Earlier this month, President Biden signed a new bill into law that eliminates federal statutes of limitations for civil cases involving child sexual abuse cases.
The law, which is titled Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act, applies to civil claims involving sex abuse crimes against minors, such as sexual abuse and exploitation, sex trafficking and forced labor.
It is important to note this law only applies to claims based on federal law. Claims based on state law are still covered by state statutes of limitations. In Pennsylvania, sex abuse victims have until age 55 to file claims.
The new federal law recognizes that child sex abuse victims need more time to pursue legal action. It often takes many years for victims to decide to come forward.
The new law is not retroactive, which means it does not apply to claims that have already been barred by old statutes of limitations or to claims involving incidents that have already happened.
Has Your Loved One Been a Victim of Abuse? Call Today
Schmidt Kramer offers a free legal consultation to discuss your claim. Our firm has been working with victims for more than three decades and has recovered millions in compensation on their behalf.
Discussing the situation with a licensed Harrisburg sexual abuse and sexual assault attorney can be a critical step as victims consider what to do next.
Give us a call today. We are here to help: (717) 727-1837.