How long do I have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit?

Published by: Mason ArnaoUpdated: November 12, 2026Filed under: Sexual Abuse Lawsuit FAQsPurpose: educational information, not legal advice

Short answer: It depends on the state and on your age when the abuse happened, and the limits have grown much longer in recent years. California, for example, gives adult survivors 10 years from the assault or 3 years from discovering the resulting injury, whichever is later. For childhood abuse that happened before January 1, 2024, the limit is generally age 40 or 5 years from discovery; for abuse on or after that date there is no time limit at all.

What else changes the deadline

Revival windows: several states have temporarily reopened claims that had already expired.
Discovery rules: some limits run from when you understood the harm the abuse caused.
Claims against public bodies: separate notice rules can apply to schools, counties and agencies, although California does not require childhood sexual assault claims to be presented to a public entity first.

See our revival windows by state. Do not assume it is too late; a free, confidential case review checks your dates.

If you need support right now, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) is free, confidential and open 24/7 at 800-656-4673.

SourcesCal. Senate Judiciary analysisCCP 340.16 Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 340.1AB 452 Cal. Senate Judiciary analysisAB 2693, 2024

Checked against primary sources on November 12, 2026 by Mason Arnao. This is general information, not legal advice. Related: Not ready yet? · sexual abuse lawsuit guide.

A deadline you were told had passed may not have

Many states have lengthened or removed time limits for sexual abuse claims, and some have reopened expired ones. California has no time limit for childhood sexual assault occurring on or after January 1, 2024, and gives adult survivors 10 years. A confidential review checks your dates. California law (CCP 340.1)

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About Michael Laurier-Gerard

Michael Laurier-Gerard Michael Laurier-Gerard is a Canadian entrepreneur, technology executive, and marketing strategist with over two decades of experience in digital marketing, technology, and product development. He is the President & CEO of UAR Global Holdings and the Founder of its sister company, BOOM! Media Group, a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in web design, SEO, and AI-driven marketing automation. Early in his career, Michael served as a Product and Marketing Advisor to eBay under the guidance of Jordan Sweetnam, Chief Commercial Officer, working with the company’s Global Markets, Payments, and Product teams. Between 2001 and 2007, he also advised startups and established companies, including CraveTV, FullScript (then Healthwave), Rogers, AT&T, and the Government of Canada, helping them scale products, optimize marketing strategies, and refine operational workflows. He is the Chief Marketing Officer at Waypoint Software, where he partners with the company to provide marketing and infrastructure solutions for a variety of co-owned products and assets. Additionally, he is the Co-Founder, SVP & Chief Technology Officer of Tort Advisor and Legal Lawsuit, leading technology strategy, platform development, and automation initiatives across both ventures. Michael combines technical expertise with strategic vision, developing platforms and marketing systems engineered for performance, scalability, and measurable outcomes. Through UAR Global Holdings, he manages multiple ventures that integrate design, analytics, and technology, positioning each company at the forefront of digital innovation. Based in Ottawa, Canada, he continues to lead initiatives that unify marketing, technology, and automation to create high-performing digital ecosystems for businesses across industries.