Los Angeles College & University Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Los Angeles College & University Sexual Abuse Attorney
Sexual abuse can occur anywhere, including local universities like the University of Southern California (USC) and UCLA. When a student is abused, the abuser and any parties that enabled the abuse may be held accountable with the help of a Los Angeles college and university sexual abuse lawyer. Legal representation can play a critical role in ensuring injured victims receive the justice and compensation they are owed.
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A Firm Dedicated to Holding Institutions Accountable for Allowing Sexual Abuse
Not all law firms have experience representing survivors of sexual abuse. For decades, Easton & Easton has delivered compassionate and strategic representation to victims. We understand that it takes courage to come forward and tell your story. Our lawyers can explain your legal options without placing any pressure on you to act before you’re ready.
Colleges and universities in Los Angeles are not immune to abuse. Whether the misconduct involved a faculty member, coach, administrator, or fellow student, we are here to help you explore your rights and pursue accountability. You deserve to be heard and to have a legal team that treats your case with the seriousness it demands.
Understanding College Campus Sexual Abuse in Los Angeles
Sexual abuse remains a serious issue across college campuses in Los Angeles. Between April 2023 and March 2024, UCLA reported 36 sexual assaults, which is more than any other campus in the University of California system.
In a related scandal, former UCLA gynecologist Dr. James Heaps was sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually abusing multiple female patients over 35 years. The University of California paid nearly $700 million to resolve civil claims tied to his actions, making it one of the largest university-related abuse settlements in U.S. history.
In the broader state system, a 2022 audit of the California State University campuses exposed widespread failures in responding to sexual harassment complaints. The report cited delayed investigations, inconsistent discipline, and a lack of accountability across the 23-campus system.
Nationally, studies show that 26.4% of undergraduate women and 6.8% of undergraduate men have experienced rape or sexual assault involving force or incapacitation. These figures highlight a widespread problem that demands stronger institutional safeguards and survivor support across higher education.
Compensation You May Be Owed
Survivors of sexual abuse have the right to pursue compensation through the civil courts. An eventual settlement or favorable jury verdict can compensate survivors for both financial and emotional losses. Depending on the facts of a case, these could include medical expenses, the cost of therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Early on in a case, the plaintiff’s attorney can gather evidence to support the claim. Non-economic damages are for non-tangible losses like emotional trauma. Established formulas are used to calculate the full value of those damages.
Whether the claim is against an individual, multiple parties, or a large institution, California’s personal injury laws provide a powerful tool for holding sexual abusers accountable for the harm they caused.
How an Attorney Can Help
The civil courts offer an effective means for holding abusers accountable for their actions, but there are no guaranteed outcomes in court. You can greatly improve the odds of a favorable settlement or trial verdict by taking the time to find an attorney who has experience representing victims of sexual abuse.
Lawyers can play a critical role in the success of your case. They are trusted advisors who can explain your options so you can make decisions with confidence. They can also negotiate on your behalf to seek fair compensation from the abuser. If your case goes to court, your sexual abuse lawyer in Los Angeles can present evidence and make compelling legal arguments that demonstrate the harm you suffered at the hands of the defendant.
FAQs
What Can a Sexual Assault Settlement Cover?
A sexual assault settlement can cover medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, it may include punitive damages meant to punish the responsible party. Settlements can also account for long-term trauma or loss of educational opportunities. The goal is to provide financial support and accountability for what the survivor endured because of the assault.
Can a University Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse?
Yes, a university may be held liable for sexual abuse if it knew about prior misconduct, failed to act on complaints, or ignored warning signs. Schools are responsible for creating a safe environment and enforcing Title IX protections. If a school’s negligence or inaction allowed abuse to occur, survivors may pursue civil claims for compensation and institutional accountability in court.
Who Commits Sexual Abuse on Campus?
Sexual abuse on college campuses can be committed by students, faculty, staff, or school-affiliated individuals. Abuse may occur in dorms, offices, classrooms, or at university events. Institutions must take all allegations seriously and act when risks are reported. When schools fail to prevent abuse or respond appropriately, survivors may seek justice through legal claims for damages.
Are Universities Expected to Prevent Sexual Abuse?
Yes. Universities are legally required, under Title IX and related laws, to take steps to prevent sexual abuse. This includes educating students, enforcing policies, and responding to complaints. If a school fails to act on known risks or ignores reports, it may be held liable. Survivors can pursue civil claims when institutional failures contribute to the abuse they suffered.
