At the end of May 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York signed into law the Adult Survivors of Act of ASA. The ASA is a companion to the Child Victims Act that became law in 2019. Both laws expand the statutes of limitations to provide survivors of sexual abuse more time to sue perpetrators.
The statute of limitations establishes a deadline by which sexual abuse lawsuits must be filed in New York. If the deadline is not met, a sexual abuse victim is forever precluded from pursuing a lawsuit for justice, accountability, and deserved compensation.
The Child Victims Act expanded the statute of limitations for survivors of sexual abuse as children. The ASA opens up a window during which adult survivors of sexual abuse can pursue a lawsuit even if the New York statute of limitations deadline expired.
Pursuant to the provisions of the ADA, anyone or any age can file a sexual abuse lawsuit no matter when the incident or incidents occurred. This window to file a lawsuit no matter when the sexual abuse occurred opens up size months from the date the New York Governor signed the bill in question into law. The window to pursue such a lawsuit will remain open for one year.
The Governor explained her support for the law:
To those who thought they got away with horrific crimes they committed, I just have one message: Your time is up. Your victims will see you in court and you will be brought to justice.
Governor Hochul assumed the office of Governor after the resignation of her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo left office amidst multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
New York State Senator Brad Hoylman is the sponsor of the ASA. He explained the importance of the new law:
For many survivors it takes years to come to terms with the abuses committed against them, let alone to summon the courage to come forward to report the abuse, to confront a boss or a trusted co-worker or family member in a protracted court fight.
If you’re a sexual abuse survivor in New York and have questions about your legal rights under the new law, the legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. You can reach an experienced, compassionate New York sexual abuse lawyer from our firm by calling us at (646) 847-0000.
Our New York sexual abuse attorney hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all major holidays. We can schedule a confidential consultation with a New York sexual abuse lawyer at our offices located at:
The Doan Law Firm
14 Wall Street
20th Floor
New York, New York 10005
(646) 847-0000
We can also arrange an appointment with one of our lawyers at your home or any other location that is comfortable and convenient for you. A virtual appointment with a New York sexual abuse lawyer can be arranged online as well. There is a never a fee charged for an initial consultation with a member of The Doan Law Firm legal team.
Our legal team can provide answers to all of the questions you may have about the new law allowing an additional window of time to pursue a sexual abuse lawsuit. Of course, we can answer any other questions you may have about your situation.
The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee pledge to you. Our firm will never charge an attorney fee in your case unless we win for you. Our dedicated legal team is committed to fight tirelessly on your behalf for justice, accountability, and the compensation you deserve.