Aliso Viejo Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Aliso Viejo Sexual Abuse Attorney
An Aliso Viejo sexual abuse lawyer represents survivors who have been hurt, abused, or exploited in a manner that took advantage of them, or happened in a place where trust and security were expected. Cases of sexual abuse can be particularly complex, personal, and challenging to come forward about in a timely manner.
The traumatic nature of these cases involves multiple legal concerns, such as institutional and employer liability, because the abuse occurred and should have been prevented. California legal provisions allow survivors to pursue justice against perpetrators who committed abuse even after many years. At Easton & Easton, we help survivors review their legal options and pursue civil claims carefully, with discretion and respect.
Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The attorneys at Easton & Easton have over 100 years of combined experience litigating complex and sensitive civil cases on behalf of individuals throughout Orange County. We represent individuals in sexual abuse claims against institutions, employers, and others who failed to prevent them from being harmed.
We investigate these matters thoroughly and respectfully and are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of our clients while relying on evidence to guide our advocacy. The attorneys at our firm have been named Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers for their work in high-stakes litigation.
When Sexual Abuse May Be Addressed Through a Civil Claim
Sexual abuse can be the basis for a civil claim when the survivor demonstrates that another party’s conduct or inaction caused injury. Civil claims are independent of any criminal prosecution and aim to determine responsibility and provide relief to victims instead of punishing the offender.
Civil cases may be brought on behalf of adults or children who have suffered sexual abuse, as well as on behalf of those who were neglected. Statistics demonstrate the prevalence of sexual abuse. In 2020, roughly 10% of child abuse claims filed in California were for sexual abuse.
Rape or attempted rape has affected a substantial fraction of people at some point in their lives, including nearly one in five women and roughly one in 31 men. These statistics only account for reported assaults, so the extent of injuries caused is likely more widespread. Survivors often seek civil justice to gain recourse for the long-term personal and monetary damages caused by abuse.
Institutional and Third-Party Responsibility in Sexual Abuse Cases
Sexual abuse survivors may also pursue civil action against institutions and third parties who allowed the abuse to happen. Schools, youth organizations, churches, employers, and landlords may be held liable if they allowed children to be sexually abused on their watch or ignored warning signs that abuse may occur. In California, survivors can pursue legal action against their perpetrators by filing civil claims.
Recent laws in California that have allowed survivors to seek justice through the court system include AB 218, which extended time limits for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a claim, AB 2777, which expanded the time to file certain civil claims involving sexual assault and lengthened the time that some time-barred claims could go forward, and AB 250, which expands civil options for certain sexual assault claims and related accountability.
Privacy, Confidentiality, and Survivor Protections in Civil Abuse Claims
Civil sexual abuse claims often require disclosure of private facts about survivors’ lives. California law contains several privacy protections for survivors. Courts can allow parties to file documents using only the survivor’s initials, seal files, or issue protective orders to prevent further dissemination of private information.
Records, testimony, and discovery may be handled confidentially. In some cases, survivors can decide what information is released and when, especially when the claim names an institution or multiple defendants. Privacy rights for survivors are balanced with the court’s need to properly assess the facts and apportion liability.
FAQs
Does a Civil Sexual Abuse Case Require a Criminal Conviction?
In a civil sexual abuse claim, there is no need to have been criminally convicted or even criminally charged. Civil litigation has a different burden of proof and deals with matters of liability rather than criminal guilt. You can file a civil claim even if the police never investigated your abuse, or if criminal charges were never filed, or if the case did not proceed.
Can a Survivor File a Claim Years After the Abuse Occurred?
In California, many survivors can file civil sexual abuse claims years after the abuse happened. This is especially true in childhood sexual abuse cases. Amendments to California law have opened new windows of opportunity for filing claims.
In some cases, these changes have revived claims that would have otherwise been time-barred. Whether your claim is still timely depends on many facts related to your age at the time of the abuse and discovery.
How Do Courts Address Abuse Involving Multiple Victims or Patterns of Conduct?
Sexual abuse cases brought in Aliso Viejo are often heard in the Orange County Superior Court. Evidence demonstrating recurring abuse patterns or multiple victims may be admissible in some cases, depending on the purpose for which it is offered and applicable evidentiary rules.
Although every survivor’s claim is judged on its individual merits, pattern evidence may be significant to prove foreseeability, institutional liability, and credibility.
Why Is Prior Abuse Relevant in Sexual Exploitation Cases?
Previous abuse may be admissible because it can show vulnerability and failure to protect. For example, the Judicial Council of California has noted research that 70% to 90% of children who were victims of commercial sexual exploitation had prior sexual abuse before being commercially sexually exploited. Linkage is often investigated during civil actions involving trafficking, institutional negligence, or failure to protect.
Contact an Aliso Viejo Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse claims are uniquely personal. A civil claim can allow a survivor to hold accountable the person or organization that caused or allowed the abuse to happen, even if the abuse happened many years ago. Survivors of sexual abuse have increased access to the courts and stronger protections under California law.
Easton & Easton handles sexual abuse claims for survivors in Aliso Viejo with compassion and discretion. We investigate every claim thoroughly and advocate zealously for survivors’ rights, treating every survivor with respect and empowering them to decide how to pursue accountability from the parties who are responsible under California law. Schedule a consultation today to hire a sexual abuse lawyer.