Your Voice Deserves to Be Heard. Easton & Easton Can Help
Sexual abuse within a college or university setting can result in lifelong trauma. When schools fail to prevent abuse by faculty, staff, or fellow students, they should be held accountable for the harm caused. At Easton & Easton, we recognize the strength it takes to speak out, and we are committed to helping survivors pursue justice.
Our attorneys bring decades of experience representing injury victims throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. We handle each case with discretion, determination, and a focus on results. If you or someone you love was harmed in a college or university environment, contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Your Story Is Important To Us.
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Easton & Easton has been recognized by TopVerdict.com Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement in Los Angeles for 2025, for the case Bicyclist v. Inattentive Driver — recognized more than 75 times by TopVerdict.com over the past 5 years — including fifty-eight #1 recognitions, and a recognition that arrives in the firm’s 35th anniversary year.
Easton & Easton holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau — the highest rating available. Trust is earned. We've earned it.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen anew each year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the "Best Law Firms" for the Southern California Metro Area.
Easton & Easton was voted #1 in 2026 (People's Choice Award). This recognition means the most to us — because it comes from the community we serve. Voted #1 in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026 — four #1 wins, including three years in a row
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton were selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 — an invitation-only organization recognizing the nation's premier trial attorneys. Selection is based on case results, leadership, and reputation. When you need attorneys who are ready for the courtroom, you want a team that's already proven they belong there.
All five partners of Easton & Easton — Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Gabe — were selected to Best Lawyers in America® 2027. This is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Selection is based entirely on peer review, representing the consensus opinion among leading lawyers in the community. When other attorneys are asked who they trust, they name us.
Our $4.5M settlement in Dump Truck Operator v. Equipment Rental Co. has been recognized as #1 in California for 2025 in two categories: • #1 Paraplegia Settlement in California — 2025 • #1 Rollover Accident Settlement in California — 2025
Our $4.5M settlement in Dump Truck Operator v. Equipment Rental Co. has been recognized as #1 in California for 2025 in two categories: • #1 Paraplegia Settlement in California — 2025 • #1 Rollover Accident Settlement in California — 2025
We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as the #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement in California in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.
Easton & Easton was named a Tier 1 firm in Southern California by U.S. News & World Report — the highest ranking a law firm can achieve. Selection is based on client feedback, peer reputation, and professional excellence. When independent evaluators rank the best, we're at the top.
Gabe Mendoza, Alexandro Garza, Billy Seidlitz, and Aaron Sinfield were selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars — honoring the top 2.5% of attorneys 40 or younger in California. Three attorneys — John, Billy, and Aaron — were selected for the first time in 2026. The next generation of Easton & Easton is already among the best in the state.
Easton & Easton was voted "Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" by readers of the Los Angeles Times in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Three years in a row — chosen by the people we serve
Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Saul were selected to Super Lawyers — a distinction earned by only 5% of California attorneys. Selection is based on peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievement. Doug Easton has been selected for 19 consecutive years. Matt Easton was also named to the Top 50 Orange County Super Lawyers for 2026. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring attorneys in the top 5%.
Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a Top 10 Personal Injury Settlement in California in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.
Easton & Easton received the "People Love Us On Yelp" award in 2016 due to exceptional client satisfaction reviews.Our clients don't just hire us — they recommend us.
Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.
Brian, Matt, and Travis Easton are lifetime members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — a distinction held by less than 1% of U.S. attorneys. Membership requires securing a verdict or settlement of $2 million or more. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring proven results - because Results Matter.
Doug Easton has held the "AV Preeminent" Rating for over 30 years, and Matt Easton received this prestigious distinction in 2015. The AV Preeminent rating is the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards, based on the legal profession's oldest peer review rating system — dating back to 1887. When your peers have trusted your ability and integrity for over three decades, that says everything.
We were recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a the #1 Personal Injury Settlement in Los Angeles County in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.
Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a proven track record of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board. Membership isn't given — it's earned in the courtroom.
Travis Easton, Gabe Mendoza, and Brenda Kocaj were selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 — an invitation-only honor recognizing the nation's top young trial attorneys. At Easton & Easton, experience and ambition work side by side.
Easton & Easton was honored for securing a $20,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2019 by TopVerdict.com.
Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 — based on skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews. A perfect score. No room for higher.
Easton & Easton was honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018-2020 (each year the voting took place).
We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California in 2016 by TopVerdict.com.
20+ prestigious awards and recognitions. Exposed to the harshest scrutiny. Earning the highest honors. Recognized by every major legal organization — year after year.
Awards/recognitions noted are from organizations recognized within the legal profession as bona fide.
No purchase was required for selection. Selection methodologies available upon request.
*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”
Partner W. Douglas Easton
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