California victims of sexual assault now have a unique legal opportunity to seek civil justice if they were sexually assaulted. The law went into effect January 1, 2026 and survivors must file by December 31, 2027, to preserve their legal rights.
The legislation allows adult survivors of sexual assault to file civil lawsuits even if the statute of limitations expired decades ago. This applies specifically to abuse that occurred when the survivor was 18 years or older, giving voice to countless individuals whose legal options had previously vanished.
AB 250 significantly expands the scope of potential defendants beyond just individual perpetrators. Survivors can now file lawsuits against both the perpetrator and private institutions that enabled, ignored, or covered up the misconduct. This includes private employers, business owners, churches, hospitals, and private schools.
The measure also applies to cases alleging that an entity participated in a cover-up of prior accusations against the perpetrator, addressing institutional complicity in sexual assault.
If you are California sexual assault survivor, particular if the abuse occurred after you were 18 years old, contact us today to discuss your legal options and next steps. We will discuss your situation in a confidential atmosphere of compassion and respect. I have been representing such survivors for more than two decades now and look forward to assisting you in your quest for justice and healing.