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“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
What Our Clients Say
“Client testimonials reflect individual experiences; results vary. No guarantee of outcome.”
Coming out of my first auto accident as an adult, a very difficult and scary time to navigate and understand, I was so incredibly thankful to have been put in contact with Easton & Easton. I honestly was lost with how to handle paperwork, doctors, medical costs and what next steps were, and from the moment I spoke with Travis Easton and my case manager Katie, my mind was put at ease. They have made the entire process stress free for me as I recovered, and I am so grateful for them and their genuine care for my case. Communication from the start has been fantastic, especially making clear what my expectations for the entire process would look like, and I truly believe they have my best interest at heart. 100% I would recommend their firm for anyone that is needing representation! Read more…
My experience with Easton & Easton has been amazing! Gabriel Mendoza and my case manager Katie have been so helpful and taken so much stress off my plate. They’ve been super informative and honest and given me very clear expectations. They’ve taken such a terrible experience (my accident) and eased my mind about the outcome. I can’t thank them enough!! Read more…
Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…
The Easton & Easton Law Firm is amazing! The entire team is very helpful and caring. They were always there to answer all my questions. They directed me through the entire process and stayed with me every step of the way. This team is outstanding and were wonderful to work with. Because of the tremendous effort they put on my case they were able to win my difficult personal injury case. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to handle my case. They are the Best! Thank you for your patience, professionalism, & guidance! I definitely recommend this firm to handle your case. They go out of their way to fight for your rights. THANK YOU… Read more…
I could not be more pleased with the services provided by the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton. The senior partner Mr. Easton took the time to meet with me and my wife while I was still in the hospital, where he gave my family hope that there was light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel. Matt Easton then worked my case, and because of his dedication, experience and expertise I received a settlement that was larger than I EVER thought possible. It was truly astounding! Matt and the entire team at Easton & Easton looked out for me throughout my recovery, and in the end they gave me my life back. Five stars is not enough. Thanks Matt! Thanks Easton & Easton! Read more…
Brian and everyone at Easton and Easton are simply the BEST at what they do. Brian is thorough, easy to talk to, and truly cares about his clients. If you want a family of attorneys with perseverance and determination to fight for you, give Easton and Easton a call. I am glad I did. Read more…
What an amazing law firm, talk about going above and beyond to make such a painful experience go so well. I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had. Read more…
I can’t say enough amazing things about my experience with Travis Easton at Easton & Easton. Travis and his entire team (Katie, Amy, Dee, Michelle, & Araceli) are phenomenal. It provided me a lot of comfort to know I was being so well taken care of. I was especially impressed that every document for the case was perfectly written and specific to me. Nothing was generic, which shows the level of care and attention they put into each individual case. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend Travis Easton and his firm to anyone going through a personal injury. Travis took a bad situation and made the best of it for me. Thank you again, I’m forever grateful!!
-Allee
Retaining Easton and Easton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the initial consultation to our final meeting, they were nothing short of exceptional. I was forced to retain their services after firing my previous attorney for not handling the case properly. I dealt with Gabriel and Brian (partner) exclusively throughout the case. They did as promised and were great communicators throughout the entire process. I will recommend them to anyone I know going through a personal injury case. They were ultimately able to untangle the mess caused by my previous lawyer and get a result that I was extremely happy with. Their staff is exceptional as well and provided top notch customer service. Amera was also extremely helpful and easy to deal with as well.
I was in a pretty bad car accident and decided to have Easton & Easton represent me, Travis Easton to be specific. Travis Easton and his paralegal made the whole process effortless. They were so understanding and helpful! The entire thing was a gigantic mess, yet Travis managed to make it run like clockwork. I would HIGHLY recommend Easton & Easton! If you are ever in need of a personal defense attorney Easton & Easton is the firm to represent you!
They are the best law firm in Orange County period. Choosing them to represent me was the best decision of my life.
My life changed in a matter of seconds after a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me disabled. Brian Easton and his team worked on my case non stop for 3 years and provided me the justice I deserved. I couldn’t have been more content.
I was treated with utmost respect and I felt like I was being represented by a close family member. The responses to my questions were quick and clear. What E & E has done for me is phenomenal.
My sincere thanks to Brian, Matt, Travis, Doug, Gabriel and Amera. They are what they are because of their dedication to provide high quality and professional service to their clients.
Brian Easton and his team, Gabe Mendoza and Amera Hajali, helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had a significant injury from a car accident, and wound up seeking out Easton & Easton when I was having difficulties getting help from my doctors. The Easton team took a lot of stress off of me while acting as my advocates to help me get the care I needed, and saw my case all the way through to a healthy settlement.
They are the BEST!
I have nothing but good things to say about Easton and Easton. Brian handled my case professionally and communicated with me effectively throughout the process. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands free as possible. This was super important for my busy schedule. I highly recommend Easton and Easton if you are ever found in a situation that you need an attorney.
I would highly recommend Easton & Easton.
I was rear ended on my home and pushed into a semi-truck. I was not sure how to go about even using an attorney.
Brian, Gab and Amera were so good about helping me thru the process and representing me.
I was able to concentrate on getting myself better knowing they had my back, taking care of the details and keeping me informed along the way
The best Law firm by far. I would highly recommend Easton & Easton, LLP and ask for Gabriel Mendoza and staff. He and his colleagues did and exceptional service. Thank you for everything. Job well done!
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