On June 9, 2026, a Bossier Parish jury awarded Pamela Lockridge $1,100,585,000 in a childhood sexual abuse case tried by attorney Ryan Gatti. For adult survivors who have wondered whether it is too late to sue, her case shows why Louisiana’s lookback law matters.
The law gives certain survivors another opportunity to bring civil claims that expired under earlier filing deadlines. The current revival window runs through June 14, 2027. Whether that window applies to your case requires an individual legal review.
If you survived childhood sexual abuse in Louisiana, you can ask about your options in a free, confidential consultation. Call (318) 633-0186 or request a confidential consultation with Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney at Law.
How Pamela Lockridge reached a Louisiana jury
Pamela’s abuse began when she was four years old and continued for years. Her earlier civil lawsuit was dismissed because the filing deadline had passed under the law then in effect. Her stepfather, Leroy Edwards, died in 2023 without being criminally charged in connection with the abuse.
Louisiana’s lookback law gave her a path to present a civil case against his estate. During a two-day trial in the 26th Judicial District Court in Benton, jurors heard evidence about the lasting effects of the abuse. The evidence included testimony from a detective, mental health professionals and Pamela’s husband, as well as portions of her stepfather’s preserved deposition testimony.
After approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury returned this award:
Damages awarded | Jury award |
Pain and suffering | $500,000,000 |
Past and future medical and psychological expenses | $585,000 |
Exemplary damages | $600,000,000 |
Total verdict | $1,100,585,000 |
Past Results are not a Guarantee of Future Success. The amount above is the jury’s award; it is not a representation that the full amount was collected. Every case depends on its own facts, evidence and available sources of recovery.
How the Louisiana childhood sexual abuse lookback law works
Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:2800.9 provides that actions for sexual abuse of a minor do not prescribe, the Louisiana term for expiring because a filing deadline has passed. Separate revival legislation allows certain claims that had already expired to be filed again. Act 481 of 2024 extended that revival period through June 14, 2027.
That date concerns claims that depend on the revival law. It is not a filing deadline for every childhood sexual abuse claim. A lawyer should review the abuse dates, prior proceedings, potential defendants and applicable law before concluding that a claim is timely or too late.
For plaintiffs age 21 or older, the statute also requires certificates of merit from an attorney and a qualifying licensed mental health practitioner, subject to the statute’s timing provisions. Starting the review early gives your legal team time to investigate and address the filing requirements.
A consultation does not satisfy a lawsuit-filing deadline. If you believe the revival law may apply, contact an attorney promptly so there is time to evaluate and prepare your case.
Read more about Louisiana’s lookback law and civil sexual abuse claims.
Who may be responsible for childhood sexual abuse
A civil case may involve the person who committed the abuse and, when the evidence and law support it, others with legal responsibility. Abuse can occur within a family or in settings such as a church, school, camp or youth organization.
An institution is not automatically liable because abuse occurred there. Its responsibility may depend on supervision, what its leaders knew, how they responded, the abuser’s relationship to the organization and other case-specific facts. We review those questions when evaluating potential claims.
Recoverable damages may include the costs of treatment, pain and suffering, emotional harm and other proven losses. Louisiana Civil Code article 2315.7 also authorizes exemplary damages in qualifying cases, subject to its requirements and limits. That provision applies to the perpetrator; it does not automatically authorize exemplary damages against an institution.
Questions adult survivors often ask
Can I sue for sexual abuse that happened decades ago
Possibly. The lookback law was enacted to revive certain previously time-barred childhood sexual abuse claims. The age of the events alone does not answer whether you can file today. Your specific history and the applicable deadlines need review.
Do I need a criminal conviction before filing a civil case
No. A civil sexual abuse claim does not generally require a prior criminal conviction. Civil and criminal proceedings use different standards. Pamela’s case reached a civil jury even though her stepfather was never criminally charged.
Can I bring a claim if the person who abused me has died
It may be possible. Pamela’s case proceeded against her late stepfather’s estate. In another case, estate procedures, available assets, other potential defendants and separate deadlines may affect the options. The abuser’s death calls for a careful legal review.
What if a lawyer said I was too late or my lawsuit was dismissed
Ask for a fresh review under the current law. A prior opinion about an expired deadline may no longer resolve the issue. If there was a dismissal, bring the judgment and related records if available; revival legislation does not automatically reopen every closed case.
What information should I bring to a consultation
Start with what you remember: approximately when and where the abuse occurred, who was involved and whether anyone else may have relevant information. Existing messages, reports, treatment records and prior court papers can help. You do not need to have every document before contacting us.
Will my identity and story remain private
A consultation with our legal team is confidential. If you pursue litigation, court records and proceedings may be public. We can discuss privacy concerns and any protections that may be available before you decide how to proceed.
How much does it cost to speak with the firm
The initial sexual abuse case consultation is free. Our firm handles sexual abuse claims on a contingency fee basis. We explain the attorney-fee arrangement, case expenses and your responsibilities before you sign an agreement.
Speak with a Louisiana sexual abuse lawyer
You can begin by asking questions. We will listen, review how the law may apply and explain possible next steps. You do not have to decide whether to file a lawsuit before contacting us.
Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney at Law, serves survivors in Bossier City, Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana. Call (318) 633-0186 or request your free, confidential consultation. If your claim depends on Louisiana’s revival law, the current filing window ends June 14, 2027.
About Ryan E Gatti
Ryan E. Gatti is a Bossier City attorney who has practiced in Northwest Louisiana for more than 25 years. He represented Pamela Lockridge in the June 9, 2026, childhood sexual abuse jury trial and has served as a Louisiana state senator and a workers’ compensation judge.
Support for survivors
Legal advice and personal support serve different needs. These organizations offer free, confidential sexual assault support:
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673. RAINN support services
- Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault: 1-888-995-7273. LaFASA crisis support
Sources and further reading
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:2800.9
- Act 481 of 2024 extending the revival window
- Louisiana Civil Code article 2315.7
- KSLA coverage of the Lockridge jury verdict
This article provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Eligibility, deadlines, privacy protections and potential recovery depend on the circumstances of each case.