Newport Beach Youth Sports Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Newport Beach Youth Sports Sexual Abuse Attorney

Youth sports are supposed to build teamwork, confidence, and character. When sexual abuse happens in a youth sports program, though, it can cause immeasurable harm and lasting trauma for young athletes and their families. An experienced Newport Beach youth sports sexual abuse lawyer can guide a family through the process of holding an offender accountable and protecting children from further abuse.

Experienced Newport Beach Youth Sports Sexual Abuse Lawyer

About Easton & Easton

Easton & Easton is a family-owned personal injury law firm with over 100 years of combined litigation experience representing victims of serious misconduct across Orange County. Our attorneys have secured over $100 million for clients in recent years and are consistently ranked among Southern California’s Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and The National Trial Lawyers’ Top Trial Lawyers.

We regularly handle cases in the Orange County Superior Court, Newport Beach Justice Complex, and other jurisdictions. When youth sports organizations fail to keep young athletes safe, Easton & Easton can help families fight for justice.

Understanding Youth Sports Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in youth sports can occur when a coach, trainer, volunteer, or other adult in a position of authority sexually abuses a minor who is participating in a sports program. These cases center around young athletes who obey adults because they hold power over their playing time, as well as advancement and scholarship opportunities.

Sexual abuse in youth sports may take place during practice, in private one-on-one training sessions, at travel tournaments, when an offender is given access to a locker room, or during overnight competitions. Grooming behavior is common and may include showing favoritism, spending excessive one-on-one time, inappropriately touching an athlete while coaching, or engaging in emotional manipulation to make a child afraid to report abuse.

Youth Sports Sexual Abuse Laws

At least one in four girls and one in 20 boys in the United States experienced sexual abuse as children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Someone the child or a member of their family knows and trusts, including those in sports programs, perpetrates 90% of child sexual abuse.

California law is clear that youth sports organizations have a duty to protect children from reasonably foreseeable harm. This includes duties to properly screen coaches and volunteers, adopt and enforce safety policies, supervise coaches and athletes, and promptly respond to complaints and warning signs of abuse.

California Code of Civil Procedure section 340.1 allows survivors of child sexual abuse to bring civil claims well after they turn 18, recognizing that most children do not disclose sexual abuse for years. These civil claims can name both the individual who committed the abuse and the youth sports league, club, or organization that should have prevented the abuse from happening.

Liability in a Youth Sports Sexual Abuse Claim

Civil liability for sexual abuse often can be apportioned to multiple responsible parties, and a claim may name:

Adult sports staff members who personally perpetrated the abuse
Youth sports leagues or clubs that failed to supervise or prevent abuse
Youth sports administrators and directors who failed to respond to signs of abuse
State or national governing bodies with oversight responsibilities
Affiliated organizations that exercised control or direction over the program

Many adults in these positions of power are required to report signs of abuse, even if they have not participated in the abuse itself. This is outlined under mandatory reporting laws. Naming an organization as a defendant in a civil claim can be an important step toward preventing abuse and protecting other young athletes from harm.

What to Do if Your Child Was Abused in Youth Sports

The immediate protection of your child’s safety and welfare should be your top concern if you suspect they experienced sexual abuse through a youth sports program. Counseling or medical care may be important, and reporting the abuse to the appropriate authorities can help keep other athletes safe. From a legal perspective, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help preserve evidence and ensure your family’s legal options are fully explored.

California law generally allows children and families to file civil claims long after abuse has occurred, so even if the abuse happened years ago, your family may still have a legal right to compensation. A Newport Beach youth sports sexual abuse attorney can explain the process with sensitivity and clarity.

FAQs

What Responsibilities Do Youth Sports Organizations in Newport Beach Have to Protect Athletes From Sexual Abuse?

Youth sports organizations in Newport Beach have a duty to exercise reasonable care to protect young athletes from sexual abuse. This may include screening, training, and supervision of coaches and volunteers, implementing and enforcing safety policies, monitoring one-on-one interactions, and taking swift action on complaints or red flags. Negligent youth sports organizations in Newport Beach may be held civilly liable for their conduct.

How Can a Lawyer Help Investigate and Prove Abuse Within a Youth Sports Program?

Lawyers can perform their own independent investigation by examining the organization’s policies, personnel files, and previous complaints, as well as by interviewing witnesses and professionals. They also partner with trauma-informed professionals to document the harm, identify patterns of negligence or cover-ups, and link the abuse to the organization’s failures. This evidence serves as the foundation to create a valid civil claim.

What Warning Signs May Indicate a Child Has Experienced Sexual Abuse by a Coach or Volunteer?

Warning signs may include sudden changes in behavior, anxiety before or after practices or games, withdrawal, depression, sleep problems, unexplained injuries, or knowledge of sexual acts that are unusual for a child’s age. Some kids also avoid certain coaches or are fearful but won’t say why. While individual signs are not proof of abuse, behavioral patterns or changes should always raise concerns.

How Long Do Survivors and Their Families Have to File a Civil Claim for Youth Sports Sexual Abuse in California?

In California, childhood sexual abuse survivors generally have until age 40, or five years from when they discover the psychological impact of the sexual abuse, to file a civil claim. While these extended statutes of limitations are due to the time it takes many survivors to come forward, there are many benefits to acting quickly so that evidence is preserved and a case is strong.

Hire a Youth Sports Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

If your child was sexually abused in a youth sports program, hire a youth sports sexual abuse lawyer at Easton & Easton as soon as possible. We can help you fight for justice while protecting your privacy. Contact us today for a consultation.

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Firm Awards

Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements in Los Angeles

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.

Number 1 Paraplegia Settlement California 2024

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

Number 1 Rollover case Accident Settlement California 2025

Number 1 Bicycle Accident Settlement California 2024

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%.

10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms in all of Southern California

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.

Personal Injury Settlements United States 2024

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.

Number 1 Bicycle Accident Settlement Los Angeles 2023

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.

The National Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40

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.

Nation's Premier Top Ten Attorney Personal Injury

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).

Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California 2016

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.

Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer | Costa Mesa Auto Accident Attorney | Catastrophic Injuries

“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…

Sara McClelland

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…

Caila Dean

Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…

Lisa Bluemel

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…

Sofia Sanchez

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…

Dan Campbell

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…

Kyle Keith

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…

Logan Ross

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

Ashlee A.

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.

Jeffrey N.

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!

Mark B.

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.

Vamsi P.

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!

Jennifer P.

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.

Claudia C.

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

Linda M.

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!

Ericka P.