Nevada Filing Deadlines (Statutes of Limitations) for Abuse Lawsuits

If you experienced sexual abuse in Nevada and are considering taking legal action to hold your abuser or someone who allowed the abuse responsible, you deserve clear answers about how long you have to file a civil lawsuit. Thankfully, Nevada law has changed dramatically in recent years to prioritize survivors’ access to justice.

Today, many abuse lawsuits in Nevada have no civil statute of limitations at all. This includes claims by adults sexually assaulted after age 18 and claims by people abused as children (in most scenarios). Some related claims still have deadlines, and special rules apply when suing institutions.

This guide will clearly explain the complicated rules so you can make informed, confident decisions about your next step. For specific answers about your unique circumstances, reach out to a dedicated sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways About Nevada Filing Deadlines for Abuse Cases

Childhood sexual abuse (under 18): You can sue the perpetrator (or a person convicted of the abuse) at any time—there is no deadline.
Adult sexual assault (18 or older): You can sue the perpetrator (or a person convicted of the assault) at any time—there is no deadline.
Child pornography–related harm: Survivors who appeared in child sexual imagery may sue at any time after turning 18.
Institutional/third-party liability (child abuse): Nevada allows suits against people or entities that knowingly benefited from a venture that engaged in child sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. These claims generally must be filed by age 38 (20 years after turning 18).
Other negligence claims (e.g., negligent security) not covered by the statute above may follow Nevada’s general two-year personal injury deadline.
Series-of-acts flexibility: For abuse that happened multiple times, you do not have to pinpoint which specific incident caused the injury to bring a claim.

Why Nevada’s Deadlines Matter (and What Has Changed)

For years, Nevada survivors faced short civil lawsuit filing deadlines. Lawmakers have now recognized that trauma, grooming, shame, and fear often delay disclosure and that those short timelines were unjust.

In 2021 and 2023, Nevada enacted reforms eliminating deadlines for many abuse cases and clarifying how survivors can hold both perpetrators and, in some cases, enabling institutions accountable.

As a result, here is the big picture today:

There is no time limit to sue the perpetrator in most child-abuse and adult sexual-assault cases.
Special avenues exist to sue institutions or other third parties, but those claims may have their own time limits and proof requirements.

Filing Deadlines for Childhood Sexual Abuse (the Survivor Was Under 18 at the Time)

1) Lawsuits Against the Perpetrator (or a Person Convicted of the Abuse)

Under current Nevada laws, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have extended filing rights.

Filing deadline: No time limit.
What this means: Whether the abuse happened recently or decades ago, you may bring a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator (or a person convicted of the abuse) whenever you are ready.
Series-of-acts rule: If the abuse involved multiple incidents, you are not required to identify the exact act that caused your injury. You may rely on the pattern of abuse.

Who counts as a “perpetrator”? The statute focuses on the individual who sexually abuses or exploits a child. It also explicitly allows claims against someone when they have been convicted in a criminal case.

2) Claims Tied to Child Sexual Imagery (Child Pornography)

If you appeared in sexual images as a child, Nevada gives you a separate civil cause of action to seek substantial damages, which may include statutory damages and attorney’s fees.

Deadline: You can file any time after turning 18 (no end date).
Damages: The law presumes minimum damages per defendant and includes additional protections for your privacy (for example, the option to use a pseudonym in court).
Why it’s important: This cause of action targets those who promote, possess, or control child sexual imagery. It recognizes the ongoing harm caused by the circulation of these images.

3) Suing Institutions or Third Parties for Child Sexual Abuse

Nevada provides a distinct pathway to hold people or entities civilly liable if they knowingly benefit from a venture that engaged in child sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, or if they covered up the abuse. This can reach institutions (like certain organizations, property owners, or employers) depending on the facts.

Examples of potentially liable parties (depending on the facts of the situation):
- An organization that knowingly profited from programs where child abuse occurred.
- An entity that knew or should have known abuse was occurring and allowed it to continue.
- Someone who covered up abuse and benefited from the cover-up.
Damages: If the defendant knowingly participated in and benefited from or covered up the abuse, treble (triple) damages may be awarded.
Filing deadline: 20 years after the survivor turns 18 (generally by age 38).
Important carve-out: Under Nevada law, large hotels and similar establishments (those with more than 175 rooms) are deemed not to benefit from room rentals for purposes of this specific statute, which can affect claims against those businesses.

Bottom line for child-abuse institutional claims: You may have until age 38 to sue under Nevada’s “benefiting from a venture” law. Other theories (like general negligence) may still be available, but they could have shorter deadlines, as we’ll discuss below.

Filing Deadlines for Adult Sexual Assault (the Survivor was 18 or Older at the Time)

Nevada has removed the civil filing deadline for adult sexual assault against the perpetrator.

Deadline: No time limit.
Who you can sue: The claim may be filed against the alleged perpetrator or a person convicted of the assault.
Series-of-acts rule: As with child abuse cases, if the injury stems from multiple incidents, you don’t have to identify which specific act caused the injury.

What about suing institutions for adult assaults?

