Statute of Limitations Overview

Criminal SOL

Vermont has no criminal statute of limitations for any sexual offense against a child. This is one of the strongest criminal SOL frameworks nationally. Child sexual abuse can be prosecuted at any time regardless of when it occurred.

Civil SOL

Vermont enacted one of the nation’s most survivor-friendly civil SOL frameworks in 2019.

Child survivors (Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 23-522): There is no civil statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This applies retroactively: survivors may file civil lawsuits at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred and regardless of whether a prior SOL had already expired. Vermont is among a small group of states that have permanently and retroactively eliminated the civil SOL for childhood sexual abuse.

This means: Even if a Vermont survivor’s claim appeared to be time-barred under the prior law, the 2019 retroactive elimination revived those claims. Vermont survivors can come forward at any age.

Adult survivors (Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12 § 23-512): 3 years from the date of the assault. Vermont does not provide a special extended SOL for adult survivors of sexual assault; the general personal injury 3-year deadline applies.

Institutional Liability

Vermont’s elimination of the civil SOL for child survivors applies to claims against both perpetrators AND institutions (schools, churches, youth organizations) that enabled or concealed abuse. The Diocese of Burlington has disclosed credibly accused clergy. No criminal conviction is required for civil claims.

Attorney Firms

(1) Paul Frank + Collins P.C.

Location: Burlington (statewide)
Website: https://pfclaw.com

Vermont-based litigation firm handling civil claims including sexual abuse cases statewide. Experienced with Vermont’s 2019 retroactive SOL elimination.

(2) Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP

Location: Middlebury and Burlington (statewide)
Website: https://langrock.com

Established Vermont civil litigation firm. Handles personal injury and civil rights cases including sexual abuse claims statewide.

(3) Herman Law

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

Nationally recognized firm, active against the Diocese of Burlington and other Vermont institutional defendants. Tracks Vermont’s retroactive SOL elimination. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(4) Levy Konigsberg LLP

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

Nationally recognized institutional abuse firm, $3B+ recovered. Active against Vermont Catholic Church and institutional defendants. Tracks no-SOL framework for child survivor claims. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

Important Context

Vermont’s retroactive no-SOL is among the nation’s strongest. Survivors who believed their Vermont claims were time-barred under the old law should consult an attorney. Vermont’s 2019 law retroactively eliminated the civil SOL, meaning claims that appeared expired are potentially revived. This is a rare and powerful provision.

Diocese of Burlington: Credibly accused clergy have been disclosed. Survivors of Diocese of Burlington clergy abuse have no filing deadline for civil claims against perpetrators or the institution.

Adult survivor deadline remains 3 years. Unlike child survivor claims, adult survivor claims in Vermont are still subject to a 3-year SOL. Adults who were assaulted should act promptly.

Crisis resources: Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services: 802-241-1250 | Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: 802-223-1302 | National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673