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What is the AB 2777 Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act?

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

California AB 2777, officially known as the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, is a landmark California law that extends the statute of limitations for adult sexual abuse survivors to file civil lawsuits. If you’re searching for information about AB 2777 lawsuits, deadlines, or eligibility, this comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know.

Quick Answer: AB 2777 allows adult survivors of sexual assault in California to file civil lawsuits until December 31, 2026 for assaults that occurred on or after January 1, 2009, and provides a one-year window (through December 31, 2023) for older claims that were previously time-barred.

Table of Contents

What is AB 2777? Understanding California's Sexual Abuse Accountability Act

AB 2777 is a California state law signed in September 2022 that significantly extended the statute of limitations for adult sexual abuse survivors to file civil lawsuits. The law is formally titled the “Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act.”

Key Provisions of AB 2777

The AB 2777 Sexual Abuse Accountability Act addresses two critical gaps in California law:

  1. Extended Filing Deadlines: Survivors of adult sexual assault now have significantly more time to file civil claims
  2. Cover-Up Accountability: Institutions that concealed sexual abuse can now be held legally liable for damages

What AB 2777 Changed

Before AB 2777: California law required adult sexual assault survivors to file civil lawsuits within 10 years of the last act of abuse OR within 3 years of discovering an injury from the abuse, whichever was later.

After AB 2777: The law created two separate pathways depending on when the sexual assault occurred:

Pathway 1 – For Sexual Assaults After January 1, 2009:

  • Claims can be filed until December 31, 2026
  • Applies to sexual assaults that occurred on or after January 1, 2009
  • This is the primary extension provided by AB 2777

Pathway 2 – For Older Sexual Assaults (Revival Window):

  • Claims that would have been time-barred before January 1, 2023 received a one-year revival window
  • These claims could be filed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023
  • This window has now closed

AB 2777 Lawsuit Deadlines: When Must You File?

Understanding AB 2777 deadlines is critical for protecting your legal rights.

Current AB 2777 Filing Deadline (2025-2026)

December 31, 2026 is the final deadline to file AB 2777 lawsuits for sexual assaults that occurred:

  • On or after January 1, 2009
  • When the survivor was 18 years or older at the time of the assault

AB 2777 Timeline and Key Dates

Date

What Happened

September 29, 2022

AB 2777 signed into law by Governor Newsom

January 1, 2023

AB 2777 took effect; one-year revival window opened

December 31, 2023

Revival window closed for previously time-barred claims

December 31, 2026

FINAL DEADLINE for AB 2777 lawsuits for assaults after January 1, 2009

Don’t Miss the AB 2777 Deadline

With the December 31, 2026 deadline approaching, survivors should consult with an AB 2777 attorney as soon as possible. Building a strong case takes time, and waiting until the last minute could jeopardize your claim.

Call D Law Group at 866-GO-SEE-SAM for a free AB 2777 lawsuit consultation.

Who Can File an AB 2777 Lawsuit? Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible to file an AB 2777 sexual abuse lawsuit if:

Basic Eligibility Criteria

✓ You were 18 or older when the sexual assault occurred
✓ The assault occurred on or after January 1, 2009
✓ The assault occurred in California or involves a California defendant
✓ You have not already settled the claim in a written agreement before January 1, 2023
✓ Your case was not litigated to finality in court before January 1, 2023

AB 2777 Applies to Various Forms of Sexual Assault

AB 2777 covers civil lawsuits for:

  • Sexual assault and rape
  • Sexual battery
  • Sexual abuse by authority figures (doctors, therapists, employers, clergy)
  • Workplace sexual assault
  • Sexual assault in institutional settings (hospitals, universities, prisons)
  • Date rape and acquaintance assault
  • Sexual assault facilitated by drugs or alcohol

No Criminal Conviction Required for AB 2777 Lawsuits

You do NOT need:

  • A criminal conviction against the perpetrator
  • A criminal investigation
  • A police report (though having one can strengthen your case)
  • Criminal charges to have been filed

AB 2777 lawsuits are civil cases separate from criminal proceedings. Many survivors pursue civil justice through AB 2777 even when criminal prosecution didn’t occur or didn’t result in conviction.

AB 2777 Cover-Up Accountability: Holding Institutions Liable

One of AB 2777’s most powerful provisions is its focus on institutional cover-ups of sexual abuse.

What Qualifies as a Cover-Up Under AB 2777?

AB 2777 defines a cover-up as a concerted effort to:

  • Hide evidence relating to sexual assault
  • Incentivize silence from victims or witnesses
  • Prevent information from becoming public
  • Prevent information from being disclosed to the plaintiff/victim
  • Use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or confidentiality agreements to silence victims

Who Can Be Held Liable for Cover-Ups Under AB 2777?

