Statute of Limitations in PA for Sexual Abuse Cases

In light of the Penn State sexual abuse scandal I have been repetedly asked about the statute of limiitations for the now adult victims.  In general, an injured child has until the age of 20 (2 years after reaching legal adulthood) to file an action for injuries sustained as a minor.  Effective August 27, 2002 the Statute of Limitations for childhood victims of sexual abuse was extended to the date when the childhood victim turns 30.  In order for the extension provided by 42 Pa.C.S.A. 5533(b)(2)(i) to apply, the victim must have been a child (under the age of 18) at the time of the sexual abuse and the sexual abuse must have occurred after August 27, 2002.  Other limited exceptions may also apply.  Please contact Steven F. Reilly, Esquire at 610-272-7075 with any questions.