California’s new Assembly Bill 2777, the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, is a legislative action that allows certain plaintiffs whose cases expired due to the statute of limitations to pursue action against liable parties. AB 2777 offers two different windows of opportunity to file cases. Plaintiffs must meet certain criteria to qualify.
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse in California and you meet certain criteria, you may qualify to file a claim. This article details the requirements for a sexual abuse lawsuit following the new Assembly Bill 2777. If you have additional questions, you can receive a free consultation with our team when you call.
What Is California AB 2777 (the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act)?
AB 2777 is legislation in California that created a one-year window to allow plaintiffs whose abuse situation involved an institutional coverup. It also created a separate three-year window to allow people who are survivors of sexual abuse to file claims.
The Act makes a point that sexual abuse cases often go unreported to police and that many survivors do not come forward because of “self-blame, embarrassment, not clearly understanding the legal definition of the terms, or not wanting to define someone they know who victimized them as a rapist or because others blame them for their sexual assault.”
The Act was created to give sexual abuse survivors another opportunity to pursue compensation for their damages and hold the appropriate parties accountable.
How Does This Affect People Whose Abuse Cases Involved a Cover-up?
If a cover-up kept you or a loved one from reporting sexual abuse, AB 2777 may allow you the opportunity to do so. To file a claim, the following must apply to your case:
- The abuse occurred on or after your 18th birthday;
- An entity is responsible, at least in part, for the abuse;
- The entity (e.g., a church, employer, or school) attempted to cover up abuse; and
- You filed your case before December 31, 2023.
If these criteria apply to you, you have until December 31, 2023 to file.
How Does This Affect Older Sexual Assault Cases in California?
Cases involving sexual abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2009, may qualify for revival if the plaintiff can allege:
- They were a survivor of sexual abuse that occurred on or after their 18th birthday.
- Their case was barred from litigation due since it surpassed the statutory deadline.
If you or a loved one meets these qualifications, you have until December 31, 2026, or four years from the date AB 2777 became effective, whichever is later to file your claim.
Contact Us For A Free Legal Consultation. No Fee.
Call (833) 55-FIGHT
How Does AB 2777 Define Sexual Assault ‘Cover-Ups’?
Per AB 2777, “cover-up” is defined as “a concerted effort to hide evidence relating to a sexual assault that incentivizes individuals to remain silent or prevents information relating to a sexual assault from becoming public or being disclosed to the plaintiff.” This definition also includes nondisclosure agreements or confidentiality agreements as concerted efforts to silence plaintiffs.
This legislature focuses on entities that employ or hire workers, such as corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. If a worker did not come forward with their sexual abuse case as a result of their employer’s cover-up tactics, AB 2777 now grants them a one-year window to file a lawsuit against those parties and hold them accountable.
How Our Lawyers Can Help With Your California Sexual Abuse Case
Our law firm can review your case to determine whether you qualify to pursue compensation. Should you decide to work with our team, we will:
- Conduct a private investigation to confirm key information about your case and retrieve evidence that supports your allegations
- Fill out the paperwork necessary for your case, such as requests for legal motions or submitting your case by its new statutory deadline
- Handle communication attempts from the defending party and other involved parties, such as investigators or legal attorneys, to protect your case
- Estimate a value for your damages to determine how much compensation to pursue on your behalf
- Prepare your case argument and present it in court in front of a jury
- Attend legal meetings to negotiate a settlement outside of court, if possible
- Provide legal advice throughout your case
Our team will also be available if you would like case updates or more information to understand certain aspects of your case.
Call Now to Get a Free Consultation With a Team Member of Greenberg Gross
Our attorneys at Greenberg Gross advocate for sexual abuse survivors in California. If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse, you may now qualify to file your sexual abuse lawsuit because of AB 2777.
A California sexual abuse attorney from our firm can represent your case and pursue compensation on your behalf. You can learn more about your legal options in a free consultation. Call now to speak with one of our team members today.
Experienced Attorneys Who Will Listen And Fight For You
Speak To An Attorney Now »