AB 2777 allows lawsuits against entities that engaged in cover-ups, including:

Healthcare Institutions:

  • Hospitals that failed to report staff abuse
  • Medical practices that concealed doctor misconduct
  • Mental health facilities that hid therapist abuse

Educational Institutions:

  • Universities that suppressed sexual assault reports
  • Colleges that protected faculty predators
  • Private schools that concealed abuse allegations

Religious Organizations:

  • Churches that transferred abusive clergy
  • Religious institutions that silenced victims through NDAs
  • Faith-based organizations that prioritized reputation over safety

Employers and Corporations:

  • Companies that buried sexual harassment complaints
  • Corporations that used NDAs to silence victims
  • Businesses that protected executive predators

Entertainment Industry:

  • Production companies that concealed abuse
  • Talent agencies that enabled predatory behavior
  • Studios that used legal agreements to silence victims

Why Cover-Up Accountability Matters

AB 2777’s cover-up provisions recognize that institutions often:

  • Enable abuse by ignoring warning signs
  • Protect perpetrators to avoid liability or bad publicity
  • Silence victims through legal agreements
  • Fail to prevent additional abuse by the same perpetrators

By holding institutions accountable, AB 2777 encourages:

  • Transparent reporting of abuse allegations
  • Proper investigation of complaints
  • Removal of dangerous individuals
  • Prevention of future abuse

AB 2777 vs AB 218: Understanding the Difference

Many people confuse AB 2777 with AB 218. While both laws extend statutes of limitations for sexual abuse survivors, they apply to different victims.

AB 218: Childhood Sexual Abuse (Signed 2019)

  • Applies to: Survivors who were under 18 when the abuse occurred
  • Claims against: Perpetrators and institutions that employed or supervised them
  • Revival window: January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 (now closed)

AB 2777: Adult Sexual Abuse (Signed 2022)

  • Applies to: Survivors who were 18 or older when the abuse occurred
  • Deadline: December 31, 2026 for assaults after January 1, 2009
  • Claims against: Perpetrators, employers, and institutions that covered up abuse
  • Revival window: January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 (now closed)

Can You File Under Both AB 218 and AB 2777?

If you experienced abuse both as a minor and as an adult, you may be able to file separate claims under both laws, depending on:

  • When each incident occurred
  • The applicable statutes of limitations
  • Whether previous settlements affect new claims

Consult with an experienced AB 2777 lawyer to understand which law applies to your situation.  

Don’t let the AB 2777 deadline pass. Call 866-GO-SEE-SAM now.

How to File an AB 2777 Lawsuit: Step-by-Step Process

Filing an AB 2777 sexual abuse lawsuit involves several important steps.

Step 1: Free Consultation with an AB 2777 Attorney

Contact an experienced sexual abuse lawyer who handles AB 2777 cases. During your consultation:

  • Discuss what happened and when
  • Determine if your case falls within AB 2777’s scope
  • Learn about your legal options
  • Understand the timeline and process
  • Get answers to all your questions

D Law Group offers free, confidential AB 2777 consultations 24/7. Call 866-GO-SEE-SAM.

Step 2: Case Investigation and Evidence Gathering

If you decide to proceed, your attorney will:

  • Gather documentation (medical records, employment records, communications)
  • Interview witnesses who may support your case
  • Investigate the defendant(s) and any institutional involvement
  • Research whether other victims have come forward
  • Document the abuse and its impact on your life
  • Identify all potentially liable parties

Step 3: Filing Your AB 2777 Lawsuit

Your attorney will:

  • Draft and file a complaint in the appropriate California court
  • Name all defendants (perpetrator and potentially institutions)
  • Allege violations of California law including AB 2777 provisions
  • Demand compensation for damages
  • Serve the complaint on all defendants

Step 4: Discovery and Building Your Case

During the discovery phase:

  • Both sides exchange information and evidence
  • Depositions may be taken (recorded testimony under oath)
  • Expert witnesses may be retained (medical, psychological, institutional)
  • Your attorney works to build the strongest possible case
  • Settlement negotiations may begin

Step 5: Settlement Negotiations or Trial

Most AB 2777 cases settle before trial, but your attorney should be prepared to:

  • Negotiate fair compensation on your behalf
  • Take the case to trial if necessary
  • Fight for maximum damages you deserve
  • Hold all responsible parties accountable

Step 6: Resolution and Recovery

If your case settles or you win at trial:

  • You receive compensation for your damages
  • The settlement or judgment becomes final
  • Your attorney handles all paperwork and distribution of funds
  • You can focus on healing with financial support for treatment

Who Can Be Held Liable in AB 2777 Lawsuits?