Nevada’s “venture-benefit” liability statute (with treble damages) is tied to child sexual abuse/exploitation definitions. It does not cover adult sexual assault.
That means adult survivors who want to sue institutions (e.g., negligent security claims against property owners) may need to proceed under general negligence or other tort theories.
General negligence deadline: Typically, 2 years in Nevada. Some claims involve discovery or other accrual nuances, so it’s critical to speak with a dedicated abuse attorney promptly if an organization’s negligence contributed to your assault.

Is There a Discovery Rule or “Lookback Window” in Nevada?

What is a discovery rule? In many states, survivors rely on “discovery rules” to extend filing deadlines until the injury and its cause are discovered and connected. Nevada’s recent reforms largely remove the need for a discovery rule in child-abuse and adult sexual-assault claims against perpetrators, because there is no filing deadline to extend.
Institutional claims: If you are suing institutions under other theories (for example, negligent hiring or security not covered by the venture-benefit statute), two-year personal injury deadlines may still apply. Courts may consider when your injury was (or reasonably should have been) discovered, depending on the claim type.
Lookback windows: Nevada did not use a temporary “window.” Instead, the Legislature permanently removed the limitations period for many claims and expressly made the changes retroactive, reviving previously time-barred actions in specified categories, notably for adult sexual assault and child abuse claims defined in the statute. The result is a significant expansion of survivors’ rights.

As a Survivor of Sexual Abuse, Who Can You Sue?

Perpetrators and Convicted Offenders

Childhood sexual abuse: Any time (no time limit).
Adult sexual assault: Any time (no time limit).

People or Entities Who “Knowingly Benefit” From Child Abuse or Exploitation (Venture Benefit)

These defendants are potentially liable if they knew or should have known a venture engaged in child sexual abuse/exploitation, and they knowingly benefited (financially or otherwise).
You may receive treble (3xs) damages if they participated in and benefited from or covered up the abuse.
Deadline: You must file by age 38 (20 years after turning 18).

Other Third Parties (for example, for Negligent Security)

If your claim doesn’t fit the venture-benefit statute, you may still sue for negligence, negligent supervision/hiring, or similar torts.
Deadline: Usually 2 years, so act quickly.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Claim

Speak to counsel early, even if you believe you “have time.” Strategic decisions (whom to sue, which statutes to use, preserving evidence) are easier the sooner you start.
Preserve evidence such as texts, emails, social media messages, photos, medical and therapy records, diaries, HR reports, school or incident reports, and witness names.
Consider privacy options. Nevada statutes allow special protections in certain cases (for example, filing under a pseudonym in child pornography-related civil suits). A skilled lawyer may also file motions for protective orders to safeguard sensitive information.
Out-of-state abuse or defendants: Jurisdiction and choice-of-law rules are nuanced. Even if events occurred elsewhere, you may still have a claim in Nevada depending on where the defendant resides or does business, and which state’s law the court applies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nevada Abuse Cases

I was assaulted years ago as an adult. Can I still file a claim in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada removed the civil statute of limitations for adult sexual assault claims against the perpetrator. The law applies retroactively, so many previously time-barred cases may now proceed. If you also want to sue an institution, some shorter deadlines may still apply, so consult an attorney promptly.

I was abused as a child by a coach at a private club. Can I sue the organization, not just the coach?

Possibly. Nevada allows suits against people or entities that knowingly benefited from a venture engaged in child sexual abuse/exploitation. If the organization knew or should have known and benefited, it may be liable, and potentially for treble damages if it also covered up the abuse. Those claims generally must be filed by age 38. Other negligence theories may also be available, but they can have two-year limits.

My abuse happened many times. I don’t remember exact dates. Will my case be dismissed?

No. Nevada law recognizes that abuse often occurs as a series of acts. You’re not required to identify the specific incident that caused your injury to file suit.

I appeared in sexual images as a child. Can I sue the people who possessed or distributed them?

Yes. Nevada provides a separate civil cause of action with statutory minimum damages and additional protections for your privacy. You can bring this claim any time after turning 18.

Are there special defenses for large hotels named in sexual abuse lawsuits?

Under Nevada law, if a hotel, motel, or other establishment has more than 175 rooms, the court may assume that it did not benefit from the mere rental of a room for purposes of the venture-benefit statute. That doesn’t automatically bar all claims; it just affects this specific liability pathway. Other legal theories may still apply depending on your facts.

How the File Abuse Lawsuit Team Can Help

The File Abuse Lawsuit team only handles abuse cases on behalf of survivors, so we understand trauma-informed representation and Nevada’s evolving statutes. We can:

Evaluate which deadline applies to your situation and identify all responsible parties (individuals and institutions).
Preserve and gather evidence while protecting your privacy.
Pursue full compensation, including medical and therapy costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and, where available, treble damages.
Coordinate with criminal proceedings if they exist and leverage any convictions in your civil case.

Contact Our Team of Dedicated Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today

At File Abuse Lawsuit, we always offer free, confidential consultations so you can have all your questions answered in a private, confidential space. We’ll listen, explain your options, and help you choose the path that’s right for you.

If you’re considering a claim, or even just have questions, call (209) 283-2205 for a free, no-obligation consultation with the File Abuse Lawsuit team. We’re here to listen and help you take the next step when you’re ready.