Why Your ‘Old’ Case Might Be New Again: A 2026 Update on Sexual Assault Litigation

California legislators passed Assembly Bill 250 (AB 250) in 2025 and offered certain adult survivors of sexual abuse the opportunity to hold their abusers accountable, even if the statute of limitations governing their case had expired years or even decades ago. The law went into effect on January 1, 2026, and it gives certain survivors who were abused when they were 18 years of age or older a two-year revival window to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser if the previous deadline expired.

Survivors of sexual abuse often need time before they come forward. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that it can take survivors years after the abuse has occurred to feel as though they are safe again, and because abuse sometimes involves institutional cover-ups. Our Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer explains the new law in greater detail below.

The revival window under AB 250

Under AB 250, certain adult survivors of sexual abuse can pursue civil lawsuits under a temporary revival window. Survivors can file these claims even if they were previously barred from doing so because the statute of limitations expired. AB 250 acknowledges that adult survivors had historically had far less time to file lawsuits than individuals who were abused as children. Eligible survivors have between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027, to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation and justice from their abuser.

While the revival window is open, survivors can also file a civil claim against any private institution that covered up, or tried to cover up, previous sexual misconduct (under legal theories such as negligence or fraudulent concealment). Religious organizations, health care providers, universities, private schools, and employers are just a few types of institutions that can be held liable for covering up sexual abuse. The law does not apply to government or public institutions. If a government institution tries to cover up abuse, it is important to speak to a lawyer who can advise you of the other laws that may apply to your case.

The statute of limitations on sexual abuse cases refers to the amount of time survivors have to file their claims. After the statute of limitations has expired, survivors are typically barred from filing a claim and obtaining compensation for their injuries and other losses. AB 250 has given certain adult survivors the opportunity to pursue damages even if the original statute of limitations has expired. It is important for survivors to take action as soon as possible. After the window closes on December 31, 2027, adult survivors may once again face significant barriers to recovery.

Eligibility under AB 250

Certain individuals who were 18 years of age or older when the sexual abuse occurred can file a claim under AB 250. When filing a claim against an individual abuser, survivors must prove that the sexual abuse occurred. The evidence that can prove this includes victim and witness statements, physical evidence such as DNA, and digital records, including texts and social media posts.

Not all survivors must prove that an institutional cover-up contributed to the abuse. However, those who wish to file a claim against a private organization must prove that the entity ignored, concealed, or refused to address previous complaints of sexual assaults. This may include showing that the organization:

• Failed to warn others about known risks
• Made fraudulent statements regarding investigations
• Hid or destroyed evidence of misconduct
• Coerced a survivor to sign a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement
• Pressured survivors not to report the misconduct
• Moved an accused abuser to a different position or location without addressing the issue
• Failed to investigate reports of sexual abuse

A few types of institutions survivors can file a claim against include:

• Workplaces
• Nursing homes
• Medical providers
• Clergy
• Boarding schools

The reasoning behind AB 250

Many individuals feel unable to come forward shortly after sexual abuse has occurred. This is particularly true when sexual misconduct involves being silenced by institutions or when there is a large power imbalance. Survivors may wait to take legal action or report the abuse for many reasons, but some of the most common are as follows:

• The long-term harm caused is often not known until years after the abuse occurred.
• Survivors often fear retaliation from their abuser, which could possibly even hurt their career.
• Survivors are often professionally or financially dependent on their abuser.
• Institutions or employers may pressure survivors to remain silent about the abuse.
• Survivors may feel fear or shame regarding the abuse and think others will not believe them.

AB 250 recognizes the challenges survivors face for years after abuse. It now allows survivors the opportunity they should have always had to pursue justice and hold their abusers accountable.

The steps to take now

While the window recently opened in January 2026, it is important that you act quickly if you or someone you love is a survivor of sexual abuse. Over time, evidence can become destroyed or lost. This is particularly true when institutions covered up the abuse. Institutions may intentionally destroy records proving the abuse occurred and that the organization tried to cover it up.

Additionally, the memories of people who witnessed the abuse or knew of it may fade over time. Filing promptly helps your attorney preserve key evidence and ensure witness accounts remain reliable, strengthening your ability to pursue the justice you deserve.

Given that the law was also passed fairly recently, it is also expected that many survivors will file a claim within the two-year revival window. Filing early ensures that your case can receive the proper attention it deserves, and it can improve your ability to pursue compensation.

Speaking with an attorney today can allow you to better understand your rights, determine if the new law applies to your case, and take the necessary steps while the revival window is still open.

Our sexual assault lawyers in Los Angeles can help you pursue justice

At Taylor & Ring, our Los Angeles sexual assault lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors hold their abusers accountable and seek justice. Filing a claim can provide you with both the compensation and closure you deserve. For compassionate legal advice, call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our seasoned attorneys and to get the help you need.