AB 2777 allows claims against multiple parties, not just the perpetrator.

Direct Perpetrators

The individual who committed the sexual assault can always be sued for:

  • Sexual assault/battery
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress
  • Negligent infliction of emotional distress
  • Any applicable criminal acts converted to civil claims

Employers (Vicarious Liability)

Employers can be held liable under AB 2777 when:

  • The assault occurred during employment
  • The perpetrator was acting within the scope of employment
  • The employer negligently hired, supervised, or retained the perpetrator
  • The employer knew or should have known about the danger
  • The employer failed to prevent the abuse

Examples include:

  • Healthcare facilities employing abusive doctors or therapists
  • Universities employing abusive professors
  • Corporations employing abusive supervisors
  • Entertainment companies employing abusive producers or directors

Institutions (Cover-Up Liability)

Under AB 2777’s cover-up provisions, institutions can be liable when they:

  • Concealed evidence of sexual assault
  • Used NDAs to silence victims
  • Failed to investigate complaints properly
  • Protected the perpetrator’s reputation over victim safety
  • Retaliated against victims who reported abuse
  • Created policies that enabled abuse to continue

Property Owners (Premises Liability)

Property owners or managers may be liable if:

  • The assault occurred on their property
  • They failed to provide adequate security
  • They knew or should have known of dangerous conditions
  • Their negligence contributed to the assault occurring

Third Parties

Depending on the circumstances, other parties might be liable:

  • Security companies that failed to protect victims
  • Background check companies that provided negligent screening
  • Organizations that endorsed or credentialed the perpetrator
 
Don’t let the AB 2777 deadline pass. Call 866-GO-SEE-SAM now.

Damages Available in AB 2777 Lawsuits

Survivors who file AB 2777 lawsuits may recover various types of compensation.

Economic Damages

Past and Future Medical Expenses:

  • Emergency room treatment
  • Hospitalization
  • Therapy and counseling (individual, group, family)
  • Psychiatric care and medication
  • Treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety
  • Long-term mental health support

Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity:

  • Time missed from work due to trauma
  • Reduced earning capacity due to psychological impact
  • Career advancement opportunities lost
  • Benefits and promotions missed

Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

  • Relocation costs if you moved for safety
  • Security measures implemented
  • Any other financial losses directly related to the abuse

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering:

  • Physical pain from the assault
  • Emotional distress and trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Diminished quality of life

Psychological Harm:

  • PTSD and flashbacks
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances and nightmares
  • Difficulty with intimacy and relationships
  • Trust issues and social withdrawal

Loss of Consortium:

  • Damage to marital relationship
  • Impact on family relationships
  • Loss of companionship and support

Punitive Damages in AB 2777 Cases

California law allows punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct was:

  • Malicious
  • Oppressive
  • Fraudulent
  • Involved conscious disregard for the rights or safety of others

Punitive damages in California sexual abuse cases are NOT capped, meaning juries can award substantial amounts to:

  • Punish egregious conduct
  • Deter similar behavior by the defendant and others
  • Send a message about accountability

Punitive damages are particularly likely in AB 2777 cases involving:

  • Institutional cover-ups
  • Repeated abuse by the same perpetrator
  • Retaliation against victims
  • Destruction of evidence
  • Use of NDAs to silence multiple victims

How Much Are AB 2777 Lawsuits Worth?

Settlement and verdict amounts vary widely based on:

  • Severity and duration of abuse
  • Impact on the survivor’s life
  • Strength of evidence
  • Number and wealth of defendants
  • Whether institutional cover-up occurred
  • Jury sympathy and jurisdiction

Recent California sexual abuse settlements and verdicts have ranged from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars.

D Law Group has recovered over $500 million for clients in sexual assault and abuse cases.

Don’t let the AB 2777 deadline pass. Call 866-GO-SEE-SAM now.

Why Choose Dordulian Law Group for Your AB 2777 Lawsuit?

When you’re ready to file an AB 2777 lawsuit, choosing the right attorney makes all the difference.

Specialized AB 2777 Experience

Sam Dordulian founded D Law Group after serving 13 years as a sex crimes prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He has:

  • Prosecuted hundreds of sexual assault cases
  • Obtained life sentences against countless predators
  • Won over 100 jury trials in sexual assault cases
  • Recovered over $500 million for sexual abuse survivors
  • Dedicated 25+ years to fighting for survivors

The SAJE Team Approach

D Law Group’s Sexual Assault Justice Experts (SAJE) Team provides comprehensive support:

  1. Litigation Lead: Sam Dordulian is an experienced sexual abuse lawyer handling all legal strategy and advocacy. As a former sex crimes prosecutor in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Dordulian secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. 
  2. Victim Advocates: Two licensed and nationally accredited victim advocates serve as your dedicated support professionals, guiding you through every step of the legal process with trauma-informed compassion. 
  3. Mental Health Lead: In-house licensed clinical therapist and mental health professional available 24/7 to all clients.
  4. Investigative Lead: Retired LAPD sex crimes detective Moses Castillo serves as our in-house Chief investigator and expert in gathering evidence and building strong cases.

