Statute of Limitations for Daycare Sexual Abuse in NY

Yes, in most cases. Under New York's Child Victims Act, survivors of childhood sexual abuse — including abuse that occurred at a daycare — have until their 55th birthday to file a civil claim under CPLR §208(b). A separate provision, CPLR §214-g, briefly allowed survivors of any age to revive previously time-barred claims, but that window closed on August 14, 2021. If your claim hadn't already expired before 2019, or you filed during that window, you're likely still protected under the age-55 rule today.

No. A civil lawsuit is entirely separate from any criminal case. Civil liability for a daycare or its staff does not depend on a criminal conviction — or even a criminal charge. You choose your own path, and a civil claim can proceed at your pace regardless of what has happened in the criminal system.

Denial is common, and it does not end your case. Civil lawsuits focus on what the institution knew or should have known, and whether it failed in its duty to protect the children in its care. Evidence such as employment records, prior complaints, and supervision policies can be pursued through the legal discovery process.

Absolutely. Every communication you have with our attorneys is protected by attorney-client privilege. Nothing you share — at any stage — can be disclosed without your consent. There is no obligation to proceed, and you decide next steps on your own timeline.