Statute of Limitations Overview

Criminal SOL

Tennessee has no criminal statute of limitations for the most serious sex offenses involving child victims. Specific criminal SOL periods vary by offense degree. DNA evidence can extend prosecution when identification occurs after the ordinary limitations period.

Civil SOL

Tennessee significantly expanded its civil SOL for adult survivors in 2024.

Child survivors (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-116): For abuse occurring on or after July 1, 2019, survivors have until the later of:

• Their 33rd birthday (15 years after reaching majority at 18), OR
• 3 years from the date of discovery of the abuse or discovery that the abuse caused psychological injury.

For abuse occurring before July 1, 2019 but not yet discovered, survivors have 3 years from the date of discovery.

Under prior law applicable to claims not yet revived: survivors had until age 25 or within 7 years of the incident, whichever is later.

Adult survivors – “Danielle’s Law” (enacted April 2024): The prior 1-year deadline for adult sexual assault claims was extended to 3 years from the date of the incident. For cases where a police report was filed, the deadline is 5 years from the date of the incident. This is a major reform. Adult survivors who previously faced a 1-year window now have 3 to 5 years depending on whether a report was filed.

Important: Tennessee enacted a lookback window allowing survivors whose claims had previously expired to file new civil lawsuits. Check with an attorney for the current status and deadline of this window.

Discovery rule: Claims arising from delayed discovery of the causal connection between abuse and injury run 3 years from discovery.

Institutional Liability

Tennessee allows claims against schools, churches, youth organizations, and other institutions for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention. The Diocese of Nashville, Diocese of Memphis, and Diocese of Knoxville have all disclosed credibly accused clergy. No criminal conviction is required for civil claims.

---

Attorney Firms

(1) Law Office of Mark Wibracht

Location: Nashville (statewide)
Website: https://wibrachlaw.com

Nashville-based personal injury firm with sexual abuse survivor practice. Handles institutional and individual perpetrator claims under Tennessee’s updated SOL framework including Danielle’s Law adult extensions. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(2) Herman Law

Location: National practice (active in Tennessee)
Phone: 800-976-8552
Website: https://hermanlaw.com

Nationally recognized firm. Active against Tennessee Catholic dioceses and other institutional defendants. Tracks Tennessee’s Danielle’s Law adult SOL extension and any lookback window developments. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(3) Levy Konigsberg LLP

Location: National practice (active in Tennessee)
Phone: 800-315-3806
Website: https://levylaw.com

Nationally recognized institutional abuse firm, $3B+ recovered. Active against Tennessee dioceses and juvenile detention facilities. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(4) TFNL Group

Location: National practice (active in Tennessee)
Website: https://tfnlgroup.com

National team with $375M+ in verdicts and settlements. Handles Tennessee institutional abuse claims. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(5) Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight LLP

Location: National practice with Nashville presence
Website: https://sanfordheisler.com

National Title IX and sexual violence firm with Tennessee practice. Handles Title IX violations, clergy abuse, and institutional claims. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

---

Important Context

Danielle’s Law (2024) is a significant reform for adult survivors: The prior 1-year deadline was widely criticized as one of the shortest in the nation. The new 3-year (or 5-year with police report) framework gives adult survivors meaningful time to come forward. Adults who were assaulted within the past few years should consult an attorney immediately to assess their window.

Lookback window: Verify current status with an attorney. Tennessee’s lookback provision provides revival opportunities for some previously time-barred claims.

Tennessee Catholic dioceses: Three dioceses (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville) have all disclosed credibly accused clergy. Active institutional liability claims are viable for claims not yet time-barred.

Crisis resources: Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence: 615-386-9406 | Tennessee Sexual Assault Center Hotline: 1-800-879-1999