How Long Does a Victim of Sexual Abuse Have to File a Lawsuit Against the Abuser?

I live in Tennessee.  I was sexually abused by a neighbor when I was 15.   I am 17 now.   Can I still sue him?

Yes.  Tennessee law requires that you file suit before your 19th birthday.   The failure to file suit by your 19th birthday will result in a loss of your rights.

People sexually abused in Tennessee when they are adults have only one year from the date of the incident to file suit, but special rules apply if the person who was the abuser was a "therapist" within the meaning of T.C.A. Sec. 29-26-203.   If you think you have been abused by a therapist (or anyone else for that matter), contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.   Make sure you discuss this with your parents as soon as possible if you have not already done so.