Bossier City Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Fighting for Sexual Abuse Survivors Across Louisiana

If you or someone you love were sexually abused — whether by a teacher, coach, clergy member, or juvenile detention staff — you may have the right to pursue justice and financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. Under Louisiana law, survivors can file claims not just against abusers, but also against institutions that failed to protect them.

Legal Update: Thanks to a recently passed laws, child sexual abuse survivors in Louisiana now have even more time to file lawsuits. This includes a 2004 law that extended the state’s civil lookback window until June 14, 2027, giving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse the chance to file claims no matter how long ago the abuse occurred — even if the previous statute of limitations had already expired.

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we represent a growing number of sexual abuse survivors across Louisiana in civil legal actions and are standing by to discuss your rights and whether you may have a claim for compensation. Call (318) 633-0186 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.

Louisiana's Lookback Window Extended Through 2027

In a major step forward for survivors of child sexual abuse, the Louisiana Legislature passed Senate Bill 246, extending the state’s civil lookback window for previously time-barred child sexual abuse claims until June 14, 2027.

Originally enacted in 2021, the lookback window was created to allow adult survivors to file civil lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred. The recent extension reflects the state’s continued commitment to holding institutions accountable and supporting survivors who may have only recently come to terms with their abuse.

Key Details About the Louisiana Lookback Law:

• Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may now file civil lawsuits until June 14, 2027.
• The law applies even if the original statute of limitations has expired.
• Civil lawsuits can be brought against abusers and the institutions that failed to prevent the abuse.
• The Louisiana Supreme Court has faced criticism over its initial rulings on the law but has since reconsidered its stance.

The lookback window provides a rare opportunity for long-silenced survivors to seek justice. If you were abused as a child in Louisiana, we encourage you to speak with us as soon as possible to learn about your legal options.

Statute of Limitations for Louisiana Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Sexual abuse lawsuits in Louisiana are subject to time limits known as statutes of limitations. These deadlines vary depending on whether the survivor was abused as a child or as an adult.

For Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors:

In 2021, Louisiana passed La. Rev. Stat. § 9:2800.9, which eliminated the statute of limitations for civil child sexual abuse lawsuits moving forward. This means:

• If the abuse occurred on or after June 14, 2021, there is no deadline to file a lawsuit.
• If the abuse occurred before June 14, 2021, your ability to file depends on whether your claim was still valid when the law changed or if you qualify under the lookback window.

Understanding the Lookback Window:

• Survivors who were 28 or older before June 14, 2021 — and whose claims were previously time-barred — now have until June 14, 2027 to file a lawsuit.
• This extension does not expand eligibility — it only gives more time to those who already qualified under the original law.

For Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse:

Adult survivors generally have one year from the date of the abuse or from when they discovered the harm to file a lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, such as:

• Delayed discovery of trauma
• Institutional concealment or misconduct
• Ongoing threats or coercion that discouraged reporting

Because the legal deadlines can be complex, we strongly encourage all survivors — whether abused as children or adults — to speak with a qualified attorney to assess your rights and options.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuit?

Sexual abuse survivors may bring lawsuits against both individuals and institutions that enabled, ignored, or failed to stop the abuse. These lawsuits are not about criminal punishment, but rather accountability and compensation for the harm caused.

We represent survivors in cases involving:

• Churches and religious organizations (e.g., clergy abuse)
• Public and private schools (e.g., teacher or coach abuse)
• Juvenile detention centers and correctional facilities
• Youth treatment programs and group homes
• Sports leagues and after-school programs
• Foster care systems and residential homes

Institutions that allowed abuse to occur—by ignoring warning signs, covering up misconduct, or failing to supervise staff—can be held civilly liable. These claims may involve long-standing patterns of abuse and systemic failure, especially in large organizations.

Do I Have a Case?

You may have grounds to file a sexual abuse lawsuit if:

• You were sexually abused as a minor in Louisiana.
• The abuse occurred at any point in the past, even decades ago.
• The abuse occurred in connection with a church, school, juvenile facility, or institution.
• You are still experiencing trauma or damages connected to the abuse.

You may still have a case even if:

• Your abuser has never been charged or convicted.
• Your abuser is deceased.
• You previously believed you were out of time to sue under Louisiana’s statute of limitations.

Survivors who were sexually abused as adults may also have the right to pursue civil claims, depending on the facts and timeline of their case. We can help evaluate whether your case falls within the current lookback window or under other provisions of Louisiana law that protect survivors' rights.

Damages in Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

In addition to demanding accountability, civil lawsuits allow survivors to recover compensation for a wide range of losses. These may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Mental health treatment and therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Lost wages or diminished earning potential
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In some cases, survivors may also seek punitive damages to punish gross misconduct and systemic failures. Every case is different, and our team works closely with survivors to assess damages and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Why Choose Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law for Your Sexual Abuse Case?

• Born and raised in Bossier City, Ryan Gatti has served Northwest Louisiana for over 25 years with integrity, skill, and heart.
• Our firm has experience representing survivors in high-stakes abuse litigation, including cases against powerful defendants.
• We offer compassionate legal support, and we handle each case with the utmost respect for your privacy and dignity.
• You’ll never pay upfront fees — we work on contingency, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Survivors often carry the weight of abuse for years in silence. We’re here to help lift that burden — with real answers, experienced counsel, and the courage to hold powerful institutions accountable.

Louisiana Sexual Abuse Lawsuit FAQ 

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit for Child Sexual Abuse in Louisiana?

Thanks to Senate Bill 246, the lookback window for child sexual abuse claims in Louisiana has been extended until June 14, 2027. This gives survivors a renewed opportunity to come forward with civil lawsuits, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

What If I Was Sexually Abused as an Adult?

Adult survivors may still have valid legal claims. Generally, Louisiana law gives you one year to file a lawsuit from the date of the abuse or from when you discovered the harm. However, depending on the details of your case, including the involvement of an institution or delayed discovery of trauma, there may be additional time to file. Contact our team to discuss your specific timeline and rights.

Do I Need Proof of the Abuse To File a Lawsuit?

While documentation helps, most survivors don’t have direct evidence — and that’s okay. Our team is experienced in building strong cases through testimony, witness interviews, institutional records, and expert evaluations.

Will My Case Be Public?

Your identity can often be protected in sexual abuse lawsuits. We can request that filings use initials or pseudonyms, and courts often allow protective orders to safeguard survivors’ privacy.

What If the Abuse Happened at a Church or School Years Ago?

You may still have a valid case. Thanks to the extended lookback window, survivors can file claims over decades-old abuse — even if the institution covered it up or the abuser is no longer alive.

Call for a Free, Confidential Consultation: (318) 633-0186

Sexual abuse lawsuits are not just about the past — they’re about protecting your future and helping prevent future abuse. If you or someone you love is a survivor of sexual abuse, you may have a limited time to take legal action.

Call (318) 633-0186 or contact us online to speak with a Bossier City sexual abuse attorney. Your consultation is free and always confidential.