Can I Sue Someone For Abusing Me As A Child?

Child abuse is a serious crime that can traumatize a child for the rest of their life. Whether it is sexual or not, you most certainly can sue someone for abusing you as a child. Unfortunately, many people wait until they are much older before they decide to sue someone for abusing them as a child. This is understandable, as many victims of child abuse live with their trauma for several years, some experiencing negative effects their entire life. 

If you or someone you know was abused as a child, time may not have run out. Depending on the type of abuse and the state where the abuse occurred, you may still be able to sue. 

Can I Sue Someone For Abusing Me As A Child?

Depending on how long ago the abuse occurred, you can sue someone for abusing you as a child. Many states have a statute of limitations on child abuse cases. This means that you are no longer able to sue after a certain amount of time after a crime has been committed. 

Regarding child sexual abuse, some states have no statute of limitations at all, and most that do have one have extended it to 30 years or more. In Arizona, there is no statute of limitations on criminal charges for child sexual abuse, meaning that you can file a criminal charge any time after the abuse occurred. However, if you are looking to file a civil lawsuit in Arizona, you have until the victim turns 30. Here is more information on statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse in other states.

Can You Sue Someone Who Has Abused You?

You always have the option to sue your abuser. If you do decide to sue, you should call a lawyer you trust as soon as possible so that they can review your case and explain your options to you. These are just some of the types of abuse that you may sue someone for:

• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Financial Abuse
• Domestic Abuse
• Stalking 
  

Can You Sue Someone for Something They Did as a Child? 

There are several ways to sue a minor successfully. Unfortunately, it isn’t entirely straightforward. Suing a child, or suing someone for something they did as a child, can be tricky. That’s why you should immediately consult with a lawyer if you’re thinking about pursuing a lawsuit against a minor. 

How Many Years Later Can You Report Abuse?

Depending on where the abuse occurred, the amount of time you have to report abuse can vary. Take a look at this State by State Guide on Statutes of Limitations by RAINN to learn about the statutes of limitations in your state. 

Get A Free Case Review

The Massey Law Firm is dedicated to helping our clients get the justice they deserve. Whether you or someone you know was abused as a child, it’s important to know your legal options. Give our office a call today at 602-955-0055 and a member of our team will give you a free case review. We’ll talk to you about the details of your case and discuss your options for the next steps. While we can’t always ease the emotional burden of an experience, we work as hard as we can to get you the proper justice and financial compensation.