There is no statute of limitations or time limits for filing a sex abuse lawyer in Nevada. Many survivors can sue the perpetrators or other involved parties for the injuries they suffered even decades later. Discussing your options with our legal team can determine if you have a viable civil case.
In this article, we answer questions about sex abuse lawsuits in Nevada that we frequently receive. We can also review the specific details of your case during a complimentary initial consultation. You can reach out to us anytime to learn more information.
What Statutes of Limitations Apply to Nevada Sex Abuse Lawsuits?
As of 2023, there is no statute of limitations for sex abuse lawsuits in Nevada. State lawmakers signed Senate Bill 129 (SB129) into law in June 2023, effectively abolishing the time limits for adults who endured sexual abuse to sue. Lawmakers had previously done away with the statute of limitations for those abused as children or teens.
Before this new law’s approval, adult victims had just two years from the date of their injuries to sue the perpetrator or those who allowed the abuse to occur. Now, even those who previously ran out of time to sue may have an opportunity to recover damages. This law applies retroactively, meaning anyone who did not previously file a sex abuse lawsuit based on their injuries may now have a chance to do so.
What About a Criminal Case Against the Perpetrator in Nevada?
The criminal and civil cases against someone accused of sex abuse in Nevada are separate. Many people recover compensation and justice in a civil case without pursuing a criminal case or despite not getting a conviction in a criminal case.
Generally, adult victims of sexual abuse or assault have 20 years to report their injuries to the police. If the adult makes a written report to the police during this period, there are no time limits on filing charges in the case. Different laws apply to child victims of sexual abuse. Those fall under NRS § 171.095.
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How does Nevada Define Sex Abuse?
Nevada has one statute that encompasses sexual assault and rape. It is NRS § 200.366. Under this statute, sexual assault occurs if someone:
- Forces penetration without consent, including under threat
- Forced penetration or sexual actions when the victim is incapable of resisting physically or understanding and consenting mentally
- Any sexual activity involving a child under the age of 14
When someone violates this statute, they could face criminal charges. However, they could also face a sexual abuse civil case. Our Nevada sex abuse lawyers handle these cases and pursue justice for our clients. We fight for compensation to cover our client’s physical, emotional, and financial harm related to the abuse.
While criminal charges against the perpetrator may help prevent future occurrences, a civil case is often the only way for survivors to gain peace of mind. The civil case allows them to hold others who allowed the abuse to occur or ignored it accountable, too. For example, it may be possible to sue a church, school, or organization that protected or ignored an abusive leader who targeted children.
Many widely known organizations—including churches, sports leagues, and clubs—are having to answer for a culture that swept abuse allegations under the rug. When someone holds them responsible today, it can reduce the risk of them doing the same thing when there is an abusive adult in the future.
Why Coming Forward Promptly in a Nevada Sex Abuse Case Is Important
While there is no statute of limitations, and you could wait decades to sue for the sex abuse you endured, there are good reasons to come forward in a sex abuse case quickly when possible. Primarily, this focuses on the strength of the case. When we know about sexual abuse quickly, there is a long list of evidence that could be available, including:
- Biological evidence (usually from a rape kit)
- Bruises, defensive wounds, and other injuries
- Video footage that places the parties in the same location
- Eyewitness statements
- Trace evidence
This evidence makes documenting what happened, when, and who was involved easier. It could also make documenting what the organization or institution knew easier because we can identify internal communications and track reports that might not be available later.
Our Nevada personal injury attorneys understand that justice is important to sex abuse survivors. There are many reasons survivors seek justice, and they are all valid. Whether you need closure, want to hold your abusers accountable, seek compensation for your related expenses, or protect others who have experienced the same abuse, our attorneys will fight for you.
You Can Speak With Us Privately About Sexual Abuse That Occurred in Nevada
We at Van Law know that coming forward is not easy. You can speak to our team privately about what occurred, and no one will ever know you spoke to us unless you tell them. It may be possible for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse to remain anonymous in proceedings. Our attorneys can discuss this with survivors during their initial consultation.
We aim to empower survivors of sexual abuse by helping them get justice so they can start the healing process.
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Discuss Your Options for a Nevada Sex Abuse Lawsuit With Our Team Today
Van Law represents survivors of sexual crimes and leads their entire cases. This includes meeting the statute of limitations for sex abuse lawsuits in Nevada. We can build a compelling case to hold your abuser and others involved in the abuse responsible for their actions. There is no time limit on a civil lawsuit, so it may be possible to pursue justice even years after your abuse.
You do not have to pay us any upfront or hourly fees. We work on these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we get paid only if you recover compensation. Our fee would cover a percentage of your compensation award.
Contact us now to start your initial, confidential consultation. Let us fight on your behalf to earn you the the compensation and justice that you deserve.
No obligation consultations are always free.
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