Most provinces in Canada have removed the statute of limitations for cases involving child sexual abuse in civil claims. For a long time, people were expected to come forward within a very short window of time. In reality, it takes many people years, even decades, to be ready.

Today, the law recognizes that many people don’t feel ready to pursue legal action until much later in life. With the statute of limitations eliminated in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and others, there’s no longer a ticking clock. People can pursue claims regardless of how much time has passed when they are ready.

If the situation involved sexual abuse in an institutional setting where a child’s safety was the responsibility of an organization, our team is available to explain legal options when people are ready.

We’re a law firm that handles civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse (and, in some cases, severe physical abuse) when an institution was responsible for a child’s safety (like schools, scouts, academies, churches, and more).

We can only help in certain circumstances. A short call can help confirm whether your situation may qualify.

Whether or not a lawsuit is worth it really depends on the individual. It’s a deeply personal choice.

We’ve represented numerous Canadians across the country in a wide range of situations. Tears. Joy. Relief. Closure. Hope. Justice. There are so many emotions and experiences our clients have through this process. But we do not pretend it’s simple or comes with no emotional challenges. The difficulty of the process varies from person to person.

What might a civil lawsuit result in?

Accountability: Institutions may acknowledge that the harm did occur, it was wrong, and that the courts find that the institution did not adequately protect the child.

Policy changes: Many institutions have revised their operating procedures.

Apologies: This is less common, but on occasion, institutions have issued brief apologies acknowledging the harm done.

Financial recognition: Most lawyers call this “compensation,” but we believe it is more accurately described as recognition. The civil process highlights “harm” through the legal lens of “damages,” which are then quantified in monetary terms. Money can’t change what happened, but it can be a meaningful form of recognition in the civil process.

We have a team of trauma-informed individuals who are available to answer questions free of charge. There is no pressure to share at any particular pace, and should anyone have a potential case, they do not need to hire us. We’re here to serve this community.

What if it was a family member and there’s no institution involved?
We work in civil claims, not criminal, and, unfortunately, we cannot assist everyone. People exploited by a person in a position of trust or authority or by someone upon whom they were dependent may have a civil claim against the institution the person who committed the harm worked for or had a relationship with. Family members do not fall into this category.

What if the one who committed the harm is dead?
There is no requirement for the harm-doer to be alive or even included in the claim. Nor does the perpetrator need to have been charged or convicted. We can still assist even if the perpetrator is no longer alive.

Does this apply to things like foster care or religious institutions?
Yes. We have represented individuals who were harmed while in the foster care system, religious institutions, and many other organizations.

I’m not ready. Can I wait?
Yes. There is no longer a deadline to pursue a civil claim.

We move at the pace our clients choose, which is why we are only told the story when the client is ready. And we only need to hear it once. We don’t even need the full details to get started.

This is one of the most common questions we hear. And while we would love to tell all who endured childhood sexual abuse that the law provides access to financial resources, it simply doesn’t. Every day, we receive questions asking, “Does this apply to my scenario?”

The best way for us to answer that question is through a conversation.

We have a trauma-informed team that has worked with thousands of clients across Canada. We speak with many people across Canada each year about these situations. When a situation doesn’t allow pursuing a civil lawsuit, we can help identify other resources that may be available.

THIS IS LAWYER ADVERTISING
Past results are not indicative of future results.

In no way does the information presented on this page constitute as legal advice nor are we implying that you are guaranteed compensation. In order to determine whether you qualify for compensation, you will need to speak to a lawyer about your case to obtain specific legal advice to your unique situation. A lawyer is only able to represent you once you have officially retained them for legal services and a retainer agreement has been signed.

By clicking above, I agree to receive telephone calls, emails, and text messages at the telephone number and email address provided above/below (including any mobile number provided) from a law firm. I understand that consent is not a condition to receive the services and that I may revoke my consent at any time. I also have read and agree to your Privacy Policy.