The Louisiana State Legislature passed a historic bill yesterday that removes deadlines for child sex abuse victims to pursue damages in civil court. The former time limit for child sex abuse victims was before their 28th birthday. However, the new bill creates a 3 year window where all unresolved child sex abuse claims can be pursued in civil court regardless of whether the time limit had previously passed. The bill will be final after it is signed by the governor.
See Louisiana Legislature Passes Bill Removing Filing Deadlines for Child Sex Abuse Lawsuits by Ramon Antonio Vargas, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate for more information.
After this bill is law, any survivors of child sex abuse with credible claims may file civil claims in court against churches, doctors, schools or other organizations. Because the New Orleans Archdiocese has filed bankruptcy, any claims prior to May 1, 2020 had to be filed with the bankruptcy. However, it is possible that claimants who were abused at a Catholic school or church may still be able to bring a claim directly against that school or church if it remains in operation today. All other dioceses in Louisiana will be open to lawsuits for childhood abuse claims.
The attorneys at Lamothe Law Firm have represented hundreds of sexual abuse survivors in their claims and are passionate about finding justice and the best possible results for the survivors. If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a child at a church, school, medical facility, summer camp, or other youth organization, please contact us today for a confidential meeting to discuss your claim.
