For many survivors of sexual abuse, the trauma lasts a lifetime—but the courage to come forward may take years. At Hopkins Law Firm, we want you to know: you may still have the legal right to file a lawsuit, even if the abuse occurred long ago.

South Carolina law recognizes that survivors—especially those abused as children—may not be ready or able to report their abuse immediately. In many cases, the statute of limitations is flexible, and you may still be eligible to file a civil lawsuit against the abuser or the institution that failed to protect you.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in South Carolina?

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In South Carolina:

• Civil sexual abuse cases involving children are often governed by Section 15-3-555 of the South Carolina Code.

• The law may allow survivors to file up to six years after they turn 21, or

• Up to three years after they discover (or reasonably should have discovered) the harm caused by the abuse.

Because each case is different, the only way to know if your case is still eligible is to speak with a qualified sexual abuse attorney.

Exceptions and Special Considerations

The statute of limitations may be extended or paused (tolled) in certain cases:

• The abuser threatened you or intimidated you into silence

• You suffered from repressed memories, PTSD, or trauma

• The abuse occurred in a church, school, or other institution with ongoing cover-up

• You were misled by a person in a position of power or trust

Our legal team can evaluate your case confidentially and explain whether these exceptions apply.

Why Many Survivors Wait to Come Forward

If you've waited years to tell anyone about the abuse, you're not alone. It's common for survivors to delay disclosure due to:

• Shame, guilt, or self-blame

• Fear of retaliation or disbelief

• Lack of access to legal or mental health support

• Childhood trauma that was buried or only recently remembered

Our team understands this—and we never judge your timeline. Your voice still matters, and the courts are listening.

What You Can Do Now

If you're unsure whether you can still sue, don't wait any longer to ask. A brief conversation with an experienced attorney could give you clarity, peace of mind, and legal options you didn't know you had.

At Hopkins Law Firm, we offer:

• Private, trauma-informed consultations

• Careful legal research to determine if your case is still viable

• Pursuit of claims against individuals and institutions who allowed the abuse

• Compassionate legal guidance at every step

📞 Contact us now for a confidential case review

You are not alone. You may still have time.

Related Reading:

• How to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in South Carolina

• Types of Institutions That May Be Liable for Abuse

• South Carolina Sexual Abuse Lawyer