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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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.
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Partner W. Douglas Easton
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