New California Bill Grants a Temporary Window for Sexual Assault Cases Past the Statute of Limitations
Sexual assault civil cases can be intimidating for many survivors. Unfortunately, cover-ups, intimidation, and other tactics can be used to silence victims of sexual assault, leading for civil cases to go past the statute of limitations for justice. Fortunately, this just changed in the beginning of 2026 with the signing of AB 250 in California. Keep reading about this new bill and the changes that it brings, qualifying cases, and how a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can help.
What is AB 250?
California saw new laws signed at the beginning of 2026, most notably AB 250. This bill was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on January 5, 2026, and with this signing comes a temporary open window for old sexual assault civil cases to be brought forward in the pursuit of justice and compensation. AB 250 establishes a 2-year window within 2026 and 2027 for civil cases regarding sexual assault alleging not only the occurrences of sexual assault, but also that another entity was involved in a cover-up of prior accusations against the defendant.
This new bill will allow survivors of sexual abuse to not only hold the perpetrators of the assault accountable, but also any entities that were responsible in cover-ups that past cover-ups that could’ve possibly prevented later assaults. This bill applies to cases involving private figures and organizations, not public entities or government agencies.
Which Case Types Qualify Under this Bill?
Survivors who went through sexual assault incidents on or after their 18th birthday can file a lawsuit even if the statute of limitations for their case expired years ago. This lawsuit can hold the perpetuator accountable, and any private institutions that concealed, ignored, or facilitated the abuse or prior instances of other abuse.
Should I Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney About My Sexual Assault Case if I Can Pursue it Now?
Survivors of sexual assault incidents do not have to fight a legal battle against the perpetrators or entities involved in the cover-up of the assault alone. If you are filing a claim for an incident that happened years ago, this can also open old wounds and lead to overwhelming feelings of anguish, sadness, and frustration. A personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can help.
A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system in bringing your claim forward. They can help file your claim, collect evidence, go through discovery, negotiate, and communicate with the legal representation of the defendants on your behalf. If you are ready to file a claim and make your story heard, a personal injury lawyer from BD&J can be right beside you, advocating for you every step of the way.
How Can I Prove Liability in a Sexual Assault Case Under AB 250?
Proving liability in a sexual assault case under AB 250 would include evidence such as photos, videos, witness testimonies, medical records, and a police report to further show the incident of sexual assault occurred. The basis of lawsuits under AB 250 is furthering show a concealment of this incident also was done, which could be proven through the use of NDAs, written documentation of previous complaints against the perpetrator, and any communications between the entities and victims where the entities pressured the victims not to report the assault and so on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Sexual Assault Case Take?
Every sexual assault claim is different. Most cases can take a few months to be heard and resolved.
Will I Have to Go to Court for My Case?
Usually not. Most civil cases are settled out of court, with 95% of lawsuits ending in a pre-trial settlement.
What is the Average Payout for a Sexual Assault Case?
The average payout for a sexual assault case can range, depending on factors like the degree of physical injury, additional mental trauma and more damages. Sexual assault lawsuits can range from $25,000 to $500,000, with some cases having a value of $750,000 and up.
Does This New Law Grant a Window for All Sexual Assault Cases?
Unfortunately, no. This lawsuit covers sexual assault incidents for adult survivors where an additional factor of concealment or facilitation by another entity occurred. Speak to a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles from BD&J to learn if you have a claim.
How Long Does a Person Have to File a Claim under AB 250?
Under AB 250, a person has a window from January 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2027, to file a lawsuit.
Is a Criminal Case Needed to File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit Under AB 250?
No, there is no need to have pursued any form of criminal case against the perpetrator in order to file a lawsuit under AB 250.
How To Navigate Your Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney
When you are consulting with a personal injury attorney about your claim, there’s no need to feel intimidated or overwhelmed. An expert personal injury lawyer will be there to answer your questions and listen to your story. Navigate your initial consultation with a lawyer by:
- Bringing all evidence. — Make sure to bring documentation and all other evidence that could be used to support your claim.
- Telling your complete story. — Do not feel intimidated to share your story. An advocating attorney will listen uninterrupted to your story.
- Following up with the personal injury attorney. — If you are interested in filing a claim to hold perpetrators and complicit parties accountable, follow up with the Los Angeles personal injury lawyer you are looking to work with.
Talk to a Compassionate Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles Today!
Revisiting an incident of sexual assault can be intimidating, but not something you should do alone. While you are in the pursuit of justice against a perpetrator and any entities or organizations involved in a cover-up of the assault, work with a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles from BD&J. We’ve recovered more than $2 billion* for clients and their loved ones, and there are no fees until we win*. Contact us now to book your initial consultation.
Don’t fight this battle alone. Call BD&J to speak with a personal injury attorney today.