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n 1993, Louisiana enacted legislation allowing the survivors of sexual molestation and abuse in Louisiana to have until their 28th birthday to file a civil lawsuit for damages against their abusers and any organizations empowering or protecting them such as clergy, schools, or clubs. In 2021, the Louisiana Legislature enacted legislation allowing adults who are survivors of molestation or abuse as an adult to bring a civil lawsuit if they are not yet 28 as well.
New Lookback Window Created
In addition to extending the deadline for adults to their 28th birthday, the 2021 legislation created a lookback window in which any and all past claims for sexual molestation or abuse may be brought within the three years following the August 1st, 2021 date it goes into effect. Thus, anyone suffering sexual abuse or molestation in Louisiana in the past whose claim was otherwise barred by the statute of limitations has until August 1st, 2024, to bring their claim—assuming they have no previously brought a claim and resolved it.
Louisiana is the 22nd State to Enact a Lookback Window for Sexual Molestation and Abuse Survivors
In line with the #metoo movement, several states have enacted legislation to extend the deadline to bring a claim based upon sexual molestation or abuse. New York was one of the recent states that created its own New York Adult Survivors Act to revive previously expired cases and bring perpetrators to justice.
Studies have suggested that survivors of sexual abuse and molestation often do not come forward until many years later—often into their 50’s.
Archdiocese of New Orleans Hides from Abuse Claims in Bankruptcy
Unfortunately, the Arch Diocese of New Orleans had already sought to be insulated from the anticipated wave of judgments and lawsuits over clergy abuse cases by filing for bankruptcy. This severely impairs if not eliminates the ability of victims to see compensation from the largest Catholic Institution in Louisiana.
Talk to a Louisiana Sexual Molestation and Abuse Lawyer
If someone you love is a survivor of sexual molestation or abuse at the hands of a person in an authoritative position such as teachers, clergy, prison guards, or scout leaders, your time to act is now. The deadline has been reopened for previously expired claims and statutes of limitations have been extended. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers are working with Louisiana sexual molestation lawyers to bring perpetrators to justice. Call 1-800-298-0111 to get connected today.
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