Washington Supreme Court hears argument on whether childhood-abuse time limit can cover abuse continuing after 18

The Washington Supreme Court heard argument on Nov. 19, 2024, in MR v. State over whether RCW 4.16.340the state's special statute of limitations for childhood sexual abusepermits recovery for abuse that continued after a victim reached age 18.

Christopher Lipp, counsel for petitioner MR, told the court the statute was enacted to "provide a broad and generous application of the discovery rule to civil actions for injuries caused by childhood sexual abuse," and urged the justices that the question of whether continuing abuse after 18 falls within that statute is "answered with a resounding yes" when the statute's plain language and purpose are read together. Lipp said the statute focuses on discovery of a connection between wrongful conduct and injury and that, when grooming and its long-term effects produce later abusive acts, the continuing conduct can be a single claim if supported by the specific facts of the case.

Julie Turley, arguing for the State of Washington and other respondents, told the court that…