Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse can leave emotional wounds that never heal. Survivors often face a lifetime of emotional distress, anxiety, shame, and relationship challenges. Friends and family members may not see the visible signs of abuse, even as every part of the survivor’s well-being is affected.

Child abuse often happens in environments where the survivors should have been safe, such as a school or a foster home. The trauma of sexual abuse can leave victims with poor self-images and low self-esteem. Healing is not linear for people who were sexually abused or assaulted. The trauma may never recede on its own without help from a therapist or another mental health practitioner.

Civil litigation offers survivors a path to justice that does not rely on the criminal justice system, although both systems of justice can run concurrently. If you were sexually abused, you have the right to hire an attorney to pursue justice through the civil courts.

Taking action through the civil courts is about more than money. It is about accountability and restoring your voice. Even if the abuse happened years ago, the law may still allow you to take action. This process can help shift the burden away from silence and place responsibility where it belongs. Working with an attorney who understands the emotional weight of these cases is essential.

You need someone who can guide you through every step without pressure, judgment, or shame. The decision to come forward is yours and yours alone. Should you choose to act, your legal team can be ready to protect your privacy and stand beside you throughout the journey.

In Los Angeles County, civil sexual abuse cases often involve more than just the individual who caused the harm. Claims can name public school districts like LAUSD, group homes in areas like South L.A., or private institutions located throughout the San Fernando Valley. These cases may involve failures by administrators, youth leaders, or supervisors who ignored red flags or covered up past misconduct.

Religious institutions in neighborhoods like Koreatown and Boyle Heights have faced scrutiny for failing to protect minors from repeated abuse. Filing a civil claim allows survivors to hold all the responsible parties accountable for the harm someone suffered from a sexual abuser. Whether the incident involves one responsible party or multiple individuals, survivors have the right under state law to demand accountability and pursue compensation for the harm they suffered.

Common Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle:

• Child Sexual Abuse 
• School Sexual Abuse 
• Clergy Sexual Abuse 
• Youth Organization Sexual Abuse 
• Youth Sports Sexual Abuse 

A civil claim can help you recover compensation for therapy costs at Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Grove, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Culver City, or the Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills. If the abuse impacted your ability to work or attend school, your claim could include lost wages or compensation for career setbacks.

Compensation is divided into two groups: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easily measurable and include things like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages can play a significant role in your claim and include compensation for the emotional harm you suffered.

If the case goes to trial, a judge or jury may award punitive damages on top of economic or non-economic damages. Compensation can support healing and recovery by giving you access to mental health services, time away from work, or a chance to reset your life.

Working with a lawyer in Los Angeles County allows you to partner with someone who has your interests at heart and understands the county’s justice system. Your lawyer can represent you in court and protect your identity through the early phases of the civil claim process. Sexual assault lawyers bring years of experience helping clients gather the evidence they need to prove that the defendant sexually abused or assaulted them.

If your case involves a large institution or group that covered up the assault, having legal representation can ensure that those groups are also held accountable for their role in your case.

Lawyers can also provide support and encouragement during a difficult time in your life. Securing a settlement or favorable trial verdict can help you heal and put a dark chapter behind you.

How Long Do You Have to Report Sexual Abuse in California?

Civil claims for childhood sexual abuse can be filed until age 40 or within five years of discovering emotional or psychological harm. For adult-on-adult sexual assault, the deadline is generally two years from the date of the incident. Criminal charges vary by offense and may have no statute of limitations if supported by DNA evidence or reported within certain timeframes.

What Legal Options Exist for Sexual Assault Survivors in Los Angeles?

Survivors may pursue civil claims for damages, including emotional distress, medical expenses, lost income, and therapy costs. Civil cases are separate from criminal prosecutions and do not require a conviction. Some survivors file both. California also allows claims against institutions for negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to prevent abuse, depending on the circumstances and supporting evidence.

What Are the Stages of Recovery After Sexual Abuse?

Common stages include crisis response, denial, recognition, processing trauma, rebuilding safety, and integration. These stages are not linear and vary by individual. Recovery may involve counseling, support groups, medical care, and establishing safe environments. Some survivors also find healing through education, advocacy, or taking legal action, but recovery does not require any specific step or timeline to be valid.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in California?

For civil cases, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can sue until age 40 or within five years of discovering harm. Adult survivors generally have two years to file. Criminal deadlines differ by offense and may be extended or eliminated in cases involving minors, recent discoveries, DNA evidence, or serious felony charges like rape or aggravated sexual assault.

Can an Organization Be Held Responsible for Allowing Sexual Abuse?

Yes. California law allows survivors to file civil claims against institutions such as schools, churches, or employers that failed to prevent abuse. This includes cases involving negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to act on credible reports. Organizations may be held financially liable if they knew, or reasonably should have known, that abuse was likely and failed to take protective action.

It takes courage to speak out about sexual abuse, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. If you or someone you love has experienced abuse in Los Angeles, you deserve experienced, compassionate attorneys who will treat your case with the care and strength it requires.

At Easton & Easton, our team of personal injury attorneys brings decades of experience to every case, always putting the survivor’s needs first. We’re here to listen and to help you pursue the accountability and compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.