Ontario law has removed the time limit on civil sexual assault claims. Whether the abuse occurred recently or decades ago, our Toronto team is ready to stand with you — confidentially, and at no cost unless we win.
Free consultation · Contingency fee — no upfront costs · Fully confidential
You are not out of time. Ontario law is on your side.
No limitation period for sexual assault claims in Ontario
Toronto & the GTA
Toronto survivors face the same legal landscape as all of Ontario, but the city's scale — its schools, hospitals, sports organizations, workplaces, and religious institutions — means that institutional sexual abuse can be especially entrenched and difficult to confront alone.
Kotak Law has represented survivors against powerful Toronto-area institutions, navigating the civil courts to secure compensation and acknowledgment where the criminal system could not or did not act. We understand what it takes to build a case in this city, and we understand what it takes to walk into a lawyer's office for the first time.
Our consultations are private, judgment-free, and carry no obligation to proceed. We will listen first.
Who Can Be Held Responsible
Institutions that enabled, concealed, or failed to prevent abuse share legal responsibility. Civil litigation allows survivors to hold organizations accountable — not just individuals.
What You May Recover
A civil claim is not about reliving the past — it is about securing the resources and recognition you need to move forward. Ontario courts can award damages across several categories.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the emotional and physical distress caused by the abuse, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Therapy & Care Costs
Reimbursement for past and future counselling, psychological treatment, and medical care directly related to the abuse.
Loss of Income
If the trauma affected your education, career, or earning capacity — past or future — you can claim for that economic loss.
Punitive Damages
Where conduct was particularly egregious, courts may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future harm.
Ontario Law
The Ontario Limitations Act has been amended to remove limitation periods for civil sexual assault claims entirely. Whether the abuse happened last year or thirty years ago, you have the legal right to pursue a civil lawsuit.
This applies to childhood sexual abuse, abuse by a person in a position of trust or authority, institutional abuse, and historical cases — even where no criminal charges were ever laid, or where charges were laid but did not result in a conviction.
The civil standard of proof is lower than the criminal standard. You do not need a criminal conviction — or even a police report — to pursue a civil claim.
Civil court vs. criminal court: In criminal proceedings, you are a witness to the state's case. In a civil lawsuit, you control the process. You are the plaintiff. The goal is compensation and accountability — on your terms.
You can pursue a civil claim even if there is an active criminal investigation, or if the criminal case has already concluded.
Toronto Context
Founded by Nainesh Kotak — a 30-year litigator called to the Ontario Bar in 1994 — Kotak Law has built a reputation for representing survivors with both strategic depth and genuine compassion. We never act for institutions, insurers, or abusers. Our practice is exclusively on the side of those who have been harmed.
We handle matters before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto and across the province, and we are experienced in the procedural and evidentiary challenges that make historical and institutional abuse cases complex.
Our firm serves survivors throughout Toronto and the GTA, including Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, and the surrounding communities. Meetings can be arranged in person or by secure video conference — whatever is more comfortable for you.
For survivors seeking support resources in Toronto, the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre and the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic offer free, confidential support services independent of any legal process.
How It Works
We aim to make the legal process as low-stress as possible. Most cases resolve without you ever having to step inside a courtroom.
Private Consultation
You speak with us in confidence. We listen to your story without judgment, and we explain your legal options honestly — including whether you have a viable claim. There is no obligation to proceed.
Case Assessment
We review the facts, identify the responsible parties, and outline a realistic path forward — including the types of compensation you may be entitled to and the likely timeline.
Building the Case
We gather evidence, engage expert witnesses — including psychologists, economists, and medical professionals — and construct the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Resolution
We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If necessary, we take the case to trial. We do not settle for less than you deserve, and we keep you informed at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Ontario removed the limitation period for civil sexual assault claims entirely. You can file a claim regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred — whether it was last year or several decades ago.
This applies to childhood sexual abuse, abuse by a person in a position of trust (such as a teacher, coach, or doctor), and institutional abuse cases. There is no deadline.
No. The civil and criminal systems are entirely separate. You can pursue a civil claim whether or not you ever reported the abuse to police, and regardless of whether charges were laid or what the outcome of any criminal proceeding was.
A civil claim can proceed even if the abuser was acquitted in criminal court. The standard of proof in a civil case — balance of probabilities — is lower than the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay legal fees only if we successfully recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation to proceed.
Yes, and in many cases the institution bears significant legal responsibility. Organizations — including school boards, churches, sports organizations, hospitals, and employers — have a duty to protect people in their care. If an institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to act, it may be held liable alongside the individual abuser.
Institutional defendants often have deeper resources and insurance coverage than individual abusers, which can be an important factor in recovering meaningful compensation.
Most civil sexual abuse cases resolve through negotiated settlement before trial. We work to reach a fair resolution without requiring you to testify in open court. If a settlement cannot be achieved, we will prepare you thoroughly and advocate on your behalf at every stage.
Your comfort and wellbeing guide how we approach every case.
Yes. A civil lawsuit can proceed concurrently with a criminal investigation or prosecution. The two processes are independent. We will advise you on how to coordinate both effectively to protect your interests in each proceeding.
Every case is different, and we will not give you a number before we understand your situation. In general, civil sexual abuse awards in Ontario can include compensation for pain and suffering, psychological harm, therapy and medical costs, lost income and diminished earning capacity, and — where conduct was particularly egregious — punitive damages.
We will provide you with an honest assessment of the realistic range for your specific circumstances during our consultation.
Yes. Everything you share with us is protected by solicitor-client privilege from the moment you speak with our team. We will not contact you through channels that could compromise your privacy, and there is no obligation to proceed after the consultation.
If it is easier, we can arrange a callback at a time and number that is safe and private for you — just let us know.
Your story deserves to be heard. Our Toronto team is ready to listen. The consultation is free, private, and carries no obligation to proceed.
Call (416) 816-1500Or request a confidential callback — we will reach you at a time that is safe and convenient.
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