statute of limitations Archives

A look at 15 states making it easier to sue over sex abuse

Dec 2, 2019

Fifteen states have revised their laws in the past two years extending or suspending the statute of limitations to allow child sex abuse claims stretching back decades, unleashing potentially thousands of new lawsuits against the U.S. Roman Catholic Church.

By Associated Press

New wave of abuse suits could hit Church like never before

Dec 2, 2019

Across the country, attorneys are scrambling to file a new wave of lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy, thanks to rules enacted in 15 states that extend or suspend the statute of limitations to allow claims stretching back decades. Associated Press reporting found the deluge of suits could surpass anything the nation’s clergy sexual abuse crisis has seen before, with potentially more than 5,000 new cases and payouts topping $4 billion.

By Associated Press

Pennsylvania’s sexual abuse laws leave survivors conflicted

Dec 1, 2019

When Pennsylvania overhauled its child sexual abuse laws this week after a years-long battle, absent from the bill-signing ceremony were some of the people who had worked hardest for the changes.

By Marc Levy

Lawsuit wave expected as New Jersey eases sex abuse limits

Dec 1, 2019

The loosening of limits on sexual abuse claims in New Jersey is expected to create a tectonic shift in the way those lawsuits are brought, giving hope to victims who have long suffered in silence and exposing a broader spectrum of institutions to potential liability.

By Associated Press

Pennsylvania overhauls child sexual abuse laws

Nov 29, 2019

Pennsylvania overhauled its child sexual abuse laws Tuesday, more than a year after a landmark grand jury report showed the cover-up of hundreds of cases of abuse in most of Pennsylvania’s Roman Catholic dioceses over seven decades.

By Mark Scolforo and Marc Levy

Long Island Catholic diocese challenges NY Child Victims Act

Nov 15, 2019

Catholic officials on Long Island have filed a legal challenge arguing that the Child Victims Act that loosened statutes of limitations on molestation cases violates the New York state constitution.

By Karen Matthews