New CA Law Opens Window for Certain Sexual Assault Claims Previously Barred by the Statute of Limitations

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Survivors of sexual abuse have a new opportunity to seek justice and closure in California. Assembly Bill 2777, otherwise known as the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, has officially been signed into law and is effective January 1, 2023.

Ordinarily, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims that occurred on or after a plaintiff’s 18th birthday is 10 years, or within three years from the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that an injury or illness resulted from an act.

Under AB 2777, sexual abuse claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations are revived regardless of how long ago the act occurred if:

  1.   The sexual abuse occurred on or after the claimant’s 18th birthday,
  2.   An entity has some responsibility for the damages (e.g., an employer, school, or church),
  3.   The entity attempted to prevent disclosure of information regarding a previous instance or allegation of sexual assault, and
  4.   The case is filed with the court by December 31, 2023.

If you believe you are entitled to justice under this new law, or to learn more, please call our Fight for Survivors Team at 833-55-FIGHT (833-553-4448).