The Adult Survivors Act (ASA) is a new law that was recently passed in New York State. The ASA provides survivors of childhood sexual abuse with a new legal avenue to seek justice against their abusers. In this article, we will provide an overview of the ASA and its key provisions.
Overview of the Adult Survivors Act:
The ASA allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits against their abusers or any entity that was responsible for the abuse, regardless of when the abuse occurred. This means that survivors who were previously barred from filing lawsuits due to the statute of limitations can now seek justice.
Key Provisions of the Adult Survivors Act:
Lookback Window: The ASA includes a one-year lookback window, which began on August 14, 2021, and will end on August 13, 2022. During this time, survivors can file lawsuits against their abusers or the entities responsible for the abuse, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Statute of Limitations: After the lookback window closes, survivors will have until the age of 55 to file lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse. This is a significant extension from the previous statute of limitations, which allowed survivors until the age of 23 to file lawsuits.
Joint and Several Liability: The ASA allows survivors to seek damages from any and all entities that may be responsible for their abuse. This means that survivors can hold multiple parties accountable for their abuse, and each party can be held responsible for the full amount of damages awarded.
Confidentiality Provisions: The ASA includes provisions that protect survivors' identities and prevent the public disclosure of their names. This can help to protect survivors from retaliation and stigma.
Damages: Survivors who file lawsuits under the ASA may be entitled to a range of damages, including compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the abuse.
In conclusion, the Adult Survivors Act is one of the most important and powerful sexual assault statutes in the United States. It gives victims of sexual assault overwhelming rights against their abusers. The ASA provides survivors with a new legal avenue to seek justice against their abusers, regardless of when the abuse occurred. Survivors who are considering filing a lawsuit under the ASA should consult with Ryan Pigg who can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process. Ryan Pigg has helped countless victims of sexual assault including those harmed by Deshaun Watson, celebrities, CEOs and other pro-athletes. Call Ryan Pigg at (855) 713-PIGG for legal assistance.
