Bakersfield Group Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer
When children are placed in group homes for care, protection, and stability, the last thing their families expect is abuse. Yet in Bakersfield and across California, group homes have been the site of numerous incidents where children were sexually abused by staff members, other residents, or individuals affiliated with the facility. These betrayals of trust inflict severe psychological trauma and emotional distress, often leaving survivors to carry the pain alone for years.
At Greenberg Gross LLP, we are dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse and helping them take legal action against those responsible. Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys understand the devastating toll this type of abuse takes on children and families. If abuse occurred in a group home in Bakersfield, we’re here to help you navigate your legal options and begin the path toward justice and healing.
Understanding Sexual Abuse in Group Homes
Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual activity or sexual exploitation. In group homes, abuse can include unwanted touching, sexual assault, child sex abuse, or coercive sexual activity disguised as care. Many survivors of sexual abuse are unable to come forward immediately, particularly when their abuser is in a position of authority or trust.
Sexual abuse cases involving group homes often include:
- Abuse by staff members who manipulated or groomed children
- Negligence by the facility in reporting known abuse
- Failure to investigate or stop sexual abuse claims
- Involvement of third parties, such as religious organizations or affiliated caregivers
Sadly, child sexual abuse and childhood sexual abuse are often hidden for years, allowing perpetrators to continue harming others. California law now offers extended rights to survivors, including expanded time frames under the statute of limitations. These changes have empowered many survivors of sexual abuse to file claims even years after the abuse occurred.
Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse
Greenberg Gross LLP works with survivors of sexual abuse in Bakersfield to pursue civil lawsuits and recover compensation for the harm they endured. Survivors can file a civil claim even if criminal charges were never filed or proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Our law group helps survivors and their families with:
- Filing a personal injury claim against individual abusers or negligent institutions
- Seeking justice through the civil court system
- Understanding the legal process from start to finish
- Taking civil action to pursue compensation for therapy costs, medical expenses, and pain and suffering
We also help survivors gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and facility documentation, to build a strong case. We consult with mental health professionals to show the impact of psychological injury, including post traumatic stress disorder and other long-term effects on the survivor’s well being.
Who Can Be Held Accountable?
Many civil lawsuits involve not just the abuser, but the organizations or individuals who allowed the abuse to happen. This can include:
- Group home operators and foster care agencies
- Religious institutions affiliated with care facilities
- Daycare providers and outside therapists working with the home
- Foster parents or other guardians
- Social workers or medical personnel who failed to report known abuse
All these parties can be held accountable for failing to protect the child. At Greenberg Gross LLP, our sexual abuse lawyers ensure that every responsible party is identified and pursued through the legal system.
Compensation Available to Survivors
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be entitled to substantial financial compensation, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Compensation may include:
- Coverage for medical expenses and therapy costs
- Reimbursement for lost wages due to psychological or physical harm
- Compensation for emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme misconduct or institutional cover-ups
Many survivors also receive compensation for pain and suffering, which reflects the ongoing emotional, psychological, and relational impact of the abuse. We fight to ensure survivors receive the maximum amount of compensation permitted under California law.
Why Choose Greenberg Gross LLP
Greenberg Gross LLP is not just a law firm—we are advocates for justice. Our law group has successfully handled civil lawsuits involving sexual abuse across California, including complex cases against religious organizations, foster care systems, and government entities.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with our team:
- A compassionate environment focused on your healing
- Legal representation from experienced sexual abuse attorneys
- No upfront costs—we work on a contingency fee basis
- A no obligation consultation to discuss your case
- Full transparency about the legal process, risks, and potential outcomes
We are here to support survivors of sexual abuse and their families every step of the way. Whether you’re just beginning to consider legal action or ready to file a civil lawsuit, we are prepared to stand with you.
Bakersfield’s Legal Landscape for Abuse Cases
Bakersfield has seen a rise in reported abuse cases tied to group homes and foster care systems. Whether involving a religious institution, state-run facility, or private foster care agency, legal counsel is essential. Survivors in Kern County now have more power to act under updated California law, especially with changes to the statute of limitations affecting childhood sexual abuse cases.
If you were sexually abused or know someone who was, now is the time to act. Delaying action could impact your ability to file claims and recover compensation.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a child in your family has been sexually abused in a Bakersfield group home or foster setting, Greenberg Gross LLP is here to help. We offer a no obligation consultation and are ready to guide you through the legal process with compassion and strength.
There is never a fee from our firm unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact our office today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you seek justice and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I have to file a claim?
Under California law, the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases has been extended, allowing many survivors to file a civil lawsuit even years after the abuse occurred. It is still important to act as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
What compensation can I receive?
Survivors may receive compensation for therapy costs, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Can I file a lawsuit if my abuser wasn’t convicted?
Yes. You can file a civil lawsuit without a criminal conviction. The standard of proof is different in civil court and does not require guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Is my identity kept confidential?
Yes. We take every precaution to ensure your privacy. In many cases, we can file anonymously or under a pseudonym.