At Parker Lipman, LLP, our commitment is to provide survivors of child sexual abuse and assault with the information and guidance they need to seek justice. One of the crucial elements in understanding how and when to take legal action is the statute of limitations. In this piece, we shed light on the intricacies of the statute of limitations as it pertains to child sexual abuse and assault in Colorado.
The statute of limitations is a legal provision that sets a time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed. For survivors of child sexual abuse or assault, understanding this timeframe is vital, as failing to file a lawsuit within the specified time can prevent victims from pursuing justice and obtaining potential compensation.
Dan Lipman, Esq.
Sexual Abuse Attorney
Parker Lipman, LLP
3200 Cherry Creek South Drive Suite 520
Denver, CO 80209
Colorado recognizes the severe trauma and long-lasting effects of child sexual abuse and assault. As such, lawmakers have made deliberate amendments to ensure survivors have ample time to come forward, even if the realization or acknowledgment of the abuse comes years later.
In Colorado, child sexual abuse and assault victims generally have until they turn 24 years old to initiate a civil lawsuit against their abuser. This means that if a person was sexually abused as a child, they have until their 24th birthday to file a civil lawsuit seeking damages for the harm they endured.
However, it's essential to note that Colorado expanded the opportunities for survivors of child sexual abuse to seek justice. This legislative change opened a "look-back window" allowing survivors of any age to file civil lawsuits against their abusers, regardless of when the abuse occurred, for a specified time.
While the basic age limit is set at 24, there are specific situations where the statute of limitations may be tolled or extended:
Discovery Rule: Colorado law acknowledges that many survivors might not recognize the impact of the abuse until later in life, due to suppressed memories or the inability to understand the nature of the abuse until adulthood. As such, if a survivor becomes aware of the abuse and its ramifications after turning 18, they may have an extended period, often an additional six years, from the time of that realization to file a lawsuit.
Criminal Convictions: If the perpetrator of the abuse has been criminally convicted, the survivor may have an extended timeframe in which they can file a civil lawsuit.
With the introduction of the "look-back window" and the understanding that these statutes can change, it's imperative for survivors to seek legal counsel sooner rather than later. Acting promptly ensures that survivors can understand their rights and the potential for legal recourse fully.
Our team at Parker Lipman, LLP specializes in handling sensitive cases with the utmost care, confidentiality, and professionalism. If you or a loved one has been a victim of child sexual abuse or assault, you deserve an experienced team to help navigate the complex legal landscape in Colorado.
Understanding the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse and assault in Colorado is critical for survivors seeking justice. As laws evolve, staying informed and seeking timely legal counsel becomes all the more essential. At Parker Lipman, LLP, we are here to guide, support, and fight for the rights of survivors, ensuring they have the best chance to achieve the justice they rightfully deserve.
If you have questions or need further clarification about the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse and assault in Colorado, please don't hesitate to contact Parker Lipman, LLP for a confidential consultation.
Those who are interested in gaining further insight into the experiences of Parker Lipman and their clients can visit their website for more information.
This content originally appeared at https://abuseguardian.com/sexual-assault-lawyer/colorado/statute-of-limitations-co-child-sex-abuse/