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Call Us (866) GO-SEE-SAM
Feb 19, 2024
As of January 1, 2023, a new California law known as Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777) or the Sexual Abuse And Cover-Up Accountability Act provides a three-year window for adult survivors of sexual assault to file civil claims for financial damages due to a sex crimes which occurred after January 1, 2009. In other words, sexual assault and abuse claims which would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations can now be brought in civil court by any survivor impacted as an adult (18 years or older) through the end of 2026.
This blog will provide you with a comprehensive guide related to the new AB 2777 law and include details for how to file your claim with Sam Dordulian and the DLG SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts). Our dedicated and proven sexual assault attorneys and victim advocates are available to you 24/7 by calling 866-GO-SEE-SAM.
The California penal code defines sexual assault as touching of another person’s intimate parts (e.g. a sexual organ, groin, anus, buttocks, or breast) against the victim’s will and for the specific purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse.
Examples of sexual assault and abuse may include:
California Code of Civil Procedure 340.16 states that an adult survivor of sexual assault, abuse, or any similar sexual violence may sue for financial damages within 10 years of the date of the last act or attempt to act. Additionally, adult survivors of sexual abuse may file claims within three years after they discover (or should have known) that a physical injury or illness was caused by the crime.
However, AB 2777 now temporarily pauses the statute of limitations to allow adult survivors of California sexual abuse a three-year window to file lawsuits for crimes occurring as far back as January 1 of 2009.
AB 2777 automatically revives claims for adult sexual assaults that took place on or after the 1st of January 2009 (even if the claims had been barred before the law was passed – in September 2022 – due solely to the expiration date of the statute).
The following is a sample of the text from the landmark California AB 2777 legislation:
“This bill will, until December 31, 2026, revive claims seeking to recover damages suffered as a result of a sexual assault that occurred on or after January 1, 2009, that would otherwise be barred solely because the statute of limitations has or had expired. The bill will additionally revive claims seeking to recover damages suffered as a result of a sexual assault that occurred on or after the plaintiff’s 18th birthday when one or more entities are legally responsible for damages…“
This means that as of January 1, 2023, all adult survivors of sexual assault are now able to bring their claims in civil court to seek secure compensation for crimes committed on or after Jan 1, 2009 (provided the claims have not been previously litigated or settled).
AB 2777 immediately gives adult survivors of crimes like rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment a unique opportunity to secure the justice they deserve on their terms.
The California Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act gives survivors a rare chance at justice for crimes which were previously not able to be brought in civil court due to being outside of the standard statute of limitations. However, it’s important to note that this specific AB 2777 law is only a limited window – specifically providing the option to file a civil lawsuit for just the next three years (until the end of 2026).
Let’s look at how AB 2777 changes the law for that limited three-year window:
Want to discuss your claim with an experienced, compassionate, and proven Los Angeles, California, sexual assault attorney from Dordulian Law Group? Call us now at 866-GO-SEE-SAM for your free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation.
Financial compensation may be available for eligible survivors wishing you bring a claim against an individual perpetrator or entity. Dordulian Law Group (DLG) will fight aggressively to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for all applicable damages.
Examples of damages which may be awarded in a California AB 2777 civil lawsuit include:
DLG and Sam Dordulian have successfully represented countless survivors in multimillion dollar lawsuits. Some of Dordulian Law Group’s recent case victory examples include:
Ready to discuss your adult sexual abuse case? We’re ready to listen, to believe, and support you through every step of the justice process. We’re not afraid to take on powerful individuals or entities and fight tirelessly to ensure that you secure justice as well as maximum financial compensation for your abuse.
DLG was founded by Sam Dordulian – a former sex crimes prosecutor in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and a current member of the National Leadership Council for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit organization.
We offer survivors a 98% case success record as well as a unique and all-encompassing form of legal representation which includes not only access to a team of the very best sexual assault attorneys in California, but also a 24/7 support network of dedicated professionals. With DLG, your team includes attorneys, an in-house private investigator, a victim advocate, and a licensed clinical therapist. Together, they comprise our SAJE Team (Sexual Abuse Justice Experts):
At DLG, we believe survivors and have dedicated our careers to helping them secure justice. When you reach out to our team, we will provide you with the utmost discretion, compassion, and professionalism. With DLG, you can be assured that your case will include:
With more than 50 years of combined sexual assault attorney experience, we know how difficult it can be to come forward and face your perpetrator. We take this responsibility very seriously and are totally committed to providing you with the exceptional legal representation you deserve.
Ready to get justice for your California adult sexual abuse case? We’re ready to help you.
During your confidential, free, and no-obligation consultation with a member of our team, a California sexual abuse lawyer from Dordulian Law Group will discuss every aspect about your case and Assembly Bill 2777.
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
The Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act offers survivors like you a limited chance at justice. We’re available 24/7 to explain the laws and how sexual abuse claims are handled. Our attorneys are ready to help you today. Contact us now to speak with a DLG SAJE Team member by calling 866-GO-SEE-SAM.
Sam Dordulian is regarded as one of California’s premier and most experienced sexual assault attorneys who has successfully represented survivors throughout the United States for more than 25 years. With over 100 jury trial victories, a 98% case success rate, and more than $200,000,000.00 in settlements and verdicts secured for clients like you, Dordulian and his team offer plaintiffs seeking sexual abuse justice an unparalleled level of results.
* The Deadline to File a California AB 2777 Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act Lawsuit is December 31, 2026.
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.
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