New Colorado Sex Abuse Statute of Limitations Gives Many Survivors Access to Courthouse
In early July, 2021, the State of Colorado became the latest in the wave of states to pass an extension to the statute of limitations on child sex abuse cases. In a landmark move, it re-opened its courts to many survivors of child sexual abuse by creating new legal rights for people sexually abused after January 1, 1960. Previously, all such lawsuits needed to be filed by the time the survivor turned 24, which is far sooner than experts say survivors of sex abuse come forward.
Starting in January 2022, survivors of sexual abuse in occurring after January 1, 1960, can sue those responsible for the abuse in Colorado's courts anytime before January 1, 2025. Under the law, the abuse must have occurred in conjunction with a "youth related activity," such as the Boy Scouts, church altar boys, or school activity. However, the definition is broad enough that most survivors will be able to qualify for the court relief.
The law also includes a provision to increase the damages cap on sex abuse claims. Starting in 2022, survivors of abuse can seek up to $1,000,000 from private entities who enabled their abuse, up significantly from Colorado's previous cap.
"We commend Colorado lawmakers for recognizing that sexual abuse causes shame, embarrassment, fear, and guilt that many survivors carry well into their adulthood - and that keeps them suffering in silence for decades," Adam Horowitz, the managing partner of Horowitz Law says of the new law. "We are seeing a wave of new legislation across America as more and more survivors come forward to demand access to courts to hold those responsible for their nightmare accountable. We can add Colorado to the list of states that are getting it right."
The new law takes effect on January 1, 2022.
The lawyers of Horowitz Law have represented victims and survivors of sexual abuse in Colorado and nationwide for more than 20 years. If you were sexually abused in Colorado, contact us now to discuss your legal options.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in Colorado. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused as a child in Colorado, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those sexually abused in Colorado now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Colorado and nationwide. We can help.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.