Child Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Los Angeles

Experienced & Proven Legal Representation for California Childhood Sexual Abuse Victims

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Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is an abhorrent crime that can cause devastating trauma and leave lifelong scars. Children are our most precious resource, and their safety should be our utmost priority. But the crime of child sexual abuse happens far too often than the public may realize, and the effects can be unimaginable.

When the unthinkable happens, and a child becomes a victim of sexual abuse, it’s crucial to have a compassionate and skilled sexual abuse lawyer by your side. Dordulian Law Group’s dedicated professionals have decades of experience getting justice for child sexual abuse survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. The importance of securing experienced legal representation to support you or your loved one throughout the aftermath of child sexual abuse cannot be overstated.

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Understanding Child Sexual Abuse and California Child Protection Laws

Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime that encompasses any sexual activity involving a minor, including physical contact, exploitation, and exposure to sexual content. California has strict laws in place to protect children from such abuse and to punish offenders.

California’s child protection laws are designed to safeguard minors from various forms of abuse, including sexual abuse. These laws outline mandatory reporting requirements for certain professionals, establish penalties for offenders, and provide guidelines for child welfare services.

One significant aspect of California law that affects sexual abuse cases is the statute of limitations. In recent years, California made two substantial changes to both extend and eliminate the time limits for filing civil lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse (depending on when the crime occurred):

  • AB 452 Justice for Survivors Act: As of 2024, the deadline for filing a California child sexual abuse civil lawsuit has been eliminated. For childhood sex abuse crimes occurring after January 1, 2024, there is no longer a statute of limitations in effect. In other words, survivors harmed after the law took effect in 2024 are now able to pursue justice whenever they feel comfortable coming forward.
  • AB 218 California Child Victims Act: This law took effect on January 1, 2020, and it allows survivors whose crime occurred prior to 2024 to file civil lawsuits until they turn 40 years old or within five years of discovering an injury resulting from the abuse, such as PTSD (whichever date is later).

This combination of extending and eliminating – depending on the date of the crime – the statute of limitations has opened doors for many survivors who previously thought their opportunity for justice had passed. Additionally, this type of landmark legislation marks a significant step forward in recognizing the complex nature of childhood sexual abuse and the extended time it often takes for survivors to come forward.

The Impact of Child Sexual Abuse

The effects of child sexual abuse can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Survivors may experience a range of psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms, including:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Substance abuse issues
  • Difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships
  • Low self-esteem and self-worth
  • Physical health problems

Understanding these impacts is crucial for both legal professionals and support systems. It underscores the importance of seeking justice and obtaining the resources necessary for healing and recovery.

Sadly, statistics on childhood sexual abuse likely represent an underestimate of the true prevalence of this unspeakable crime. Child sexual abuse is one of the most commonly unreported crimes (or survivors may take years or even decades to eventually come forward).

The most recent California and US statistics related to child sexual abuse include:

  • It is estimated that more than 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their perpetrators. In fact, more than half of child sexual abuse predators are family members.
  • Over 50,000 reports of child sex abuse crimes were recorded in California in 2020.
  • Youth who are sexually abused are actually five times more likely to suffer adverse mental health or physical health effects.
  • One in five cases of child sexual abuse involves a victim under the age of eight.
  • 44% of all rape victims are children.
  • Children victimized by sexual predators are three times more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their lives (with that risk only increasing as the survivor becomes older).

Given these troubling statistics, it’s important for survivors of child sexual abuse to consider pursuing justice against their perpetrators.

When seeking legal representation for a child sexual abuse case, it’s crucial to find an attorney with specific experience in this area of law. D Law Group’s specialized child sexual abuse lawyers and SAJE Team professionals have over a century of combined experience. Here are some key factors and advantages our dedicated team offers:

  • Experience: Our team has successfully handled countless child sexual abuse cases, with a 98% success rate and over $200 million in settlements and verdicts secured for clients like you.
  • Compassion: Sexual abuse cases are emotionally charged. Our attorneys are empathetic and supportive throughout every step of the legal process.
  • Resources: Child sexual abuse cases often require extensive investigation and expert testimony. Our team has access to the necessary resources, including investigators, forensic experts, subject matter experts, and medical professionals.
  • Communication skills: Our child sex abuse attorneys are available 24/7 to explain complex legal concepts clearly and keep you informed throughout every step of your case.

