Newport Beach Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Newport Beach Sexual Abuse Attorney
Sexual abuse is one of the most violating experiences, and its effects can last for years after the actual abuse has ended. It can harm a survivor’s mental health, relationships, careers, and overall sense of safety in the world. A Newport Beach sexual abuse lawyer can guide a survivor through their legal rights and help them pursue justice through a civil sexual abuse case if the abuse was caused by another’s misconduct or an institution’s failure to protect.
About Easton & Easton
Easton & Easton has earned a sterling reputation for successful results, founded on integrity and good judgment. With over a century of combined personal injury litigation experience, our extended family of attorneys only represents individuals and families who have been injured, permanently disabled, or killed as a result of someone else’s wrongful conduct.
We have recovered over $100 million for clients in recent years, and have been repeatedly recognized as among Southern California’s Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, The National Trial Lawyers’ top trial lawyers, and the 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys.
Understanding Sexual Abuse Laws in California
California has some of the most survivor-centered sexual abuse laws in the nation. Sexual abuse encompasses a range of actions, including nonconsensual sexual contact and sexual assault, as well as rape and molestation, which happen through force or power imbalance.
Civil sexual abuse claims are generally based on theories of negligence, intentional wrongdoing, or institutional liability. California Civil Code section 1708.5 and related statutes provide a cause of action for survivors to bring a sexual battery and other claims for wrongful conduct.
California has also expanded statutes of limitations for sexual abuse, especially childhood sexual abuse, to provide more opportunities for survivors who may not be able to come forward until years after the abuse.
One important point for survivors to know is that a civil sexual abuse claim does not require a criminal conviction or judgment. Survivors may be able to seek financial compensation even if criminal charges were not filed or did not lead to a guilty finding.
Liability in a Sexual Abuse Case
A significant national study found that only about 34% of all sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement, suggesting that most sexual assaults remain unreported. Furthermore, 14,346 completed and attempted rapes, roughly 36.8 per 100,000 people, were reported in California in 2022.
Sexual abuse cases are often complex and involve multiple parties that may be legally responsible. While an individual who commits sexual abuse may be liable for their actions, third parties may also be liable for negligence contributing to the sexual abuse.
Schools, school districts, churches, medical facilities, youth organizations sexual abuse, employers, property owners, and care facilities are all examples of third parties that may be liable in a sexual abuse claim. A Newport Beach sexual abuse attorney can work to identify all potentially liable parties in order to fully pursue all available compensation and hold institutions accountable.
Sexual Abuse Damages
Sexual abuse survivors in Newport Beach may be entitled to significant compensation through a civil claim. The purpose of damages is to compensate for the financial and emotional harm caused by sexual abuse. Damages may come in the form of:
- Medical expenses
- Long-term therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages from time off work
- Future expenses related to the abuse
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages may also be available in cases of particularly outrageous or intentional conduct under California law. The impacts of sexual abuse can be long-lasting, so damages are determined with a full understanding of how the abuse has affected the survivor now and will continue to affect them in the future.
Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Coming forward is a deeply personal decision, and survivors are entitled to legal counsel that respects privacy, dignity, and control over the process. When you hire a sexual abuse lawyer, you have an advocate who can handle your case with care.
An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these sensitive cases, protect confidential information, and stand up to defense tactics that are designed to intimidate or discredit survivors. Legal representation also allows you to focus on your healing while an experienced team works to protect your rights.
FAQs
What Qualifies as Sexual Assault in California?
In California, sexual assault usually means nonconsensual sexual contact. It usually involves touching someone’s intimate body parts without their consent for sexual arousal, sexual abuse, or sexual gratification. Consent must be freely given and can be revoked at any time.
Sexual assault can happen when a person is forced to have unwanted sex, when a person is tricked or coerced into having unwanted sex, or when a person is unable to consent to sex due to age, intoxication, or incapacity.
How Many Sexual Assault Charges Get Dropped?
Sexual assault charges may be dropped for several reasons, such as lack of evidence, credibility of witnesses, or even prosecutorial discretion. These cases can be complicated and sensitive in nature, and the decision to move forward will vary depending on whether the prosecution has enough evidence to satisfy the burden of proof. Dropping a criminal charge does not prevent a survivor from filing a civil case.
What Evidence Is Required to Prove Assault?
Survivor testimony, medical evidence, forensic sexual assault exams, witness testimony, electronic records, and professional witnesses are all examples of evidence that can be used to prove sexual assault. Physical evidence, however, is not always necessary, especially in cases where the sexual assault did not result in physical injury to the survivor. In a civil action, the standard is that it is more likely that the sexual assault happened than did not happen.
How Much Evidence Do You Need to Be Charged?
In order to bring criminal charges, prosecutors must have a belief that there is enough evidence to demonstrate probable cause as well as a reasonable likelihood of conviction. It is not necessary to have proof beyond a reasonable doubt at the stage of charging. The evidence needed for filing charges differs from case to case based on the availability of testimony and corroborating evidence, along with the credibility of the individuals involved.
Contact Easton & Easton Today
If you were the victim of sexual abuse, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. You can hold the perpetrator accountable. Easton & Easton can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Your Story Is Important To Us.
CALL US SO WE CAN HEAR IT.
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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