If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault and you are interested in bringing a civil lawsuit against your abuser or those who allowed the abuse to continue, you are probably wondering if you need to file your claim within a certain amount of time.
Fortunately, Illinois provides for relatively lengthy sexual abuse statutes of limitations for civil cases. Continue reading to learn more.
How the Statute of Limitations Works
For anyone over the age of eighteen who is sexually abused or assaulted, the statute of limitations for filing a civil claim in Illinois is usually two years from the date of the incident or two years from the day you discovered that you were sexually abused.
If the statute of limitations passes by and you have not filed your civil suit, you will more than likely be barred from seeking compensation.
It is important to note that for civil lawsuits that relate to criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, or predatory criminal sexual assault, there is no statute of limitations, and you can pursue a civil lawsuit at any time without having to be concerned with time running out.
Time Limits for Childhood Sexual Abuse
For the past few years, the Illinois legislature has been considering and developing changes to the law that would extend the civil statute of limitations for personal injury cases related to childhood sexual abuse. Lawmakers enacted a new law that allows victims of childhood sex abuse to take civil action at any time.
However, this extended statute of limitations doesn’t apply to abuse that occurred before the new law was enacted. The previous statute of limitations for civil claims related to childhood sexual abuse was twenty years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday.
Because changes in the law can complicate the Illinois statute of limitations for child sex abuse civil suits, it’s important to discuss your situation with a qualified and experienced lawyer. You attorney can make sure you file on time and boost your chance of winning the compensation you deserve.
Discuss Your Case with a Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you’re considering a civil lawsuit against your abuser and you want to make sure you file it within the statute of limitations, speak with an experienced Chicago sexual abuse lawyer at Lane & Lane, LLC.
We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to regain control of your life. You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today by calling our office at 312-332-1400 or filling out the quick contact form below.
