Massachusett's Civil Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse

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Article: Remedies for Victims of Sexual Abuse

Legal Resources for Victims of Sexual Abuse

Susan K. Smith
David M. Moore

Attorneys at Law

Mediation, Collaboration
Victims' Remedies
Injury Cases

Smith & Moore, LLC
www.SmithMooreLLC.com
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24 East Main Street
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Old Avon Village North
Avon, CT 06001
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Atty. Smith: (860) 678-1860
Atty. Moore: (860) 674-0122
Fax: (860) 677-5229
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The Fine Print: This web site provides general information only and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. Laws change and differ from State to State. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations. You should consult an attorney about your particular situation.

Massachusetts
Civil Statute of Limitations
for Child Sexual Abuse


3 General Laws c. 260, § 4C, as inserted by St. 1993, c. 307	3 years from the act, 3 years from age 18, or 3 years from the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that an emotional or psychological injury or condition was caused the act. Text of G.L. c.260, §4C - Sexual abuse of minors Section 4C. Actions for assault and battery alleging the defendant sexually abused a minor shall be commenced within three years of the acts alleged to have caused an injury or condition or within three years of the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that an emotional or psychological injury or condition was caused by said act, whichever period expires later; provided, however, that the time limit for commencement of an action under this section is tolled for a child until the child reaches eighteen years of age. See Phinney v. Morgan, 654 N.E.2d 77 (Mass. App. 1995) rev. denied 421 Mass. 1104, 656 N.E.2d 1258 (1995)(applying statute); Doe v. Creighton (SJC-08874, Apr. 30, 2003) (realization of connection between abuse and injury must be objectively reasonable).
Last Date of Review	08/26/2007
Further Information:	Attorney Susan K. Smith, 24 East Main Street, Avon, CT 06001 (860) 678-1860 [representation in Springfield and Western Mass in conjunction with Richard J. Kenny, Esquire, 21 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 246-2700 admitted to the bar in Connecticut and Massachusetts]
Other Site Materials	Article: Resources for Massachusetts survivors. Annotations and References by the Mass Trial Court Library