For decades, powerful institutions have used legal loopholes to evade accountability by blocking sexual abuse victims from filing lawsuits for justice. But Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218) is now the law. It changes everything for thousands of victims who were previously sexually abused or assaulted by teachers, coaches, counselors, janitors, childcare workers, clergy, or bus drivers to name a few.
Effective Jan. 1, 2020, a three-year “look back window” will open for previously time barred claims and it will extend the civil statute of limitations to age 40, allowing victims to file a civil lawsuit against schools, sports organizations, youth groups, childcare centers, or any other institution that violated their trust.
The attorneys at Cerri, Boskovich & Allard are recognized as one of the best sexual abuse law firms in the country. Call 408-289-1417 for a free and confidential consultation.
Specifically, AB 218 extends the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse and assault to the age of 40, revives old claims for three years starting on Jan. 1, 2020, and eliminates existing limitations for claims against public schools.
AB 218 also addresses the issue of cover-ups by churches, schools, sports organizations, and youth-serving groups. The bill allows for recovery of up to three times the damages from defendants who covered up the prior sexual assault of a minor. The law is intended to have a dual effect by compensating victims and acting as a deterrent for organizations that have a long history of covering up sexual abuse complaints.
What to look for when hiring a sexual abuse law firm
There is a reason why our firm routinely ends up with seven- and eight-figure sexual abuse settlements and verdicts: it’s because of our track record of aggressively litigating these cases and holding institutions accountable. Our legal team has litigated sexual abuse cases around the country and represented hundreds of childhood sexual abuse victims.
Childhood sexual abuse cases are much different than any other type of personal injury case. To start with, the harm is lifelong. All the medical evidence proves that childhood sexual abuse is a lifelong problem, with many victims suffering PTSD, loss of trust, relationship problems, drug and alcohol abuse, and thoughts of suicide. For that reason, sexual abuse cases should not be settled for a few thousand dollars.
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Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, L.L.P. is one of the few sexual abuse law firms in the country with a dedicated legal team of attorneys and experts that work for the best interests of sexual abuse victims.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with a dedicated, compassionate lawyer; call (408) 289-1417. You will not pay anything unless we win your case.