Surviving sexual abuse changes every part of your life and can cause emotional and physical wounds that take time and support to heal. With your California sexual abuse lawyer from JSM Injury Firm APC, you have a powerful advocate who understands what it takes to hold both abusers and institutions responsible. Your California personal injury lawyer, and a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, will stand beside you with the skill and determination to help you seek justice through civil action.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a California Sexual Abuse Case
Sexual Abuse Often Leads to Long-Term Physical and Emotional Trauma
What to Expect When Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in California
Contact a Compassionate Sexual Abuse Attorney in California Today
Survivors of sexual abuse have the right to seek justice from both the abusers and the parties who failed to prevent or report the misconduct. Liability can extend to multiple entities that neglected their duty to protect others. Your California sexual abuse attorney with JSM Injury Firm APC can help identify every party responsible for what you have endured.
Abusers may be held personally liable for assault and battery as well as for causing emotional distress under California Civil Code § 52.4. Civil action allows survivors to pursue damages for the physical and psychological impact of the abuse. By taking legal action against all responsible parties, you may be able to hold them accountable through the civil and criminal justice systems.
Workplaces, schools, churches, and youth organizations may be responsible when they fail to conduct adequate background checks or respond appropriately to complaints. These entities have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for those in their care. When they neglect that responsibility, they can be held liable for the resulting abuse.
Certain commercial properties may share responsibility when negligent security contributes to an assault. Issues like insufficient lighting or unqualified security staff can create unsafe conditions that endanger visitors. If we pursue a claim against these parties, we can seek damages that encourage stronger safety measures and greater protection for future guests or residents.
Survivors may also bring claims against public agencies under the California Government Claims Act. Claims connected to public schools or other agencies must be filed within a shorter timeframe than private lawsuits. If you file a claim more quickly, you may be able to protect your rights and give your case the opportunity to be fully reviewed.
Sexual abuse can cause deep wounds that affect both your body and your mind. California Civil Code § 1708.5 establishes civil liability for sexual battery and allows survivors to seek compensation for the full extent of their injuries. These damages can cover medical treatment and therapy as well as the emotional distress tied to the trauma you have endured. Here are some of the most common long-term effects survivors may experience:
Survivors who sustain a catastrophic injury as a result of sexual assault may also qualify for additional compensation. These claims can include coverage for long-term medical care and rehabilitation that address ongoing needs and support overall well-being.
Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit can feel daunting, but the process is designed to protect your privacy and give you a voice. California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.16 extends the statute of limitations for survivors, which gives you more time to come forward and seek justice. Throughout the proceedings, your identity and testimony are treated with the utmost care to maintain your confidentiality and safety.
Every sexual abuse case in California follows a structured process that focuses on both justice and survivor protection. These steps help ensure your story is heard while minimizing the potential for re-traumatization. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) also provides victim services that can offer guidance and emotional support throughout your case. Before beginning this process, it helps to understand the key stages involved in pursuing a civil claim:
Compensation in sexual abuse cases is about justice and ensuring that survivors have access to the care and resources needed to overcome the effects of trauma and begin rebuilding their lives. It allows survivors to access therapy and medical treatment that support their physical and emotional well-being after conditions such as a brain injury. These resources help create stability and provide a sense of safety while you are still healing.
Holding offenders and negligent institutions financially responsible can create actual change that helps prevent future abuse and improves protections for others. Compensation may also help cover counseling or rehabilitation so survivors can continue their recovery and regain control of their future.
You deserve an attorney who listens, believes you, and treats your story with the respect it deserves. Selected for inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, our firm is known for standing beside survivors and protecting their privacy throughout the legal process. Your sexual abuse lawyer in California from JSM Injury Firm APC will fight for the justice you have every right to pursue. Contact us today to take the next step toward holding those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law.