Hanna Boys Center Lawsuit 3 Year Filing Window Ends This Year
The $6.8 million settlement of our Hanna Boys Center lawsuit began with a courageous pair of brothers coming out of the shadows to expose a sexual predator. Were others at the Hannah Boys Center Abused as well? We know that financial compensation can’t make up for the damage caused by a sexual predator but, among other things it can provide a means to help survivors of sexual abuse recover from their wounds. In California, there are statutes of limitations that dictate how long a person has to file a claim or sue another party. For most crimes, California’s statute of limitations is 2 years. If a person does not file a claim within this specified time period, their case may be barred from being heard by the court. But what if the person involved is a minor, as is the case with child sexual assault cases? Our California child sex abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C. will tell you all about that in this article.
Hannah Boys Center Lawsuit – Three Year California Sexual Assault Filing Window Ends This Year
In the past, California child sexual assault victims such as those from our Hanna Boys Center lawsuit had a more limited time period in which they could file a claim with the police or seek civil justice. The statute of limitations was:
a. Within three years of realizing that sexual assault as a kid had damaged their mental health as an adult
b. Before the victim turns 26 years old.
Sometimes, this deadline can be extended if the victim demonstrates that there was an “extreme circumstance” preventing them from filing a claim within the original time limit. Due to these stringent statutes, many child sexual assault victims were not able to file charges against their offenders.
In response to this, California Assembly Bill 218 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2019. As a result of this legislation, survivors of sexual assault as children such as those from our Hannah Boys Center Lawsuit, now have additional time to pursue legal claims. Some excerpts of the bill as it relates to the statute of limitations include:
a. Filing a claim is now allowed by victims within five years of realizing that sexual assault as a kid had damaged their mental health as an adult.
b. The 26 years old age limit cap has been increased to 40 years. There is currently a three year window that will allow survivors to bring claims regardless of their current age. THIS WINDOW WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 31,2022.
c. If there was an attempted cover-up of the case by the assailant(s), courts can triple the damages award given to the victim(s).
Why Do Victims Often Take So Long To File a Child Sexual Assault Claim?
Child sexual assault claims can be difficult to bring forward, as victims may feel guilt or shame and hesitate to report the crime due to a number of factors. Some common reasons that victims take so long to file a claim include:
a. Survivors may be afraid of being disbelieved or judged.
b. They may fear retaliation from the perpetrator or others involved in the incident.
c. They may be unsure about their legal rights and what they should do next.
d. They may fear the trauma of testifying in court or reliving the experience again.
e. They may want to deal with the aftermath privately before seeking support from friends, family, or professionals.
What You Can Do if You or Someone You Know Has Been a Victim of Child Sexual Abuse?
If you or someone you know has been a victim of child sexual abuse from the Hannah Boys Center or anywhere in California, it is important to contact our Sonoma County child sex abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C., before the statute of limitations expires. Our attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and protect your rights. We can also provide emotional support as you recover from this traumatic experience.
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