn’t the end of the story. A discovery rule or a law that revives expired claims could let a civil lawsuit move forward. These rules don’t guarantee you can file, but they’re good reasons not to give up just because time has passed.

Options You May Have if Your State's Deadline Has Expired

A lookback window: A state might temporarily allow claims that were previously too late to file. Each window has its own rules and deadlines; one you heard about in the past may no longer be available.
A discovery-rule argument: The law might start counting time from when you found out, or should have found out, about the link between the abuse and its effects, instead of from when the abuse happened.
An institutional cover-up law: California allows you to file an institutional abuse lawsuit if a school, church or other organization helped cover up abuse. It also allows you to file a workplace sexual abuse lawsuit if the abuse happened on the job. Your state may have similar laws.

Whether these options apply depends on your situation and the specific legal rules, not just on whether an institution or employer was involved. An experienced and empathetic attorney can help you navigate your state’s options.

Legal Help for Survivors and Families

Get a Confidential Review

Where to Get Help if You've Experienced Sexual Abuse

You do not have to handle this alone. Whether you experienced abuse yourself or are helping someone you love, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish.

How to Contact RAINN

Call 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673)
Text HOPE to 64673
Chat online through Rainn’s hotline page

A trained support specialist can listen, explain available resources and connect you with local services. You do not need to share your name or location. If you choose to provide identifying information, reporting requirements may apply, particularly for minors or vulnerable adults. You can ask how your privacy, or the victim’s, will be protected before sharing details.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a nationwide statute of limitations for sexual abuse?

No single nationwide statute of limitations applies to all civil sexual abuse lawsuits. Filing deadlines vary by state and may differ for childhood abuse and adult sexual assault. Some claims have no time limit, while others have deadlines affected by discovery rules or revival laws. Check your state's statute of limitations or talk with an attorney about your options.

What is a lookback window?

A lookback window is a temporary period when a state allows survivors to file certain civil sexual abuse lawsuits even though their original filing deadlines have expired. Each window has requirements and a closing date. It does not automatically reopen every claim. Lookback windows are not common and vary widely by state.

Can I still file if I was abused as a child years ago?

You may still be able to file a civil lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse, even if the abuse happened many years ago. Depending on your state, laws like minority tolling or discovery rules can preserve your right to file. A lawyer can evaluate your circumstances before you conclude it's too late.

What's the difference between a civil and a criminal statute of limitations?

A civil statute of limitations sets the deadline for a survivor to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for sexual abuse. A criminal statute of limitations sets the deadline for a prosecutor to bring criminal charges against the accused. The two deadlines can differ; a criminal time limit does not determine whether a civil lawsuit is still possible.

Please seek the advice of a qualified professional before making decisions about your health or finances.

Written By Terry Turner Senior Writer

Terry Turner has been writing articles and producing news broadcasts for more than 30 years. An Emmy-winning journalist, he has reported on consumer policy issues before Congress, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and other federal agencies.

Edited By Renée Deveney Senior Content Editor

Reviewed By Whitney Ray Di Bona, Esquire Attorney & Consumer Safety Advocate

Consumernotice.org adheres to the highest ethical standards for content production and references only credible sources of information, including government reports, interviews with experts, highly regarded nonprofit organizations, peer-reviewed journals, court records and academic organizations. You can learn more about our dedication to relevance, accuracy and transparency by reading our editorial policy.

National Conference of State Legislatures. (2023, November 29). Child Sexual Abuse: Civil Statutes of Limitations. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/human-services/state-civil-statutes-of-limitations-in-child-sexual-abuse-cases
Justia. (2023, June). Civil Statutes of Limitations: 50-State Survey. Retrieved from https://www.justia.com/trials-litigation/lawsuits-and-the-court-process/civil-statutes-of-limitations-50-state-survey/
New York Office of Children and Family Services. (2020, August 3). Legislation Signed Extending Look Back Window for Child Victims Act. Retrieved from https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/news/for-release.php?idx=11514
Maryland General Assembly. (n.d.). Statutes Text; §5–117. Retrieved from https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj&section=5-117