Content Warning: This page discusses sexual abuse and assault.
Sexual abuse and assault survivors deserve justice, accountability, and compensation. Our attorneys provide compassionate, confidential representation for survivors pursuing civil claims against perpetrators and institutions that enabled abuse. We understand the courage it takes to come forward and are committed to supporting you through every step of the legal process.
Types of sexual abuse cases we handle:
Workplace sexual harassment and assault: Unwanted sexual advances, groping, assault by supervisors or coworkers, quid pro quo harassment, hostile work environment.
Institutional abuse: Sexual abuse by teachers, coaches, clergy, doctors, therapists, counselors, and other authority figures within schools, churches, medical facilities, youth organizations, and athletic programs.
Sexual assault and rape: Criminal acts of sexual violence in any context, including acquaintance rape, date rape, and assault by strangers.
Childhood sexual abuse: Historic and recent abuse of minors, including cases where abuse occurred years or decades ago.
Sexual trafficking and exploitation: Commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Civil claims for sexual abuse survivors: While criminal prosecution punishes offenders, civil lawsuits provide survivors with financial compensation for harm suffered. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases—you can prevail in civil court even if criminal charges weren't filed or didn't result in conviction.
Who can be held liable:
Direct perpetrators: Individuals who committed abuse can be sued for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and related claims.
Institutions and organizations: Schools, churches, youth organizations, businesses, healthcare facilities, and other entities can be held liable for negligent hiring, negligent supervision, failure to protect, failure to report abuse, and covering up known abuse.
Recoverable damages include: Medical and psychological treatment costs, therapy and counseling expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress and trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages to punish egregious conduct.
California's extended statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse: California law now provides extensive time for survivors to file claims. Assembly Bill 218 revived previously expired claims and extended filing deadlines, recognizing that survivors often need years or decades to process trauma before seeking legal action.
Adult survivors: Generally have 10 years from the date of abuse or 3 years from discovering psychological injury or its connection to abuse.
Childhood abuse survivors: Can file claims until age 40, or within 5 years of discovering abuse or its connection to psychological harm. Previously time-barred claims were revived during specific filing windows.
Confidentiality and privacy: We understand privacy concerns. Civil cases can proceed using pseudonyms (Jane/John Doe) in court filings. Proceedings may be sealed to protect your identity. We handle all matters with utmost discretion and sensitivity.
The legal process: Initial confidential consultation (remote or in-person), thorough investigation of circumstances and liable parties, filing of civil complaint, discovery process (evidence gathering), settlement negotiations or trial, and ongoing support throughout proceedings.
You are not alone: Many survivors find the civil justice process empowering—holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable, preventing future abuse by exposing dangerous patterns, and obtaining resources for healing and recovery.
Compassionate, trauma-informed representation: Our attorneys have specialized training in representing trauma survivors. We proceed at your pace, respect your autonomy, and prioritize your wellbeing throughout the legal process. We work with therapists, counselors, and victim advocates to ensure comprehensive support.
No upfront costs: We handle sexual abuse cases on contingency—no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Initial consultations are always free and confidential.
Taking legal action is a personal decision. We're here to explain your options, answer questions, and support whatever decision you make. Many survivors find that pursuing civil claims is an important part of their healing journey.
Confidential consultation—your privacy is protected. We're here to listen, support, and fight for your rights.
Call (415) 495-7800 or contact us securely online. You can also text or email for maximum privacy.
We believe survivors. We're here to help.