Do I have legal grounds to file a civil lawsuit for abuse that happened over 50 years ago?
I am a survivor of all the abuses a child can endure. My mother was violent and knew we were being sexually abused but did nothing to prevent it. I’ve had a long road to recovery and am still healing.
This violence and abuse happened in the 1960s and 1970s. I told my step-sister about it — she told my mother — but my mother didn’t stop it. She even put me in bed with one of the abusers after knowing it was happening.
I know it’s too late for criminal charges, but is it too late for a civil lawsuit?
I told my family several times — in my early 20s and again in my 30s — after I began to understand how severely I had been abused. They called me crazy instead of helping. I thought my family would want to heal, but they preferred denial and secrecy.
If there’s any hope for a civil lawsuit, I’d be grateful for help.
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Solved
It may not be too late to pursue a civil lawsuit, depending on where the abuse occurred and the current state of the law.
Over the past decade, many states — including New York, California, and others — have passed laws reopening or extending the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Even in states without a current “revival window,” courts increasingly recognize that survivors often delay reporting due to trauma, fear, and coercion.
There are two legal concepts that might apply to you:
1. Delayed Discovery Rule:
The statute of limitations may start when you became aware of the psychological harm caused by the abuse, not when it happened.
This has allowed many survivors to file cases decades later.
2. Equitable Tolling / Fraudulent Concealment:
If a caregiver (like your mother) concealed the abuse or prevented you from reporting, some courts will extend or “pause” the time limit for filing.
Given your mother’s knowing inaction and her role in exposing you to further harm, you may have potential claims for:
- Negligent supervision
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Civil sexual abuse / assault (against the abusers themselves)
Even without documents, testimony from your step-sister and friends who recall your disclosures could serve as strong evidence of truth and pattern.
In some states, you may also qualify under new survivor justice acts that reopen old cases, even from the 1960s–70s.
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Full Conversation
I am a survivor of all the abuses a child can endure. My mother was violent and knew we were being sexually abused but did nothing to prevent it. I’ve had a long road to recovery and am still healing.
This violence and abuse happened in the 1960s and 1970s. I told my step-sister about it — she told my mother — but my mother didn’t stop it. She even put me in bed with one of the abusers after knowing it was happening.
I know it’s too late for criminal charges, but is it too late for a civil lawsuit?
I told my family several times — in my early 20s and again in my 30s — after I began to understand how severely I had been abused. They called me crazy instead of helping. I thought my family would want to heal, but they preferred denial and secrecy.
If there’s any hope for a civil lawsuit, I’d be grateful for help.
Lexi, Chatbot
I’m truly sorry to hear about what you’ve been through. Have you consulted with a lawyer yet?
No, I wasn’t strong enough until today.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you kept any documentation or evidence about the abuse or your attempts to address it with your family?
No, just recollections. My step-sister — who is a lawyer — knows what happened and would have to tell the truth. I also may have a few surviving friends who remember me telling them about it.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
Yes.
Legal Eagle
Good afternoon, and thank you for your courage in reaching out.
Legal Eagle
It may not be too late to pursue a civil lawsuit, depending on where the abuse occurred and the current state of the law.
Over the past decade, many states — including New York, California, and others — have passed laws reopening or extending the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Even in states without a current “revival window,” courts increasingly recognize that survivors often delay reporting due to trauma, fear, and coercion.
There are two legal concepts that might apply to you:
1. Delayed Discovery Rule:
The statute of limitations may start when you became aware of the psychological harm caused by the abuse, not when it happened.
This has allowed many survivors to file cases decades later.
2. Equitable Tolling / Fraudulent Concealment:
If a caregiver (like your mother) concealed the abuse or prevented you from reporting, some courts will extend or “pause” the time limit for filing.
Given your mother’s knowing inaction and her role in exposing you to further harm, you may have potential claims for:
- Negligent supervision
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Civil sexual abuse / assault (against the abusers themselves)
Even without documents, testimony from your step-sister and friends who recall your disclosures could serve as strong evidence of truth and pattern.
In some states, you may also qualify under new survivor justice acts that reopen old cases, even from the 1960s–70s.
That makes sense. What type of attorney should I be looking for?
This happened in Nebraska, and I live in Tennessee now. Is that helpful or a hindrance?
Legal Eagle
You’ll want a civil litigation attorney who specializes in:
- Childhood sexual abuse cases, or
- Trauma-related tort claims.
Because the abuse happened in Nebraska, the lawsuit would likely need to be filed there — but living in Tennessee does not prevent you from pursuing it.
A Nebraska-based attorney familiar with survivor litigation can advise on the statute of limitations and whether your case could qualify under delayed discovery or revival statutes.
Legal Eagle
It’s not a hindrance. You can live anywhere — what matters is where the abuse occurred, since that’s the state whose laws apply.
If Nebraska allows revival or delayed discovery claims, you can file through a Nebraska attorney even while residing in Tennessee.
Thank you.
Legal Eagle
Of course. I want to acknowledge how much strength it takes to revisit this.
If you decide to pursue a case, I’d recommend:
- Contacting a Nebraska civil attorney experienced in survivor litigation.
- Writing down your timeline and key memories now, while they’re fresh.
- Gathering any supporting names or disclosures (friends, relatives, medical or therapy records).
You’re doing exactly what a survivor should — reclaiming your voice and exploring justice on your own terms.
Legal Eagle
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