California Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Standing Up for the Rights of Sex Abuse Survivors

California law allows you to pursue civil action against a sexual abuser, sometimes years and years after the last time you were assaulted. At Alvandi Law Group, P.C., we understand how painful the process of speaking up and demanding justice can be, especially if the abuser was someone who was in a position of authority over you. Our trauma-informed sexual abuse lawyers are here to provide legal counsel that balances professionalism with compassion and sensitivity. Allow us to amplify your voice, so you can confidently start your case.

Call (800) 980-6905 to request a free and confidential case evaluation with our sexual abuse lawyers.

Understanding Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is often described as any unwanted or coercive sexual activity, ranging from inappropriate touching and assault to rape, carried out without the consent of the victim. It can occur in various forms, including childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, intimate partner sexual abuse, and statutory rape. Each type of sexual abuse can have devastating impacts on the survivor's well-being and may justify legal action in response, including both a civil lawsuit and a criminal prosecution against the offender.

Long-term effects of sexual abuse include:

• Psychological trauma: Survivors may experience severe mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic stress.
• Relationship difficulties: Many survivors struggle with trust and intimacy issues, which can affect personal relationships and lead to social isolation.
• Physical health problems: Long-term physical health issues can arise after some forms of sexual assault, including chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Substance abuse: To cope with the trauma, some survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol, leading to substance abuse problems and further complicating their recovery process.

California Laws Regarding Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is unequivocally illegal in all forms under California law, with harsh laws in place to penalize sexual offenders. Importantly, pursuing justice through the civil court system does not require a prior criminal prosecution or even an arrest of the abuser. In other words, survivors of sexual abuse can file a civil injury claim against their abuser regardless of whether the individual has been charged or convicted of a crime.

In a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, the burden of proof is significantly lower than in a criminal sex crime case. While criminal prosecutions require proof "beyond a reasonable doubt" to secure a conviction, civil cases operate under the "preponderance of the evidence" standard, which means that in a civil lawsuit, the survivor only needs to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred. This lower burden of proof can make it easier for survivors to pursue justice and compensation through the civil court system, even if the abuser is not convicted in a criminal trial.

Institutes That Harbor Sexual Offenders

Most sexual abuse claims are often directed against institutions rather than just individual abusers because these organizations can be held liable for failing to take appropriate actions to prevent abuse. Institutions and organizations may be liable for not responding adequately to reports of sexual abuse, failing to supervise their staff properly, and neglecting to provide a safe environment for those in their care, for example. When these institutions neglect their duty to protect individuals, it is only right to hold them accountable through civil lawsuits.

Institutions that might be named as defendants in sexual abuse cases include:

• Schools
• Churches and clergies
• Nursing homes
• Employers
• Hospitals
• Youth organizations

Who Can File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in California?

In California, anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse can file a lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for their suffering. Adults can file on their own behalf, and parents or guardians can file on behalf of their minor children who have been abused. (The child will technically remain as the plaintiff in the case.)

Additionally, certain California laws provide provisions for adults who were sexually abused as children, allowing them to file a lawsuit even after they have reached adulthood. For example, someone who was abused as a child may decide to file when they are in their 20s or 30s after they have gained the confidence to speak up about what happened. Furthermore, a law was signed in 2023 that eliminated the statute of limitations on most childhood sexual abuse claims for any instances of abuse that occurred in 2024 and beyond.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

A civil injury claim allows survivors of sexual abuse to seek monetary damages as a form of reparation for the harm they have endured. While no amount of money can truly undo the trauma and suffering caused by sexual abuse, achieving financial stability through a successful lawsuit can be an important part of the recovery process. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, therapy costs, and other financial burdens, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Types of compensation that can be pursued in an average sexual abuse lawsuit filed in California include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for any physical health treatments or hospital stays related to the abuse.
• Therapy and counseling: Expenses for psychological support and mental health services.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work as a result of the abuse.
• Pain and suffering: Damages for the emotional and physical distress experienced by the survivor.

Confidentiality in Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Choose Alvandi Law Group, P.C. for your California sexual abuse claim because we know how to prioritize confidentiality throughout the entire case process. Not everything in a civil claim can remain confidential, but we can work to maintain your privacy as much as legally possible. For example, you may be able to file anonymously or with a pseudonym.

We have a team of trauma-informed attorneys and support staff, too. We understand the complexities of trauma and are skilled at working with survivors in a way that minimizes the risk of re-triggering traumatic memories. By being sensitive to the emotional and psychological needs of our clients, we hope to provide a supportive and compassionate environment that allows you to feel safe and understood while pursuing justice and compensation.

What to Expect During a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

When filing and pursuing a sexual abuse lawsuit, you can generally expect the following steps:

• Initial consultation: Meet with an attorney from our to discuss your case, evaluate its merits, and understand your legal options—all without the need to pay anything upfront.
• Case investigation: If we accept your case, your attorney and legal team will look for evidence of injury and liability, including medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation to prepare a strong case.
• Filing the complaint: A formal complaint will be filed in civil court once it is fully prepared, detailing the allegations against the abuser and/or responsible institution.
• Response: When the defendant is made aware of the complaint, it will be given an opportunity to respond, which will likely be a challenge to your statements.
• Discovery phase: Both parties exchange information and evidence through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests.
• Settlement negotiations: Often, parties in a lawsuit will attempt to reach a settlement agreement to avoid going to trial. This step can occur at any stage but is most common after discovery.
• Trial preparation: If no settlement is reached, both sides prepare for trial by organizing evidence, identifying witnesses, and refining legal arguments.
• Trial: The case is presented before a judge or jury, who will hear evidence and testimony from both sides before rendering a verdict.

Get a confidential and free case evaluation by calling (800) 980-6905 now.