Not all of our Arizona clients understand how long you have to file a sexual abuse claim, and that is completely understandable. Unfortunately, waiting can have a big impact on your outcome and bringing forth a lawsuit may not get any easier the longer you wait.
State law deadlines do vary based on whether you or the survivor was a child or an adult at the time you were assaulted. So, stick with us to learn more about our state’s statute of limitations and the recent legislation that has your back.
In Arizona, survivors of childhood sexual abuse generally have until age 30 to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator or responsible entities. Arizona House Bill 2127 was signed into law effective back in 2023 and significantly extended the state’s previous deadlines. The lookback window, which allowed previously barred childhood sexual abuse claims to be filed regardless of the statute of limitations, ran from June 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020.
It is also important to note that the new law removed the statute of limitations for criminal charges of first-degree child sexual abuse. Because Arizona’s laws can be complex and subject to change, it is crucial to consult with an attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases to understand the specific time limits for you or your loved one’s specific situation.
The statute of limitations for adult sexual abuse claims is generally two years from the date of occurrence. However, this statute of limitations can vary based on specific circumstances, such as when the suspect’s identity is unknown. In those cases, the clock does not start ticking and the statute of limitations may be tolled.
If the incident involved sexual assault or misconduct, other laws may apply for specific degrees of sexual crimes, offering a longer timeframe for legal action. For example, class 2 felonies have a seven-year statute of limitations, unless there is DNA evidence that identifies the accused, then there is no limit and prosecution can begin at any time. If the abuse involves a public or governmental entity, a notice of claim must be filed within 180 days, and the lawsuit must follow within one year.
How long you have to file a sexual abuse claim in Arizona is an important factor for every survivor to consider. The skilled personal injury legal team at Phillips Law Group understands what you are going through and we do not want you to delay your day in court.
Our dedicated firm is locally owned and we have served our community for more than 30 years. We do not focus on settling when we know we can achieve a better outcome at trial. So schedule your free, no obligation consultation with our compassionate team members today.
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