Child sexual abuse is a devastating crime that can affect the livelihoods of those who are exposed to it. It can take years for a person who was sexually abused as a child to realize and come forward with their story. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more often than not, victims of child sexual abuse never report it.
At Greenberg Gross, we are available to speak with you or your child if either of you has been the victim of child sexual abuse. We will work on your behalf to ensure that you are fairly compensated and treated with the care and respect that you deserve. A Santa Monica child sexual abuse lawyer from our team is ready to help.
What Is Child Sexual Abuse?
The CDC defines child sexual abuse as the involvement of a child in sexual activity that violates the laws. In addition, the child must either:
- Not comprehend what has happened
- Not consent or be unable to give informed consent
- Not be developmentally prepared and unable to give consent
In California, the age of consent is 18 years of age; therefore, if a child under 18 gives consent, child sexual abuse is still occurring. The person who engages in sexual activity with them would be subject to criminal prosecution. Liable third parties, including a school or summer camp, may also bear responsibility for child sexual abuse.
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How Can a Santa Monica Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help?
By working with a child sexual abuse lawyer, you give yourself the best opportunity to recover optimal compensation for the damages done to you. Your lawyer can help you through the lawsuit process by:
- Compiling evidence to bring against your perpetrator
- Working with professionals to prove liability belongs to your perpetrator
- Filing your lawsuit within the statute of limitations
- Obtaining the proper settlement for you or your loved ones
- Representing you in court if your case were to go to trial
In addition, your lawyer will work to keep all of your personal information private.
Recovering Damages
To recover damages, your attorney will first work with you to prove that the sexual abuse you experienced resulted in damages. To prove liability, your Santa Monica child sexual abuse attorney will work to prove that:
- The perpetrator had a duty of care
- Another party had a duty of care
A duty of care means that someone reasonably could have prevented harm from coming to you. When liability has been determined, your attorney will compile all of the damages that you should be able to recover. These damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Mental trauma
Adhering to the Statute of Limitations
Effective January 2020, child sexual abuse survivors must file a lawsuit by the age of 40 or within five years of discovering their abuse as an adult. Additionally, all other child sexual abuse survivors have a three-year window from January 2020 to file a claim that passed the statute of limitations.
It is imperative that you speak with an attorney prior to the expiration of this statute of limitations. If you do not, you may not be able to recover damages.
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Why Choose Greenberg Gross
When it comes to choosing the right lawyer for you, we know that you have many options. That is why we strive to offer you the best legal representation possible.
Free Consultations
We offer free consultations to all those who are determining who to use for their legal representation.
Experience and Accolades
Our two founding partners have earned numerous accolades, including being named among the top 100 lawyers in California. Both partners have worked on numerous cases that involved sexual abuse lawsuits against individuals and against companies or organizations that allowed such events to take place.
Ready to Go to Trial
Many law firms will shy away from going to trial; however, at Greenberg Gross, we prepare your case to go to trial from the moment you choose us to represent you. We are not afraid to represent you in court if it will result in you receiving the compensation you are rightfully owed.
Child Sexual Abuse Statistics
Obtaining accurate statistics for child sexual abuse cases in the United States can be difficult because many who suffer child sexual abuse never report it. Based on best estimations, the following has been deemed accurate by the CDC:
- One in four girls suffers child sexual abuse.
- One in 13 boys suffers child sexual abuse.
- 91% of child sexual abuse cases are perpetrated by someone known and trusted by the child or the child’s family.
In 2015, it was determined that the total lifetime economic burden of child sexual abuse in the United States was $9.3 billion.
Common Consequences of Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse can affect everything about the life of an abused individual. It can damage both their physical and mental well-being and impact their place in society.
Damages that are recoverable include:
- Health-related consequences such as STIs and chronic physical injuries or illnesses
- Mental health consequences such as depression and PTSD
- Behavioral consequences such as substance abuse, suicidal tendencies, and risky sexual behavior
Recent studies reported by the CDC have found that females exposed to child sexual abuse are 2 to 13 times more likely to become victims of sexual violence in adulthood.
If you have suffered any of these consequences, speak with your attorney about how to recover proper compensation.
Work With a Santa Monica Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you suspect that your child has been the victim of child sexual abuse, or if you have realized that you were a victim yourself, then you may benefit from seeking the assistance of an attorney. They can work on your behalf to prove liability, adhere to the statute of limitations, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
At Greenberg Gross, we fight to ensure our clients receive proper compensation, even if it means going to trial. When you are ready to seek the assistance of a Santa Monica child sexual abuse lawyer, contact us.
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