How To File A Sex Assault Lawsuit In Tennessee
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- In Tennessee, you have three years to file a sex assault lawsuit
- If you reported the assault to the police, you have five years
- You could recover compensation for monetary and intangible losses
Few experiences cause the kind of trauma that rape and sexual assault do. Whether your assailant is facing criminal charges or not, filing a lawsuit for sexual assault in Tennessee may be a way to hold your assailant accountable and obtain some kind of justice.
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Statute of Limitations to File Sexual Assault Lawsuits in Tennessee
In 2025, Tennessee passed a law extending the statute of limitations for sexual assault lawsuits, which now establishes that:
- You have five years if the assault was reported to the police
- You have three years if the assault was not reported
The law was named “Danielle’s Law” after a woman who reported her assault to police. It took the prosecutor 13 months to inform her that the assailant wouldn’t be charged. Because the statute of limitations was one year at the time, she was left with no legal recourse.
Exceptions That May Extend the Deadline in Tennessee
There are a few exceptions to the statute. If you didn’t immediately realize you were assaulted, such as if the perpetrator attacked when you were incapacitated, the clock might start when you find out.
Similarly, if the assailant hides their involvement, the statute of limitations might begin once you can identify them. Exceptions to statutes of limitations are rare, so you should always consult a lawyer to be sure.
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What Allegations Go Into a Sexual Assault Civil Lawsuit?
While filing a civil lawsuit for a sexual assault in Tennessee isn’t the same as preparing a criminal case, your lawyer will likely recommend including these key pieces of evidence:
- Your testimony of what happened
- A police report, if one was filed
- Forensic exam results
- Records of injuries
- Medical bills
- Texts, social media posts and other kinds of digital evidence
The process of filing a lawsuit may be a frightening unknown. Your attorney can help you understand what allegations must be included.
How a Lawyer Can Help Survivors in Tennessee
A skilled lawyer can guide you through each part of the legal process. They will collect evidence and advocate for you to receive compensation for monetary and non-monetary losses alike.
Often, a lawyer can settle your case before it goes to court. Sexual assault settlement amounts can vary considerably. Your lawyer can give you an idea of what your case may be worth.
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Seeking Justice? The Right Lawyer Can Help
If you’re looking for justice outside of a criminal court, a Tennessee personal injury lawyer may be able to help. ConsumerShield is dedicated to connecting people like you with qualified legal professionals. Contact us to start with a free case review today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. You may file a lawsuit even if you didn’t report the assault or if no criminal charges were filed.
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No. Unlike criminal trials, civil trials rely on a preponderance of evidence standard. This means the assailant will be liable if the court determines they were more likely to have committed the assault than not.
