Extends the Statute of limitations for domestic violence civil torts in Colorado to 6 years
Domestic violence tort bill 18-1398, was recently signed into law by Governor Hickenlooper. This bipartisan bill was sponsored by Democratic Representative Matt Gray and Republican Representative Cole Wist, and Senate sponsor Senator Bob Gardner. This law raises the statute of limitations for civil cases involving domestic violence to 6 years, and up to 20 years for victims suffering from traumatic brain injuries and disabilities.
Maass Law attorney Pamela Maass brought forward the need for raising the statute of limitations to the Colorado Coalition against Domestic Violence, and together they brought the bill forward to the legislature.
Why Was a Domestic Violence Tort Bill Necessary?
Adult victims of domestic violence who wish to bring a civil lawsuit against their abusers are hindered by the current statute of limitations (SOL) which is currently only one year. Not every victim will choose to pursue a civil lawsuit; however, for those that do, a reasonable time frame for bringing a civil action provides victims a more realistic remedy to address the devastating financial consequences of domestic violence.
Raising the statute of limitations (SOL) for civil torts resulting from domestic violence will allow for the conclusion of criminal prosecutions and other civil cases such as divorce and allocation of parental responsibilities.
Criminal cases for felony level assaults common in domestic violence relationships may not be subject to a SOL, while the civil counterparts to felony assaults such as strangulation, or those assaults causing serious bodily injury, are currently limited to three years. Most civil filings involving domestic violence are filed as assault and battery with a 12-month statute of limitations. Most victims report being advised by attorneys to wait until the conclusion of other cases before considering a civil tort. Depending on the judicial district, a felony criminal case can last up to a year or longer; and domestic relations cases can run well over a year, creating a false choice for victims.
Extending the civil statute of limitations to a time frame longer than the criminal statute for most domestic violence crimes gives the victim time to collect medical bills, assess personal damages and decide if they want to move forward, and it recognizes the serious and complex nature of domestic violence. Research indicates that financial abuse occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases, leaving victims to face overwhelming odds in obtaining long-term security and safety. Victims of strangulation and serious bodily injury do not currently have time to medically recover or understand the economic impact of their injuries within 12 months after an act of domestic violence. Recovery from traumatic brain injuries and strokes resulting from repeated physical assaults is possible, but often takes time. Allowing time for a victim to access the full impact of the trauma and determine for themselves if they want to file a civil suit, as we currently do for victims of sexual assault, is good policy.
Additionally, civil lawsuits can be empowering for victims as they are in control of a civil lawsuit as the petitioning party (unlike criminal prosecutions where victims do not have legal standing and are not technically represented by the district attorney). Many victims have found what they self-identity as justice through the civil courts, allowing them to gain independence, safety, and long-term security
Maass law pleased that our state legislature and governor have spoken on this important issue, allowing time for victims to access the full impact of the trauma and determine if they want to file a civil lawsuit.
Contact Maass Law Today
If you or someone you love is an adult survivor of domestic violence who is considering filing a civil lawsuit against an abuser in Colorado, contact Maass Law today for a free consultation at 720.899.3541 We’ll answer your questions and help you to understand what your options are.