Statute of Limitations for a School that Didn’t Protect Against Sexual Abuse in Connecticut

Schools have a responsibility to protect their students from sexual abuse. If a school fails to uphold that duty, and a student is sexually abused by a teacher or staff member on campus, they may file a lawsuit, but can only do so within the applicable statute of limitations.

The statute of limitations for victims to sue schools for sexual abuse they endured in their youth is long, spanning three decades after a victim turns 21. The long statute of limitations doesn’t mean that missing the filing deadline is impossible, especially if it’s been many years since your abuse. Even though you may have until you turn 51 to sue for sexual abuse at school, there’s no need to wait until the statute of limitations has almost expired.

For a free case analysis from our child and institutional sexual abuse lawyers, call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.

What is the Statute of Limitations to Sue a School that Didn’t Protect Against Sexual Abuse?

Connecticut’s statute of limitations to sue schools for not protecting students against sexual abuse sets the timeframe for filing a lawsuit. Miss the deadline that applies to your case, and you also miss your chance to seek accountability and damages.

Statute of Limitations for Victims Under 21

The statute of limitations for institutional assault lawsuits against schools for failure to protect a student who is under 21 years old is 30 years from the date the victim turns 21. Note that the deadline is no 30 years from the last instance of abuse, which may have occurred before you turned 21.

You may have until you turn 51 to sue for sexual abuse at school in your youth, giving you plenty of time to bring a case now.

Statute of Limitations for Victims 21 or Older

Colleges and universities are sometimes liable for sexual abuse and assault of students. When a victim is 21 or older, the 30-year statute of limitations no longer applies, and they have two years from the last instance of abuse to file a lawsuit, barring any exceptions.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

Delayed discovery of abuse due to mental and emotional trauma is common, especially among child victims. Instead of the statute of limitations starting to accrue on the victim’s 21st birthday or the last instance of sexual abuse if they were 21 or older, it would accrue from the date of discovery.

Fraudulent concealment of abuse can also delay the accrual date for the sexual abuse statute of limitations in Connecticut.

When Can You Sue a School for Not Protecting You Against Sexual Abuse?

Schools owe their students and the minors in their care a duty to protect them against sexual abuse and other harms while at school. Teachers and school administrators are also mandated reporters, meaning they legally must report suspicions or signs of abuse in minors.

If a school fails to uphold the duty it owes you by not doing proper background checks on staff members, knowingly hiring someone with a history of inappropriate behavior with students, or ignoring reports from students or their parents that abuse is happening and students are at risk.

FAQs About the Statute of Limitations for School Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Connecticut

What Happens if You Miss the Statute of Limitations to Sue a School that Didn’t Protect Against Abuse?

Missing the statute of limitations to bring an institutional sexual abuse lawsuit against a school for negligent hiring procedures, poor oversight, or enabling of abuse, you lose your chance to hold the school accountable publicly or recover any of the damages you incurred.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Meet the Statute of Limitations to Sue a School that Didn’t Protect Against Abuse?

Even though victims under 21 have decades to sue schools for sexual abuse, missing the statute of limitations can still happen if too much time passes. Delaying cases can have consequences, even if they are still filed technically on time.

What is the Statute of Limitations if the Abuser is Convicted?

If a sexual abuser is convicted of certain criminal sexual assault charges, the statute of limitations for a civil lawsuit against them is effectively eliminated, but don’t assume that eliminates the statute of limitations to sue a school before confirming with our lawyers.

How Can You Learn the Filing Deadline for Your School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Learn your exact filing deadline for a school sexual abuse lawsuit by letting our lawyers review your case, pinpoint the accrual date for the statute of limitations, and see what the final date you can file is.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Adult Sexual Abuse Victims?

Adults who experience sexual abuse have a much shorter period to file lawsuits and seek justice, generally only 2 years from the last instance of abuse in Connecticut.

Why is There a Statute of Limitations for Schools that Don’t Protect Against Sexual Abuse?

Statutes of limitations exist to prevent stale or unfounded injury claims. The unique trauma of childhood sexual abuse requires a longer statute of limitations so victims can come to terms with what happened in their own time.

What is Your Risk of Missing the Statute of Limitations to Sue the School that Didn’t Protect Against Abuse?

If you were abused at school by a teacher or staff member while under the age of 21, you’re not at an immediate risk of missing the statute of limitations, as it spans several decades. However, you could risk losing evidence that proves your case in court, so you should still prioritize investigation and preparation with our lawyers.

Call to See if You Have a Sexual Abuse Case in Connecticut

Call the child and institutional sexual abuse lawyers of The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586 to discuss your case for free.