·S1 E12

Eric DiMario: How Civil Justice Can Expose Abuse, Identify Survivors, and Drive Reform

August 7

23 mins

Episode Description

Rhode Island has enacted sweeping civil statute of limitations reform for child sexual abuse cases, creating new opportunities for survivors to pursue accountability. In this episode, attorney Eric DiMario explains how the law was reformed, why civil litigation goes beyond financial compensation, and what it means for survivors and institutions.

In this episode, Ben, Jennifer, and Eric DiMario discuss:

Rhode Island's path to comprehensive statute of limitations reform
Why civil litigation uncovers hidden perpetrators and institutional failures
Legislative opposition and constitutional arguments surrounding reform
The role of civil justice in survivor healing and institutional accountability

Key Takeaways:

[0:06:09] Rhode Island's reform required years of persistence — After failed legislative efforts beginning in 2019, Rhode Island enacted a comprehensive civil ‘window’/reform bill in 2026 that reopened the courthouse doors to child sexual abuse survivors.
[0:09:12] Civil lawsuits can identify perpetrators and survivors — Litigation helps expose hidden offenders, identify additional survivors, connect victims with resources, and uncover institutional failures.
[0:14:35] Delayed reporting should not shield institutions from accountability — Claims that evidence fades over time ignore the fact that institutions often delayed justice by concealing abuse.
[0:20:33] Strong legal reform can reshape institutional responses — Broad civil accountability encourages organizations to report abuse promptly, strengthen safeguards, and reduce future cover-ups.

"If they feel that they are somehow prejudiced by the passage of time, they have nowhere to look other than in the mirror." — Eric DiMario

About Eric DiMario: Eric DiMario is an attorney at Kiernan Plunkett & Redihan whose practice focuses on civil litigation involving wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability, and other complex disputes. He has represented clients before the Rhode Island Superior Court, the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Eric also lectures for the Rhode Island Bar Association and serves as a Superior Court Mediator.

Connect with Eric DiMario:

Website: https://www.kprlaw.com/

Email: edimario@kprlaw.com

Phone: 401-831-2900

Connect with Ben Andreozzi:

Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/AndreozziFoote

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreozziFoote/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreozziandfoote/

Connect with Jennifer Storm: