Opinion ID: 2514220
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Tortious Sexual Assault

Text: [¶ 35] Among the tort claims the wife asserted was an allegation of sexual assault and battery. The trial court, however, found that she failed to state a claim for which relief can be granted; to prove the claim by a preponderance of the evidence; to present sufficient evidence on damages; and/or to timely file some allegations. Specifically with regard to the sexual assault claim, the trial court found that the wife failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a tortious sexual assault occurred. The husband maintains that there was no sexual assault and this claim is barred by the statute of limitations. [¶ 36] The husband attempts to argue that the statute of limitations for civil sexual assault is one year despite the fact that the statute specifically states civil sexual assault cases should not be included in the one-year limitation period. He bases this argument on the assumption that the elements for tortious sexual assault are the same as for assault and battery, citing two Connecticut cases wherein the elements for tortious sexual assault were held to be the same as for assault and battery. [¶ 37] The applicable statute provides in pertinent part: (a) Civil actions other than for the recovery of real property can only be brought within the following periods after the cause of action accrues: ... (iv) Within four (4) years, an action for: ... (C) An injury to the rights of the plaintiff, not arising on contract and not herein enumerated; and .... (v) Within one (1) year, an action for: ... (B) Assault or battery not including sexual assault[.] Wyo.Stat.Ann. § 1-3-105(a) (LEXIS 1999). [¶ 38] Following the statute's plain language, we conclude that the statute of limitations for civil sexual assault is four years. Because some of the allegations in this case occurred more than four years prior to the filing of this claim, to the extent that the incidents complained of fall within the appropriate period of time, we reverse and remand the trial court's decision on this issue for a jury determination.