In 2021, the Louisiana legislature created a “lookback” window for sexual assault and abuse lawsuits, extending the time for many survivors to file claims that previously would have been time-barred. The legislature extended the lookback “window” in 2024, giving eligible survivors until June 14, 2027, to file a lawsuit.
If you’re a survivor of childhood sexual assault or other sexual abuse, you may be able to recover compensation from your abuser. You may also be able to pursue claims against an organization or entity that enabled or covered up the abuse, such as a church, sports program, educational institution, medical facility, or private company.
Once the lookback window closes, you may lose your chance to seek justice and compensation. The team of experienced Louisiana sexual abuse attorneys at Lamothe Law Firm can help you understand your rights.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
The time limit for pursuing a legal action is called a “statute of limitations.” If a claim is filed after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will dismiss the case. To understand how statutes of limitations apply to child abuse cases, it’s important to understand the difference between “criminal” and “civil” cases.
In a criminal case, government lawyers pursue charges against an individual accused of violating a criminal law. If a judge or jury finds the individual (or “defendant”) guilty of these charges, the court will sentence the convicted person in accordance with the criminal laws. They may spend time in prison, pay fines and fees, serve community service, or face other punishments as the court directs.
In a civil case, a person who experienced harm as a result of another party’s violation of a civil law can pursue compensation for that harm. The injured party, or “plaintiff,” files a complaint in civil court describing how the “defendant(s)” violated specific laws, how those violations harmed them, and the amount those “damages” are worth.
Different statutes of limitations apply to criminal cases and civil cases. In many cases, the laws give the government longer to pursue criminal charges than they give individuals to pursue civil lawsuits.
What Does the “Lookback Window” Mean?
In 2021, Louisiana significantly changed the statutes of limitations that apply to civil lawsuits related to child abuse. It completely eliminated the statute of limitations going forward (for civil lawsuits related to abuse occurring in or after 2021). It also recognized that many survivors of childhood abuse had inadvertently waited too long and lost their opportunity to pursue lawsuits against their abusers.
These changes took place in the wake of investigations that exposed how many powerful institutions and organizations actively covered up an epidemic of child abuse over many decades. Widespread accusations of abuse against the Catholic Church, youth sports organizations, and other respected organizations revealed how they silenced accusers and protected known abusers.
As part of the 2021 changes, the legislature created a “lookback” window that allows many survivors of sexual abuse that occurred in the past to file claims even if the statute of limitations had expired. It gave survivors of decades-old abuse a three-year window to pursue claims that would have been “time-barred” by the expiration of the statute of limitations.
A flood of lawsuits followed, overwhelming Louisiana courts. To ensure as many survivors as possible could pursue their claims, the legislature extended the window in 2024. Eligible survivors now have until June 14, 2027, to file civil lawsuits for childhood abuse. While that seems like plenty of time, don’t risk letting your rights slip away.
Filing a Lawsuit Within the Lookback Window
Roughly one year remains for eligible survivors of sexual abuse to pursue their claims. If you are a survivor of clergy abuse, teacher abuse, or other sexual abuse – either as a child or an adult – consult with an attorney to protect your rights. If you wait too long, you may lose your opportunity to pursue a claim.
An experienced Louisiana sexual abuse attorney can help you determine whether you can pursue a lawsuit and help you begin the process. They will also help you understand how to value your claim. Although no amount of money can truly compensate you for what happened, you may be able to recover compensation for medical and mental health treatment, psychological trauma, PTSD, and other damages related to the abuse.
Lamothe Law Firm’s dedicated attorneys have recovered significant compensation for survivors of sexual abuse, including a $2.4 million jury verdict in June 2025 for a survivor of clergy abuse. Our law firm is at the forefront of pursuing litigation against organizations that enabled abusers and failed to protect children from harm, including churches and educational institutions.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or sexual assault, contact Lamothe Law Firm to schedule a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation. Our empathetic, understanding, and experienced attorneys can help you explore your options and protect your rights. We can help you hold your abusers accountable and obtain the compensation you deserve.
