The statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in California depends on the victim’s age at the time abuse occurs. For those who are 18 years of age or older at the time the abuse occurs, the statute of limitations is generally:
- 10 years from the last date that the abuse occurred, or:
- Three years from the time that the plaintiff discovered, or should have discovered, an abuse-related injury or illness
Minor victims of sexual abuse in California may face alternative statutes of limitations. These differing statutes can be challenging to understand. An attorney from our firm can review your case and explain the statute of limitations in your case.
Who Can Pursue a Civil Case for Sexual Abuse in California?
Any victim of sexual abuse in California may pursue a civil case as long as statutes permit. This includes those who suffer abuse committed by:
- Coaches, trainers, or others in the athletic sphere
- Girl Scout or Boy Scout leaders
- Teachers, administrators, or other educational authority figures
- Clergy or other members of a church
- Family members
- Acquaintances
- Camp counselors
- Peers
- Strangers
Sexual abuse is never defensible. Civil courts in California allow one way to seek justice for your abuse.
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I Have Suffered Sexual Abuse in California: What Should I Do?
If you have not already, you may want to seek medical attention for the abuse you have suffered. Alerting law enforcement may also be appropriate.
You should also hire a personal injury lawyer to take civil action on your behalf. Our firm will get the legal process started. We may begin by obtaining your account of events and reviewing any documentation that you have.
After we’ve obtained the primary facts in your case, we can:
Pursue Additional Evidence
You may already have relevant evidence in your possession. Our team can pursue additional evidence for your case, which may include:
- Medical records
- Video footage
- Photographs
- Witness accounts
- Expert testimony
We also can acquire and preserve other evidence relevant to your case.
Seek Further Documentation of Your Damages
Proving damages is a key step in every sexual abuse case in California. Our attorneys will pursue any documentation that helps prove your losses, including:
- Abuse-related medical care expenses
- Proof that you lost income, earning power, or other professional benefits because of your abuse
- Testimony from your therapist or other mental health professionals
- Invoices for financial costs related to your abuse
Each sexual abuse case we handle presents unique circumstances. Through documentation of your losses, we will tell the story of how your sexual abuse has affected your life.
Start the Formal Legal Process
We will develop a strategy for your case before starting the legal process. This generally means identifying defendants, drafting a lawsuit, and submitting paperwork to appropriate parties.
Seek a Fair Settlement
We could secure a settlement that covers your abuse-related damages. If you approve of a settlement, then this could resolve your case.
Take Your Case to Trial, If Necessary
A trial could be necessary in your case. Our firm is completely comfortable taking sexual abuse cases to trial. We will use all available resources as we fight for a fair verdict.
What Are Recoverable Damages in a California Sexual Abuse Case?
Recoverable damages vary from one sexual abuse case to the next but may include:
- Medical expenses: If you have received any medical treatment for your abuse, we can seek coverage for that care.
- Professional losses: If your abuse interfered with your career, then we may recover your professional damages. Lost income, lost benefits, lost bonuses, lost earning power, and lost productivity are examples of professional damages.
- Pain and suffering: The Lancet notes the link between sexual abuse and various psychiatric conditions. Recoverable forms of pain and suffering may include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleeplessness, and other conditions.
- Treatment for pain and suffering: Defendants in your case may cover the cost of medications, psychotherapy, counseling, and any other treatment you need as you address your trauma.
Our attorneys will conduct a full review of your damages. While money cannot dissolve the harm that sexual abuse has caused, financial recovery may cover the services that you need.
Will an Attorney Protect Me from Re-Experiencing the Trauma of My Abuse?
Yes, an attorney from our firm will handle your case with the utmost sensitivity. Sexual abuse cases are a specialty of ours, and we know the toll that sexual abuse takes on its victims.
We will handle as much of your case as we possibly can. When we do involve you (such as when reviewing settlement offers), we can make sure to consider your emotional and psychological well-being in every interaction.
You can trust our team to treat you right a fight for the coverage you deserve.
Call Greenberg Gross LLP Today for a Free Consultation
Don’t wait to call us, as we may have a limited time to file your case. Call Greenberg Gross today for your FREE consultation. We can advise you of the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in California and other matters.
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