Despite its common rate of occurrence, sexual assault is not properly discussed or understood. One in five women are estimated to experience some form of sexual violence during college (while approximately one in 20 boys will be victimized before age 18). In the United States, the following troubling statistics reported by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) shed light on the scope of the problem and how it impacts both men and women:
Sexual assault can cause long-lasting trauma and numerous adverse health effects. But with the #MeToo Movement making headlines in recent years, more and more survivors are choosing to explore their options for getting justice through civil actions.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault in Los Angeles, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Dordulian Law Group’s experienced LA sexual assault lawyers can provide the support and guidance you need to navigate the complex legal system and secure the justice you deserve.
Justice through healing and accountability often begins with reaching out for professional legal assistance and filing a sexual assault civil lawsuit. Unlike criminal cases, a civil action can empower sexual assault survivors through the recovery of financial compensation for damages.
Your sexual assault case demands a deep understanding of the law as well a compassionate approach prioritizing your well-being. Securing skilled legal representation from D Law Group’s Los Angeles sexual assault attorneys means our dedicated team is here to advocate for you 24/7. We are always available to clients and apply the utmost compassion, discretion, and professionalism to each and every case we take on.
California law defines sexual assault as any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. This can include a wide range of offenses, from inappropriate touching to rape. It’s important to note that sexual assault can occur between strangers, acquaintances, or even within intimate relationships.
Some common types of sexual assault offenses in California include:
The statutes of limitations for sexual assault lawsuits in California have recently undergone significant changes.
Sexual assault cases in Los Angeles often lead to civil lawsuits, with survivors choosing to pursue justice and financial compensation against responsible perpetrators and institutions.
Claims can be brought as a result of a number of different types of sexual assault, which is typically an umbrella term that includes crimes such as rape, sexual abuse, child molestation, sexual battery, forced penetration, teacher sexual assault, doctor sexual abuse, and workplace sexual harassment.
But California law also stipulates that sexual assault is not always physical, as instances of exploitation of an individual, image-based sexual abuse, deepfake porn, and revenge porn are also common. This broad definition recognizes that sexual assault can take many forms and occur in various settings, from private homes to public spaces and workplaces.
One of the most important things to consider when bringing your sexual assault lawsuit is the statute of limitations in California for these types of cases. Over the past few years, changes in legislation have extended the time limits for filing civil lawsuits related to both childhood and adult sexual assault.
"*" indicates required fields
Let’s review the statutes of limitations for Los Angeles sexual assault claims in more detail.
California AB 452: As of January 1, 2024, the statute of limitations for filing a childhood sexual assault civil lawsuit has been eliminated under the Justice for Survivors Act. Considered to be landmark legislation which will serve as a beacon for the rest of the nation, California AB 452 removes the deadline for filing child sexual assault claims in an effort to give survivors the time they need to pursue justice.
For child sexual assault crimes which occurred before 2024, survivors still have until age 40 (or five years from the discovery of an injury like PTSD due to the assault) to file a civil claim. This extension acknowledges the complex nature of sexual assault trauma and the time it often takes for childhood sexual assault survivors to process their experiences and come forward.
California AB 2777: As of January 1, 2023, California’s Sexual Assault And Cover-Up Accountability Act provides a three-year window for adult survivors of sexual assault to file civil claims for financial damages due to sex crimes occurring after January 1, 2009. AB 2777 was extended to cover California survivors of adult sexual assault whose claims would have otherwise been barred by the statute of limitations.
Through the end of 2026, you may file your adult sexual assault case for a crime taking place after 2009. To speak with a Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer from D Law Group for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation, call (866) GO-SEE-SAM now.
When processing trauma from sexual assault, a skilled and compassionate legal advocate from D Law Group can make a significant difference in your journey towards justice and healing. Our Los Angeles sexual assault lawyers are here to stand by your side and work tirelessly to protect your rights:
D Law Group’s Los Angeles SAJE Team (Sexual Abuse Justice Experts) is made up of a four-division group of specialists:
Here’s how our dedicated team is available 24/7 to assist you:
Understanding the legal process can help you feel more prepared and empowered as you seek justice. Here’s an overview of what you can expect when filing your Los Angeles sexual assault claim:
– Reporting the Assault to Law Enforcement: While not required to pursue a civil case, reporting the assault to law enforcement can be an important step in seeking justice and potentially preventing future assaults. If you’re unsure of whether you’re comfortable reporting to the police, our sexual assault lawyers can guide you through this process, provide advice, and help protect your rights and best interests.
– Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Assault Cases: It’s important to understand the difference between criminal and civil sexual assault cases. Criminal cases are pursued by the state to punish the offender, while civil cases are filed by the victim to seek compensation for damages. You can pursue a civil case regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or what the outcome of a criminal trial may be.
– Steps Involved in Filing an LA Sexual Assault Civil Lawsuit
The process of filing a civil lawsuit typically involves:
– Proving Sexual Assault in Court: In a civil case, the burden of proof is lower than in a criminal case. Your D Law Group attorney will work to prove that it’s more likely than not the assault occurred and that you suffered damages as a result. This can be done through various forms of evidence, including medical records, witness testimony, and expert opinions.
– Potential Outcomes and Settlements: Sexual assault cases can result in various outcomes, including settlements negotiated out of court or verdicts rendered after a trial. Our lawyers will work to secure the best possible outcome for your specific situation.
Selecting the right attorney to represent you in your sexual assault case is a critical decision that could determine the outcome of your claim. Finding a lawyer with decades of experience specializing in this area of law is strongly recommended.
At D Law Group, we are led by a former sex crimes prosecutor and member of RAINN’s National Leadership Council, Los Angeles sexual attorney attorney Sam Dordulian.
Some of the advantages we offer clients include:
Our team of sexual assault attorneys is dedicated, understanding, and experienced in handling these sensitive cases. We’re available 24/7 to provide you with consistent communication while ensuring you feel comfortable throughout evert step of your case.
Our proven track record of success in sexual assault cases is unparalleled:
In addition to our expert legal support, we are dedicated to helping make important outside resources available to sexual assault survivors in Los Angeles, including:
Your D Law Group Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer can help connect you with these resources to ensure you receive comprehensive support throughout your recovery journey.
When navigating the aftermath of sexual assault, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this process. Seeking help from our qualified and proven Los Angeles sexual assault lawyers can be a powerful step towards healing and justice.
We are available 24/7 via (866) GO-SEE-SAM and can provide the legal expertise and support you need to navigate this challenging time and work towards a more positive future.
If you experienced a sexual assault incident, don’t wait to file a claim. Contact our expert attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
“I was highly recommended to contact The Dordulian Law Group. The Dordulian Law Group has been amazing to work with from start to finish. They are very professional, and transparent. They genuinely care about their clients and are truly knowledgeable. Durning the time I had questions, they were quick to answer and explained it to me thoroughly. I put my trust in The Dordulian Law Group, and I am 100% satisfied with the outcome of my case. The ability to negotiate a settlement efficiently has been invaluable.
I am highly recommending The Dordulian Law Group to anyone needing a personal injury attorney.
Just Remember “(866) GO-SEE-SAM”
