August 1st, 2025
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Sexual assault not only affects a person physically, but often leaves deep emotional wounds that can affect a person's life long-term. If you are thinking about filing a sexual assault lawsuit against the person who harmed you, or an institution that was negligent, the team at ADZ Law is here to help.

Sexual assault survivors don't just have the criminal justice system to turn to. They can also pursue civil lawsuits against their abusers and any institutions that enabled or concealed the abuse. Civil lawsuits can provide a sense of justice, as well as potentially prevent future abuse by holding abusers and the institutions that shelter them accountable.

What Might Come out of a Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Civil lawsuits can result in many different kinds of positive outcomes for victims of sexual assault, like financial compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Additionally, successful lawsuits can lead to institutional changes that improve safety and prevent future abuse.

While none of these outcomes is guaranteed, simply bringing a civil lawsuit empowers survivors and provides closure. If successful, financial compensation can also help cover the costs associated with survivors' recovery. While monetary compensation can't undo the emotional harm caused by sexual assault, it can provide survivors with resources to draw on to help them in their healing journey.

The legal process can be long and emotional, but survivors should know they have the right to seek justice through the civil court system.

What Are the Statutes of Limitations on Filing a Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

Under the current statutory framework, there is no longer a time limit for the commencement of a childhood sexual abuse claim, including claims of negligence against business entities that allowed or enabled that sexual assault to occur. Recently, legislators have enacted changes to allow survivors of adult sexual assault to file civil claims within 10 years of the last act of assault. This, again, includes liability for business entities whose negligence acts or failures to act allowed the sexual assault to occur. Additionally, for adult survivors only, California Law AB 250 creates a temporary revival window that permits plaintiffs to bring claims that would otherwise be past the statute of limitations if there is a claim that an entity covered up, or attempted to cover up, a previous sexual assault. This is effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, and applies to certain claims of sexual assault that occurred to a person over the age of 18.

While these changes give some opportunities for survivors to seek justice, it's important to consult with a qualified sexual assault attorney to understand how the statutes of limitations may apply to your individual case.

Evidence In Sexual Assault Lawsuits

To build a strong case, survivors should gather as much evidence as possible. Evidence in sexual assault lawsuits can include:

  • Medical records
  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Texts, emails, photographs, and social media messages
  • Any communication related to the assault

Evidence like this can help establish the facts and support the survivor's claims. While collecting evidence can be difficult, it's an important step on the path to justice.

What Practical Challenges Might Survivors Face When Filing a Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

Filing a sexual assault lawsuit can be a complex process. Survivors can face emotional hurdles, financial costs, and public scrutiny. It's important that survivors have a strong support system in place, including legal counsel, mental health professionals, and trusted friends and family members.

Talk to a Legal Advocate Who Listens

A civil litigation firm experienced in victims' claims can evaluate whether changes to the statute of limitations apply, sift through evidence to identify which information is key, and help you feel less intimidated by the challenging process ahead.

Our sexual assault lawyers at ADZ Law can help you pursue the justice you deserve. We provide sexual assault legal services and assistance in San Mateo County, the San Francisco Bay Area, and greater California. For information about how we assist with sexual assault civil claims, see our pages on sexual assault and broader civil litigation for victims of crime. If you believe you have a claim, bring dates, names, and any records you have to a confidential consultation with us, so an attorney can help you with your next steps. We invite you to contact us to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you.