Time limits apply in Texas. Find out if you still qualify.
Verified against court records, regulatory records, and peer-reviewed research.
Last reviewed against primary sources: June 11, 2026
Statute of Limitations
2-year statute of limitations for general personal injury, but childhood sexual abuse claims carry a 15-year extended SOL from the date the victim turns 18 (effectively until age 33). Discovery rule applies. Limited sovereign immunity waiver under the Texas Tort Claims Act for government-operated facilities, but Section 1983 federal claims bypass sovereign immunity.
2028-12-31
Where to File in Texas
Texas juvenile detention abuse cases are filed in the district court of the county where the facility was located or where the plaintiff resides. Harris County (Houston), Dallas County, Bexar County (San Antonio), and Travis County (Austin) handle the largest volume of cases. Claims against the Texas Juvenile Justice Department are subject to the Texas Tort Claims Act's limited sovereign immunity waiver. Federal Section 1983 claims are filed in the Southern District (Houston), Northern District (Dallas), or Western District (San Antonio/Austin). The $42M class settlement was resolved in Travis County.
Exposure in Texas
Source: OJJDP 2024
Source: Texas Juvenile Justice Dept
Source: Texas Inspector General / DOJ reports