New York City abuse lookback window, what the law allows and who can come forward

What the amendment changed

Before the amendment, many survivors were blocked by time limits that had long since run out. Bill 1297-A suspends those limits for an 18-month period. During that period a survivor can sue the person who committed the abuse and the institution that allowed it to happen, including juvenile detention centers, schools, churches, hospitals, government agencies, and employers.

The only date test is that the abuse occurred in New York City before January 9, 2022. The window closes permanently on July 29, 2027.

Who can bring a claim

• You experienced sexual abuse in New York City before January 9, 2022.
• The abuse involved an institution, or a person acting within one, that a civil case could name as a defendant.
• You file before the window closes on July 29, 2027.

Where this stands now

The window is open. Each survivor's case is filed individually, so there is no class, no administrator, and no shared settlement. Whether a case is filed, and against whom, is decided between the survivor and their attorney.

The intake and what follows

The linked intake is run by a partner law firm, not by a court. It asks for basic details so an attorney can review whether the facts fit the statute. Sending the form does not create an attorney-client relationship. If the firm takes the case, it provides a separate agreement, and the lawsuit is filed after that.

The intake is free. Payout lists it as part of its free discovery service and receives no part of any recovery. Payout is not a law firm and cannot advise on whether a claim is viable.