Adult Sexual Assault Survivors Now Able to File Civil Claims Under California AB 2777

Free Consultation
Home  »  Sex Crimes   »   California AB 2777 Signed Into Law, Affording Adult Survivors an Opportunity at Justice

California AB 2777 Signed Into Law, Affording Adult Survivors an Opportunity at Justice

Sep 21, 2022

Governor Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777) into law this week, paving the way for survivors of sexual assault to obtain justice for past crimes that would otherwise be barred because of an expired statute of limitations. AB 2777 effectively revives sexual assault claims seeking to recover financial damages as a result of a crime which occurred on or after January 1, 2009.

Adult Sexual Assault Survivors Now Able to File Civil Claims Under California AB 2777

Through the passage of this landmark legislation, countless adult survivors of sexual violence are now able to pursue civil claims for a limited window of time – through December 31, 2026.

This blog will provide an in-depth analysis of California AB 2777 and include everything you need to know in order to file your claim and secure financial compensation, justice, and potentially a semblance of healing for past sexual violence.

What is California AB 2777?

California Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777) represents historic legislation that opens past sexual assault crimes to potential civil claims brought by or on behalf of survivors. The ‘Sexual Abuse Cover Up Accountability Act‘ was authored by Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks of California’s 15th District and introduced in February 2022, receiving overwhelming bi-partisan support.

What Does California AB 2777 Do?

California Assembly Bill 2777 has multiple sections which are designed to assist survivors of sexual assault in their pursuit of justice. Firstly, the state’s Civil Code of Procedure is amended. Accordingly, any civil actions (lawsuits) brought for the recovery of damages, and in instances where the assault occurred on or after the survivor’s 18th birthday, are now bound to the later of the following deadlines:

  1. Within 10 years from the date of the last act, attempted act, or assault with the intent to commit an act, of sexual assault against the plaintiff.
  2. Within three years from the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that an injury or illness resulted from an act, attempted act, or assault with the intent to commit an act, of sexual assault against the plaintiff.

Under AB 2777, any claim seeking to recover damages suffered as a result of a sexual assault or other inappropriate conduct, communication, or activity of a sexual nature may now be filed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2026.

Additionally, AB 2777 revives claims involving cover-ups for a one-year window – from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. For a claim to qualify under the cover-up section of the bill, the survivor would have to allege all of the following:

  • The plaintiff was sexually assaulted or was subjected to other inappropriate conduct, communication, or activity of a sexual nature.
  • One or more entities are legally responsible for damages arising out of the sexual assault or other inappropriate conduct, communication, or activity of a sexual nature.
  • The entity or entities, including, but not limited to, their officers, directors, representatives, employees, or agents, engaged in a cover up or attempted a cover up of a previous instance or allegations of sexual assault or other inappropriate conduct, communication, or activity of a sexual nature by an alleged perpetrator of such abuse.

Failure to allege a cover up as to one entity does not affect revival of the plaintiff’s claim or claims against any other entity,” AB 2777’s text reads.

In addition, AB 2777 defines a cover-up as:

A deliberate effort to hide or disregard information relating to a sexual assault or other inappropriate conduct, communication, or activity of a sexual nature.

Moreover, AB 2777 revives any related claims including but not limited to:

  • Wrongful termination
  • Sexual harassment (arising out of the sexual assault or other inappropriate conduct, communication, or activity of a sexual nature)

Accordingly, all adult survivors of California sexual assault who have not previously brought claims in court (or entered into written agreements or settlements) for crimes occurring on or after January 1, 2009 are now eligible to file civil lawsuits seeking justice and maximum financial compensation for damages.

When Can I File My Revived Sexual Assault Claim Under California AB 2777?

The limited window for revived claims to be filed under California AB 2777 officially begins on January 1, 2023 and extends through December 31, 2026. Throughout that three-year period, survivors of sexual assault may bring claims against both individual perpetrators and official entities, such as employers, organizations, institutions, etc.

The experienced and trusted sexual assault attorneys at Dordulian Law Group (DLG) can help you begin the process of filing your revived sex crime claim under AB 2777 immediately. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about your legal rights and potential for recovering financial compensation by filing a claim. During the free consultation phase, DLG’s sexual assault lawyers will review the facts of your case, provide you with all available legal options, offer an estimate for how long your case may take to reach a settlement, and give you a projected figure for how much your claim may be worth.

Don’t wait to begin the process of securing the justice you deserve for a past sexual assault crime. As has been the case with the AB 218 childhood sexual abuse law that was passed in 2019 and took effect in January of 2020, our proven attorneys have seen a significant increase in the number of claims being filed.

If you experienced a sexual assault incident, don’t wait to file a claim. Contact our expert attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.

The new AB 2777 legislation is similar to the landmark AB 218 bill that has helped countless childhood sexual abuse survivors secure justice. Similarly, AB 2777 will undoubtedly help a substantial number of adult sexual assault survivors finally obtain the justice they deserve, regardless of whether their claims were previously barred by an expired statute of limitations.

Contact us today to file your AB 2777 claim and obtain justice on your own terms. Our sexual assault attorneys are available via 866-GO-SEE-SAM to discuss your case and provide you with an overview and explanation of the litigation process.

DLG is your trusted legal advocate for sexual assault and abuse claims. We will fight aggressively on your behalf to recover a maximum financial damages award that equals justice under the law. With more than $200,000,000 in settlements and verdicts recovered for our clients, DLG is the best choice you can make when pursuing your AB 2777 claim.

Sexual Abuse/Assault Cases

Revenge Porn cases
College Campus Rape & Sexual Assault Attorneys
Stealthing - Nonconsensual Condom Removal
Doctor Sexual Assault & Abuse
School Sexual Abuse
Rape Victims Attorney

Child Sexual Abuse
Clergy Sexual Abuse
Teacher & Coach Sexual Abuse
Airbnb/Vrbo Rape and Sexual Assault Attorneys
Nursing Home Abuse
Elder/Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

Sexual Assault/Abuse
Uber Sexual Assault Lawyers
LYFT Sexual Assault Lawyer
Sexual harassement

Foster Care Abuse
Sexual Assault
Boy Scout Sexual Abuse
School Bullying

Sugar Daddy sexual abuse
Child Sexual Grooming
Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse
Youth Sports Sexual Abuse

Child abuse

Author

Samuel Dordulian

Samuel Dordulian, founder

Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.




Go See Sam