Louisiana Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

For too long, survivors of sexual abuse in Louisiana faced narrow deadlines that often closed the courthouse doors before they were ready to speak about their past. Over the last several years, lawmakers and courts have taken significant steps to change that.

Today, many survivors—especially those abused as children—have more time, and in many cases unlimited time, to pursue justice.

This guide explains how Louisiana’s statutes of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits work in 2025. It covers the rules for survivors abused as children, adults abused as adults, the powerful lookback window that is open until June 14, 2027, and how the discovery rule (known locally as contra non valentem) can extend filing deadlines.

No Deadline for New Child Sexual Abuse Claims: Survivors who were abused as minors after 2021 may file a lawsuit at any time—there is no statute of limitations.
Lookback Window Until June 14, 2027: Survivors of childhood sexual abuse that happened in the past—no matter how long ago—can file a lawsuit until June 14, 2027, even if their claims were previously time-barred.
Adult Sexual Abuse Claims: Adults who experienced sexual abuse after turning 18 generally must file their civil claim within one year of the abuse or within one year of discovering the abuse and its effects.
Discovery Rule Applies: Known in Louisiana as “contra non valentem,” this rule can delay the start of the one-year deadline if a survivor could not have reasonably known about the abuse or its harm until later.
10-Year Rule for Adults Abused as Minors: In some cases, adult survivors of childhood abuse who missed the standard deadline still have 10 years from their 18th birthday or until June 14, 2027, to file a lawsuit—whichever is longer.
Certificates of Merit Required: Louisiana law requires survivors aged 21 or older filing child sexual abuse claims to submit special certifications from their attorney and a licensed mental health professional.
Institutions Can Be Sued: Survivors can file lawsuits not only against individual abusers but also against institutions, such as schools, churches, or youth organizations, that enabled or failed to stop the abuse.

A Landmark Shift in Louisiana Abuse Law

For decades, Louisiana had limited childhood sexual abuse survivors to filing a lawsuit by their 28th birthday. This deadline left many locked out of court before they were emotionally prepared to come forward.

Recognizing the lasting impact of trauma and delayed disclosure, lawmakers changed the law in 2021 by passing Acts 2021, No. 322, which amended La. R.S. §2800.9. This amendment eliminated the civil statute of limitations for future claims arising from child sexual abuse.

As of June 14, 2021, if a survivor experiences sexual abuse while under 18, they may file a civil lawsuit at any point in their lifetime.

Louisiana Civil Code §2800.9 – What It Means for Survivors

Louisiana Civil Code §2800.9(A)(1) states:

“An action against a person for sexual abuse of a minor … does not prescribe.”

In legal terms, “does not prescribe” means there is no deadline to file. This provision gives future survivors of childhood sexual abuse the freedom to come forward when they are ready, without the pressure of an arbitrary expiration date.

The statute also includes:

§2800.9(A)(2): Survivors can sue a person convicted of a crime against a child at any time after the conviction.
Subsections B–D: Survivors aged 21 or older when filing must include certificates of merit signed by their attorney and a licensed mental health professional confirming that the claim appears reasonable and credible.

These requirements aim to protect survivors while preventing frivolous lawsuits.

The Lookback Window – Open Until June 14, 2027

A critical feature of Louisiana law for survivors of past child sexual abuse is the lookback window created in 2021.

The lookback window allows anyone, regardless of age or when the abuse occurred, to file a civil lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse until June 14, 2027. This is a historic opportunity for people who were previously barred by the old deadlines.

Key points about the lookback window:

Applies only to survivors abused as minors.
Covers claims that were previously time-barred under old laws.
Allows lawsuits against abusers and institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse.
Remains open until June 14, 2027.
It was upheld by the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2025 against constitutional challenges, confirming that survivors’ revived claims are valid.

Survivors who fall under this window should act quickly to preserve their right to sue before the deadline closes.

Adult Sexual Abuse: Only Allows a One-Year Civil Deadline

For adults who experienced sexual abuse after turning 18, Louisiana still has a terribly short civil statute of limitations:

Survivors generally must file their lawsuit within one year of the abuse.
If the abuse was not immediately discovered, for example, in cases of memory repression or hidden injuries, the one-year period starts when the survivor knew or reasonably should have known about both the abuse and its impact.

This extension through delayed discovery is rooted in Louisiana’s doctrine of contra non valentem. This legal theory acknowledges that abuse survivors often wait to disclose that they were sexually assaulted or abused.

Contra Non Valentem – Louisiana’s Discovery Rule

The doctrine of contra non valentem protects survivors whose trauma or circumstances prevented them from recognizing the abuse or its harm right away.

Under this rule:

The clock for the one-year adult deadline does not start until the survivor discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, both the abuse and the connection between the abuse and their injuries.
This is especially important in cases where a survivor repressed memories or only later recognized that psychological struggles stemmed from abuse.

While this rule can be life-saving for some survivors, Louisiana courts have applied it cautiously, often requiring clear evidence of delayed discovery. Survivors should seek legal counsel as soon as they suspect a link between their injuries and past abuse.

