Deadline to file Child Victims Act lawsuit extended for another year

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation extending the deadline for survivors of child sex abuse to file lawsuits under the Child Victims Act by another year, the New York Post reports. 

The law, which went into effect last August, allows survivors to bring forward litigation related to child sex abuse – regardless of the statute of limitations – for a year. Initially set to expire this month, the filing deadline has been pushed back to Aug. 14, 2021. 

Advocates for the measure have pushed for an extension to account for court closures and limitations of filing lawsuits during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Nonprofits and religious institutions have faced numerous Child Victims Act cases, particularly the Catholic Church and Boy Scouts of America. The latter, in addition to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester and Diocese of Buffalo, have all filed for bankruptcy in the wake of the law’s passage and ensuing lawsuits.

The Child Victims Act has created some logistical and financial challenges for organizations at risk of or currently facing litigation, including schools and youth-serving nonprofits. Rising insurance costs covering cases of sexual abuse – or loss of coverage altogether – have been a challenge for some and the nature of disputing cases dating back decades can be difficult.