This four-tiered approach ensures you receive:

  • Legal excellence
  • Emotional support
  • Thorough investigation
  • Compassionate care throughout the process

No Fees Unless We Win

D Law Group handles AB 2777 lawsuits on a contingency fee basis:

  • No upfront costs to file your lawsuit
  • No hourly fees while your case proceeds
  • No out-of-pocket expenses for investigation or experts
  • You only pay if we win through settlement or verdict

If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Privacy and Confidentiality

All AB 2777 lawsuits involving sexual abuse are filed using pseudonyms (“Jane Doe” or “John Doe”). Your identity remains protected throughout the legal process. We take extraordinary measures to:

  • Protect your privacy at every stage
  • Shield you from public exposure
  • Handle all sensitive information with discretion
  • Minimize your direct involvement when possible

AB 2777 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The AB 2777 filing deadline is December 31, 2026 for sexual assaults that occurred on or after January 1, 2009 when the survivor was 18 or older.

You may qualify if you:

  • Were 18 or older when sexually assaulted
  • The assault occurred on or after January 1, 2009
  • Your claim hasn’t been previously settled or litigated to finality
  • The assault occurred in California or involves California defendants

AB 218 applies to childhood sexual abuse (victims under 18), while AB 2777 applies to adult sexual abuse (victims 18 and older). Both have December 31, 2026 deadlines.

No. AB 2777 lawsuits are civil cases and do not require criminal prosecution, charges, or conviction. You can pursue civil justice regardless of criminal case outcomes.

Yes. AB 2777 allows claims against employers who employed the perpetrator, especially if the employer was negligent or engaged in a cover-up of the abuse.

A cover-up is a concerted effort to hide evidence of sexual assault, silence victims, prevent information from becoming public, or use NDAs to protect the institution instead of addressing the abuse.

Settlement amounts vary widely based on the severity of abuse, impact on your life, strength of evidence, and whether institutional cover-up occurred. Awards can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars.

No. California does not cap damages in sexual abuse cases. Economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages can all be awarded without limitation.

Most cases take 1-3 years from filing to resolution, though timelines vary based on case complexity, number of defendants, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.

Most AB 2777 cases settle before trial, meaning you likely won’t testify in court. If your case does go to trial, your attorney will thoroughly prepare you for testimony.

Yes. All AB 2777 lawsuits use pseudonyms like “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” to protect your identity throughout the legal process.

AB 2777 specifically addresses NDAs used to cover up sexual abuse. These agreements may be challenged or invalidated, especially if they were used to conceal abuse or protect the institution.

Yes. Prior reports to HR, police, or other authorities do not prevent you from filing an AB 2777 lawsuit. In fact, prior reports can strengthen your case.

While any evidence helps, you don’t need perfect evidence to file. Useful evidence includes:

  • Your testimony about what happened
  • Medical records
  • Communications (emails, texts, notes)
  • Witness statements
  • Employment or institutional records
  • Prior complaints or reports

D Law Group handles AB 2777 cases on contingency. You pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we win your case.

Take Action: File Your AB 2777 Lawsuit Before the Deadline

With the December 31, 2026 AB 2777 deadline approaching, now is the time to explore your legal options.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Time is Running Out: The AB 2777 deadline is firm. Cases filed after December 31, 2026 may be permanently barred.

Evidence Degrades: Witnesses’ memories fade, documents get destroyed, and evidence becomes harder to find over time.

Building Strong Cases Takes Time: Thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and case preparation require months of work before filing.

Other Victims May Need Protection: Your case may prevent the same perpetrator or institution from harming others.

Free AB 2777 Lawsuit Consultation

D Law Group offers free, confidential consultations to discuss your AB 2777 case:

Call 24/7: 866-GO-SEE-SAM
No Obligation: Learn your options without pressure to proceed
Completely Confidential: Your information remains private
No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation

Contact D Law Group’s AB 2777 Attorneys Today

Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated AB 2777 lawyers online or by phone for a free consultation today.

Don’t let the AB 2777 deadline pass. Call 866-GO-SEE-SAM now.

Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.

Author

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Sam Dordulian, founder

Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years’ experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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