Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania
Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next or whether you’re ready to take legal action. The amount of time you have to file a civil or criminal claim depends on your age at the time of the abuse, the type of case involved, and when the abuse occurred.
Under current Pennsylvania law, civil and criminal filing deadlines vary significantly for adult survivors and survivors of childhood sexual abuse. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the deadlines are longer. These legal deadlines are known as statutes of limitations, and missing them can permanently prevent a case from moving forward.
Understanding the Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations sets the maximum amount of time after an event during which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once that period expires, courts will usually dismiss the case, regardless of the severity of the harm or the strength of the evidence.
Sexual abuse cases are especially complex because disclosure is often delayed. Only about one-third of survivors disclose abuse during childhood, another third disclose later in life, and many never disclose at all. The average age of disclosure is in the early 50s, well beyond many statutory deadlines. This delay is common and often tied to trauma, fear of not being believed, or the power dynamics involved in abuse.
Exceptions to the Filing Deadline
Pennsylvania law provides extremely limited circumstances under which a filing deadline may be overcome, and these situations are rare and highly fact-specific. A Pennsylvania sexual abuse attorney can help review your case, determine if any of these exceptions apply, and keep you informed throughout every stage of your case.
Legislation Updates in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania lawmakers are actively reconsidering how statutes of limitations affect survivors of childhood sexual abuse. In May 2025, the House Judiciary Committee advanced legislation aimed at restoring access to the courts for survivors whose claims were previously blocked by expired deadlines. Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Tim Briggs, led these efforts, and two measures are now moving to the full House for consideration:
- House Bill 462: Opens a two-year statutory window allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file previously time-barred civil claims, including claims against state and local agencies, by retroactively waiving governmental immunity.
- House Bill 464: A constitutional amendment to create a two-year window for previously barred civil claims, providing a permanent constitutional basis for survivors’ access to the courts.
These proposals build on years of bipartisan reform efforts. Although Pennsylvania previously expanded future filing deadlines, many survivors whose claims expired before those changes never had the opportunity to be heard in court. The current bills aim to close that gap and restore access to justice.
Importance of Filing Early and Meeting Deadlines
Many survivors delay taking action because coming forward takes time, safety, and emotional readiness, but missing the statute of limitations can permanently bar a sexual abuse claim, regardless of the harm suffered. Courts are required to enforce these deadlines, even in serious cases. Insurance companies and institutions often rely on expired statutes of limitations to deny claims without addressing the abuse. Filing early helps protect your case by preserving evidence, safeguarding witness testimony, and preventing procedural dismissal.
Pennsylvania Civil Vs. Criminal Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Abuse
Under current law in Pennsylvania, the statutes of limitations are as follows:
Adult Sexual Abuse
- Civil: Two years from the date the offense was committed
- Criminal: 12 years from the date the offense was committed
- Civil: 12 years after reaching adulthood (age 18)
- Criminal: 32 years after reaching adulthood (age 18)
Civil cases allow survivors to seek financial compensation and accountability in court under a lower burden of proof, known as a preponderance of the evidence. For many survivors, a civil case can provide a sense of accountability and validation even when criminal prosecution is no longer possible.
The government prosecutes criminal cases and requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, with punishment as the primary goal, not compensation for victims. A criminal case that is time-barred or never prosecuted does not automatically prevent a civil claim, as each follows its own timeline.
How Cordisco & Saile Supports Survivors Through The Legal Process
Understanding Pennsylvania’s sexual abuse statute of limitations can be overwhelming, especially when paired with the emotional impact. At Cordisco & Saile, LLC, the focus is on reducing stress while protecting your legal rights. We move at your pace, explain every step clearly, and never pressure you to take action before you’re ready.
Our team helps survivors understand which deadlines apply, evaluates whether a sexual abuse claim may still be viable under current law, and handles the legal work required to keep the case moving forward. We fight to make sure your story is heard with care, dignity, and respect—because people come first.
If you have questions about how long you have to file a sexual abuse claim in Pennsylvania, call 215-642-2335 or contact us online to speak with a member of our team.
Serving as a personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania, Michael Saile has been honored as both a Brain Injury Top 25 Lawyer by National Trial Lawyers and a 2024 Super Lawyer. He earned his J. D. at Widener University School of Law where he was a member of the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society. Saile is also the author of two publications titled “Not Another Bad Lawyer” and “Don’t Crash Again”.
"*" indicates required fields
Our Attorneys
Real Stories. Real Results.
“I was in a serious accident in 2021. My injuries were new however they mimicked some of the injuries I received in a 2017 accident. After treating with 2 doctors, both who stated my injuries were permanent, I was recommended to Cordisco & Saile. My attorney, Steven DeBonis, was wonderful. He listened and guided me through the process. He worked endlessly to ensure I received a proper settlement. I am so grateful for his effort and kindness. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed someone to fight for them. The staff was friendly, informative and helpful. They are the best legal team around. Thank you for all you have done.”
I had a slip and fall on Saturday, December 21, 2024. I waited a few days before calling Barbara’s firm and when I decided to reach out, I left a message late at night on the 23rd. First thing Christmas Eve day, Barbara calls me to let me know. She received the message and wanted to chat about my fall. She was extremely professional, detailed the process, and what they would look for in terms of backup documentation, but also instilled a sense of safety and security because she was kind, compassionate and empathetic. She gave the distinct impression that my case would be well researched thoroughly but also be done ethically without having me jump through a whole lot of extra hoops. Five stars, would highly recommend.”
“I had a car accident in January 2019. I called Cordisco and Saile. Michael Saile Jr. worked with me along with his associate Steve, and para legal Michele. They treated me with kindness and respect. I had injuries to my neck and spine. I went through months of physical therapy. The person who t- boned my car had no license, registration or insurance, therefore Mr. Saile had to put together a lawsuit against my own insurance company. I had limited tort insurance but Mr. Saile and his people fought to get me the most money that I was entitled to from my insurance company. It took four years due to the pandemic but they kept at it until they reached the maximum. I cannot thank them enough. Everyone in their office worked very hard for me. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who has had an accident, or any legal work.”
We’re here to listen, help you understand your legal options, and support you during this difficult time. Remember, there is never any cost or obligation when you call our team to learn about your options.
What to expect when you submit the form:
- You will receive confirmation that your form has been submitted.
- A legal professional will reach out to you during your preferred time within 24 hours.
- We will send you information about our law firm and the process of filing a lawsuit.
"*" indicates required fields
Read Our Blogs
Visiting the Doctor After a Car Accident: What To Do and Ask
When visiting a doctor after a car accident, tell them that you were in a crash, explain what happened, and go through every symptom you’re experiencing, even if they seem minor.
How To Deal With Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania After an Accident
Understanding how to deal with insurance companies in Pennsylvania after an accident is the first step toward protecting your right to fair compensation.
Common Causes of Pennsylvania Car Accidents
A 2024 study by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation found the state experienced 110,765 reportable traffic crashes in 2024, resulting in 1,127 deaths and 66,950 injuries.
Please fill out the quick contact form below for a fast and free case consultation. We will contact you within 24 hours!
"*" indicates required fields