Special Considerations for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse

For adults who were abused as minors but did not file before the elimination of the statute of limitations in 2021, Louisiana law provides additional protections:

Previously, these survivors had until their 28th birthday to sue.
Now, many qualify under the lookback window and can file until June 14, 2027.
In some circumstances, survivors have 10 years from their 18th birthday (until approximately age 28) to file if the abuse occurred before the 2021 changes but after earlier amendments.

Because these overlapping rules can be complex, it’s critical for survivors to have an experienced attorney review their case. Schedule a free consultation to explain your unique circumstances and learn which rules apply to you.

Filing Requirements: Certificates of Merit

Louisiana is one of the few states that requires survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are 21 years or older at the time of filing to submit certificates of merit.

Under §2800.9(B–D), the plaintiff must include the following certificates:

Attorney Certificate: The plaintiff’s attorney must confirm they’ve reviewed the case, consulted with a licensed mental health practitioner, and believe there’s reasonable and meritorious cause for the lawsuit.
Mental Health Certificate: The mental health professional must confirm they’ve evaluated the survivor and believe there’s a reasonable basis to conclude the survivor experienced childhood abuse.
If these certificates cannot be obtained before filing due to a looming deadline, the survivor’s attorney can note this in the petition and must submit the certificates within 60 days after filing.

The court reviews these certificates in private (in camera) before allowing the case to proceed and before notifying the defendant. This process helps protect survivors’ privacy during the early stages of litigation.

Can I Sue Institutions and Third Parties Who Allowed the Abuse?

Louisiana law allows survivors to hold not just individual abusers but also organizations accountable for their role in enabling or covering up abuse. These can include:

Religious organizations such as churches or dioceses.
Schools, colleges, or universities.
Youth-serving organizations like Boy Scouts, sports clubs, or camps.
Employers that failed to conduct proper background checks or ignored warning signs.

Filing a lawsuit against an institution can help uncover systemic failures and drive meaningful change while providing survivors with other sources of compensation. Often, these entities have insurance policies that pay for abuse survivors’ losses when the organization is held responsible.

What Steps Can Survivors Take Now?

If you experienced sexual abuse in Louisiana, whether as a child or adult, here are some important steps you can take right now to protect your rights:

Seek emotional support from trusted friends, family, or professional counselors.
Consult an attorney who dedicates their practice to sexual abuse cases to answer your questions, help determine your eligibility under the current laws, and create a plan of action.
Act promptly. Even if you believe your filing deadline has passed, you may still qualify under the lookback window or discovery rule.
Gather evidence such as journal entries, emails, medical records, or any documentation that may support your case.
Learn about your options for filing anonymously (e.g., as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe”) if you want to protect your privacy in court.

How the Team at File Abuse Lawsuit Can Help

At File Abuse Lawsuit, we focus exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse nationwide. Our Louisiana team understands the evolving laws and the unique challenges that survivors face in these cases.

We offer:

Free, confidential consultations to discuss your situation and explain your rights.
No upfront costs, in fact, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
A survivor-focused approach that prioritizes compassion, privacy, and dignity at every stage of your case.
Experience handling complex abuse claims against both individual abusers and powerful institutions that allowed, ignored, or even covered up abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Louisiana Abuse Lawsuit Filing Deadlines

Does the lookback window apply to adult-on-adult sexual abuse?

No. The lookback window is specifically for survivors who were minors at the time of the abuse. Adult sexual abuse claims are still subject to the one-year deadline, although the discovery rule may extend that period in certain cases.

Can I file a lawsuit if the abuse happened decades ago when I was a child?

Yes. Thanks to the lookback window, you can now file a civil lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse any time before June 14, 2027, regardless of how long ago it happened or your current age.

No. Under §2800.9(A)(2), if the abuser was convicted of a crime against a child, you may file a civil lawsuit at any time after the conviction. However, if you plan to sue an institution or third party as well, their deadlines may differ, so legal guidance is essential.

Do I have to publicly name my abuser when I file?

Not immediately. If you’re filing under §2800.9 with required certificates of merit, your attorney can submit the case without naming the defendant initially. The court reviews the certificates privately before allowing the case to proceed and before notifying the defendant.

What happens if I miss the June 14, 2027, filing lookback deadline?

If you miss the lookback window, your ability to file may be limited to specific exceptions, such as if your abuser was later convicted or if you qualify under the discovery rule. It’s critical to seek legal advice well before the deadline.

Take Action Today – Call File Abuse Lawsuit for a Free Consultation

Louisiana’s recent legal reforms have opened doors that were closed to survivors for far too long. Whether your abuse happened decades ago or more recently, you may have powerful legal options to hold your abuser and any enabling institutions accountable.

The filing window won’t stay open forever. If your claim falls under the lookback window, you only have until June 14, 2027, to file. Remember, these cases take time to properly prepare, so don’t wait too long and lose your opportunity.

Contact the compassionate legal team at File Abuse Lawsuit today to understand your rights and take the first step toward justice.

Call (209) 283-2205 now for a free and confidential consultation.