Child sexual abuse cases require a unique set of skills and knowledge. Our lawyers specialize in this area and are experts in every aspect of the litigation process:

  • The specific laws and statutes related to child sexual abuse in California
  • The psychological impact of abuse on children and how it may affect their testimony
  • Techniques for interviewing child witnesses sensitively and effectively
  • The latest research and expert witnesses in the field of child sexual abuse

D Law Group’s specialized knowledge can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case (and in minimizing additional trauma during the legal process).

Your D Law Group California sexual abuse lawyer plays a crucial role in advocating for you and seeking justice. Your attorney’s responsibilities may include:

– Investigating the Abuse Allegations: Your D Law Group sex crimes attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the abuse allegations. This may involve interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and working with law enforcement agencies to build a strong case.

The investigation process might include:

  • Reviewing medical records and police reports
  • Identifying and interviewing potential witnesses
  • Collecting and preserving physical evidence
  • Consulting with experts in child psychology, forensics, or other relevant fields

– Building a Strong Case for the Victim: Using the evidence gathered, your lawyer will construct a compelling case that demonstrates the abuse occurred and the impact it has had on you as a survivor. This may involve working with expert witnesses, such as psychologists or medical professionals, to provide testimony about the effects of the abuse.

– Navigating the Legal Process: The legal system can be complex and intimidating, especially for survivors of sexual abuse. Your attorney will guide you through each step of the process, explaining your rights and options, and representing your interests in court.

Our specialized sexual abuse lawyer team’s guidance may include:

  • Explaining legal terminology and procedures in clear, understandable language
  • Preparing you for depositions, court appearances, and potential cross-examination
  • Handling all communications with the defendant’s legal team
  • Advising you on when to accept a settlement offer or proceed to trial

While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by sexual abuse, financial compensation can help survivors access necessary resources for healing and recovery. Your D Law Group sexual abuse lawyer will work to secure maximum compensation for all available damages.

Types of compensation that may be sought include:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Counseling and therapy expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
  • Prescription drug expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Reduced quality of life/diminished enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages (in some cases)
  • Reduced self-esteem

Justice through maximum financial compensation is possible after child sexual abuse. Contact D Law Group’s compassionate and proven attorneys at (866)GO-SEE-SAM today for your free and confidential consultation.

Understanding the legal process can help survivors and their families prepare for what lies ahead.

Here’s an overview of what to expect:

  • Filing a Civil Lawsuit: Your attorney will file a complaint in civil court, outlining the allegations and the damages sought. The defendant will have an opportunity to respond to these allegations, and if a cash settlement cannot be reached, D Law Group’s child sexual abuse lawyers will fight for your right to justice in court.

The steps in filing a civil lawsuit typically include:

  • Drafting and filing the complaint
  • Serving the complaint to the defendant
  • Waiting for the defendant’s response
  • Entering the discovery phase, where both sides gather evidence
  • Demanding monetary compensation (potentially through mediation)
  • Taking the case to trial if necessary

In many instances, there may be both criminal and civil cases related to the abuse. These are separate proceedings, and the outcome of a criminal case does not necessarily impact the civil case. In fact, many criminal cases that do not lead to a conviction still result in a successful civil lawsuit for the survivor.

Key differences between criminal and civil cases include:

  • Burden of proof: Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” while civil cases use a “preponderance of evidence” standard. This means that the evidential standard for civil cases is lower, and higher percentage of these lawsuits are successful when compared to criminal trials.
  • Penalties: Criminal cases can result in imprisonment, while civil cases typically result in monetary compensation for the survivor.
  • Control: The state prosecutes criminal cases, while the victim has more control in civil cases.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions About California Child Sexual Abuse)

What is the statute of limitations for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit in California?

As of 2024, the AB 452 Justice for Survivors Act eliminates the statute of limitations for California child sex crimes which occur on or after January 1, 2024. For crimes occurring before 2024, the California Child Victims Act allows survivors to file civil lawsuits until they turn 40 years old or within five years of discovering an injury the abuse, whichever is later. These new laws allow many survivors more time to come forward and seek justice.

D Law Group’s sexual abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. Our No Win/No Fee Guarantee means there’s never any upfront cost of financial risk to you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay; it’s that simple.

Yes, thanks to recent changes in California law, many survivors can now file lawsuits even if the abuse occurred years or decades ago. The best way to determine if you can file a lawsuit is to consult with D Law Group’s experienced California sexual abuse lawyers.

Compensation in sexual abuse cases may include damages for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. The specific types and amounts of compensation will depend on the individual circumstances of each case.

The duration of a sexual abuse lawsuit can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, whether it settles or goes to trial, and other factors. Some cases may resolve in a matter of months, while others can take years. Your D Law Group sexual abuse attorney can give you a better estimate based on the specifics of your case.

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