In May 2019, Montana state legislatures lifted the statute of limitations on filing lawsuits for child sexual abuse, opening up new opportunities for abuse survivors. On May 6, 2019, Governor Steve Bullock signed HB0640, effectively opening up a one-year lookback window to file old or expired sexual abuse lawsuits and extending the length of time to file a civil abuse lawsuit.
If you survived sexual abuse in Montana, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit due to the passing of this bill. To see if you qualify to file a claim for your abuse and pursue compensation, contact AVA Law Group today at 1.866.4.AVALAW.
Montana’s previous statute of limitations on sexual abuse only allowed victims of sexual abuse until the age of 21 to file a civil suit. Now, victims have until the age of 27 to pursue action against abusers. Sexual abuse survivors in Montana still only have three years after abuse discovery to file a civil suit for abuse, but the age extension may allow significantly more opportunities for abuse survivors to pursue justice for their abuse.
These adjustments to Montana’s statute of limitations only apply to civil cases, not criminal proceedings. However, civil cases still allow abuse victims to pursue their abusers in court and potentially recover damages for their abuse. Damages means the amount of money a jury orders an alleged abuser to pay a victim to compensate the victim for injuries caused by abuse.
Along with the new age extension, HB6040 opened up a “look back window” that completely removed the statute of limitations for sexual abuse for one year.
Within this time frame, Montana sexual abuse survivors have a second chance to pursue civil action against abusers, no matter how long ago the abuse happened. Even if the old statute of limitations made a case “expired” or “ineligible,” these cases can be brought forward within this one-year time frame.
The one-year look back window started May 6, 2019 and ends May 1, 2020.
Because of the narrow window of time for Montana sexual abuse survivors to come forward, it is important for abuse victims to come forward now. If they do not, they may lose their opportunity to pursue justice in civil court for forever. If you survived sexual abuse in Montana, connect with our sexual abuse attorneys today. We have caring representatives standing by 24/7, and we ensure that any information you share with us is kept confidential. To talk with a legal professional and see if you qualify to file a suit for your abuse, contact us today for your free, no-obligation case consultation.
