The Statute of Limitations for clergy sexual abuse claims in Massachusetts is generally 35 years from the abuse or seven years from when the survivor discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, that the abuse caused an emotional or psychological injury, whichever period expires later.
Time is generally tolled until the survivor turns 18. Different rules may apply to a claim against a church or other institution. A Baltimore clergy sexual abuse lawyer from Jenner Law can help you examine the facts and understand your options for filing a civil claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Civil Claim for Abuse That Happened When You Were a Minor?
For a claim against the person who committed the alleged abuse, Massachusetts generally provides a 35-year filing period. Because that period is tolled until the survivor turns 18, age 53 may be a useful reference point in many cases. It is not a filing deadline that applies to everyone.
The seven-year discovery rule may allow more time to bring a childhood sexual abuse claim, depending on when the survivor discovered the connection between the abuse and an emotional or psychological injury. A separate review is needed for any potential claim against a church or other institution.
A Baltimore personal injury lawyer from Jenner Law can determine how these legal deadlines apply to your specific case.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
When Does the Seven-Year Discovery Period Begin?
The seven-year discovery period begins when you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, that the abuse caused an emotional or psychological injury or condition. It does not necessarily begin when you first remember or disclose the abuse.
Determining when that connection became apparent can involve sensitive, fact-specific questions about delayed discovery of harm. Jenner Law can review the timeline for a clergy abuse claim without assuming you understood the effects of the abuse when it happened.
Can You Bring a Claim Against a Church or Other Institution?
You can bring a claim against a church or another institution as well as the person who committed the abuse, depending on the facts. A claim against an institution can raise different questions about its conduct, its connection to the alleged abuser, and the applicable filing deadline.
Do not assume that the 35-year period or seven-year discovery rule for a claim against an alleged abuser also governs a claim against an institution. Jenner Law can review each potential claim and defendant separately.
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Can You File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim if the Abuse Happened Decades Ago?
You may be able to file a clergy sexual abuse claim if the abuse happened decades ago, depending on the facts of your case. Whether an older clergy sexual abuse claim can be filed depends on whom you may have a claim against, when the abuse occurred, when you recognized its effects, and which law applies.
The passage of decades alone does not answer whether a civil lawsuit is still possible. Older claims require particular care because changes in the law may also affect the statute of limitations analysis. An attorney can assess those issues before you rule out your options.
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Do Criminal Charges Have the Same Deadline as a Civil Lawsuit?
Criminal charges do not have the same deadline as a civil lawsuit for clergy sexual abuse. Criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit serve different purposes and are governed by different rules. The deadline for one does not determine the deadline for the other.
You may be able to explore a civil clergy abuse claim even if no criminal charges were filed. If you are considering either process, getting advice about the applicable deadlines can help you make an informed decision.
What Should You Do if You Are Unsure Whether Your Deadline Has Passed?
If you are unsure whether your deadline has passed, speak with a clergy sexual abuse attorney when you feel ready. You do not need to determine whether the statute of limitations has passed before asking for help with a potential civil claim.
If you have them, details that may help with an initial review include:
- The approximate dates when the abuse occurred.
- Your age when it occurred.
- When you recognized a connection between the abuse and its emotional or psychological effects on you.
- The identity of the person involved and any church or other institution connected to them.
You do not need to have every detail or document to start a conversation.
How Jenner Law Supports Survivors
Jenner Law provides compassionate, trauma-informed representation to sexual abuse survivors, including adult survivors of childhood clergy abuse and those considering claims against institutions.
The firm’s lawyers and paralegals have received trauma and cognitive interview training at the Center for Hope. Jenner Law’s legal team has 70 years of combined experience and provides representation based on each client’s circumstances.
We Can Explain How the Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims in Massachusetts Applies to Your Case
While the statute of limitations for clergy sexual abuse claims in Massachusetts is generally 35 years, Jenner Law can review your circumstances, explain which civil filing deadlines may apply, and discuss possible next steps.
Our clergy sexual abuse atorneys have 70 years of combined experience advocating for survivors. Contact us when you are ready to talk. We will listen to your concerns and help you understand your options.