San Bernardino Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
San Bernardino Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
San Bernardino offers many kid-friendly spaces, like Glen Helen Regional Park and the California Route 66 Museum. While the county is known for being a safe community in most areas, child sexual abusers often target children where parents least expect it. If your family has been affected by child sexual abuse, you can hire a San Bernardino child sexual abuse lawyer to seek justice and compensation through the court.
A Trusted Law Firm Representing Childhood Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Learning that your child was sexually abused by someone in a position of trust is every parent’s worst nightmare. For underage victims, the emotional trauma can follow them for decades or a lifetime. For those seeking closure after these horrible events, the courts can offer justice and fair compensation while holding the perpetrator accountable for the harm they caused.
The compassionate and trusted injury team at Easton & Easton understands the state’s sexual abuse laws as they relate to children. We can represent your family with discretion and compassion as we aggressively work to hold child abusers accountable in civil court. We understand that nothing can undo what you’ve been through, but we can stand with you if you decide to move forward with a civil claim.
A Closer Look at the Numbers: Child Sexual Abuse in San Bernardino
San Bernardino County is home to an estimated 563,979 children under the age of 18, which represents roughly 25.78% of the total population. While the region offers many resources for youth, troubling statistics reveal the scope of child sexual abuse in the county.
In fiscal year 2022–2023, over 500 minors received services through the Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (CASE), a county initiative focused on aiding victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Of those served, 91% were girls.
Perpetrators of child sexual abuse often face serious criminal consequences. In 2023, a federal class-action claim was filed on behalf of over 5,800 youths, alleging that San Bernardino County’s Children and Family Services repeatedly failed to protect children and placed some with known sex offenders. In 2024, a local jury awarded $33 million to a man who was abused for years by a former deputy sheriff.
What Can Our Family Be Compensated For?
Families pursuing civil claims for sexual abuse in San Bernardino may be entitled to compensation that covers economic and non-economic losses. These can include compensation for medical care, therapy, ongoing counseling, and other expenses. Non-economic damages refer to less tangible but equally important forms of harm, like emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering.
When institutions like schools, youth programs, and religious groups fail to prevent child sexual abuse or take steps to cover it up, those groups can also be held financially liable in civil court at the San Bernardino Justice Center, which is located at 247 West Third Street. Cases that involve child sexual abuse may also lead to punitive damages if the case goes to trial.
How an Attorney Can Help You in Your Pursuit of Justice
Civil cases involving child sexual abuse involve careful handling by an attorney who has worked on these types of cases. Lawyers can ask the courts to use a pseudonym for the victim so their name does not become public record. Lawyers can also gather evidence to support the claim, even when the accused is simultaneously facing detainment at West Valley Detention Center in nearby Rancho Cucamonga or elsewhere.
California’s civil sexual assault laws are generous, but an attorney can ensure that your case meets the statutes of limitations before any court documents are filed. When it comes to maximizing compensation, having an attorney can improve your chances of securing the full range of damages you are owed.
FAQs
Q: Can a Civil Claim Be Filed for Child Sexual Abuse in California?
A: Yes. California law gives survivors until age 40, or five years from discovering the emotional impact of the abuse, to file a civil claim. These cases can be brought against abusers directly and against organizations that enabled or concealed the abuse. The law applies to schools, religious groups, foster care providers, and others responsible for protecting children from harm.
Q: What Kind of Compensation Can a Survivor Receive in a Civil Claim?
A: Civil claims may result in compensation for emotional distress, therapy costs, loss of quality of life, and long-term trauma. If the abuse impacted education, relationships, or future earning capacity, those losses may be considered as well. These claims are not about punishment but about financial accountability for the harm caused and the failures that allowed it to happen.
Q: Are Religious or Youth Organizations Ever Held Responsible for Abuse?
A: Yes. When an institution fails to act on warning signs, shields abusers, or puts children in unsafe situations, it may be held liable in a civil claim. Many cases involve patterns of misconduct that were ignored or actively covered up. Civil claims can expose these failures and provide financial recovery for survivors harmed while under an institution’s care.
Q: What Steps Should You Take if You Suspect Child Sexual Abuse?
A: Report suspected abuse to law enforcement or child protective services immediately. Save any communication, records, or notes that show signs of grooming or misconduct. If a child discloses abuse, take the statement seriously and avoid asking leading questions. Early action helps ensure safety, preserve evidence, and create a record of institutional failures if one exists.
Take the First Step Toward Justice in San Bernardino
When a child is harmed, the consequences can devastate a family and ripple through an entire community. If you’re seeking accountability, the legal team at Easton & Easton can build a case against both the abuser and any institution that failed to intervene.
We understand the emotional weight these cases can carry, and our attorneys are committed to helping you hold the perpetrators and enablers of abuse accountable. Justice can come in the form of financial compensation. Winning a civil case in court can also prevent future harm to others. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.
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The superior client service Easton & Easton provides has earned the firm an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
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 is 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.
Doug and Brian Easton have been selected as Top 100 Trial Lawyers for California each year since 2014 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.
Brian and Matt Easton were recently honored for their efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client in 2016, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California by TopVerdict.com.
Doug and Brian have each been selected by Super Lawyers, an honor given to less than 5% of attorneys. Matt Easton has been selected among Super Lawyers' Up-and-Coming Top 25 in Orange County and Top 100 in Southern California, an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys under 40 years old.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen as one of the "10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms” in all of Southern California" each year Since 2015 based on client satisfaction — one of the highest honors we could ever hope to achieve.
Easton & Easton received the “People Love Us On Yelp” award in 2016 due to the exceptional client satisfaction reviews given by our clients over the years.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been featured as Premier 100 Trial Attorneys for California since 2015 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Brian and Matt Easton have each earned lifetime appointment to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — The Top Trial Lawyers in AmericaTM through the results achieved for their clients. This is an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys in the United States.
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, and is based on the legal profession’s oldest peer review rating system, dating back to 1887.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been chosen as one of the "10 Best" Personal Injury Attorneys in Southern California each year since 2015 based on client satisfaction, an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys - and Easton & Easton houses three of them.
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 certain number of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board.
Matt Easton has been selected each year since 2014 as one of the Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40 for California by The National Trial Lawyers — an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.
Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 based on their skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews.
Matt Easton has been selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys Under 40 in California for 2015 by the National Association of Personal Injury Attorneys — an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys under the age of 40.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been selected by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel among the Nation's Top One Percent of Attorneys each year since 2017.
“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
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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