Filing a San Francisco personal injury claim can feel especially daunting to sexual abuse survivors. Such claims can be complex, especially when survivors are facing larger entities like companies or public institutions.
If you or a loved one suffered physical, psychological, or financial difficulties as a result of sexual abuse, a San Francisco sexual abuse lawyer from Greenberg Gross LLP can help you seek compensation.
A Law Firm Dedicated to Defending Sexual Abuse Survivors’ Rights
Founded in 2013 by two practicing litigation lawyers, Greenberg Gross LLP was originally primarily focused on complex business litigation. However, a change in California law led to a change in our focus.
Today, we are dedicated to giving the survivors of sexual abuse the guidance and support need to move forward from abuse. Each of our sexual abuse cases receives personalized attention, which allows us to create a case specifically tailored to the needs of each client.
Greenberg Gross has the experience, the platform, and the resources to litigate childhood sexual abuse and assault cases. We count former federal prosecutors among our attorneys, and we are not afraid to confront even the most powerful adversaries.
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How Greenberg Gross Supports Survivors of Sexual Abuse in San Francisco
At Greenberg Gross, we understand that each survivor has a different story with different consequences that shape their lives. We take the time to understand your story and establish a case based on your particular situation. We will defend your rights in negotiations and in the courtroom, and keep you anonymous throughout the process, if that is what you prefer. To pursue justice on your behalf, our attorneys will:
- Investigate the situation and obtain proof of the abuse
- Establish a fair financial case value based on evidence and expert testimony
- Conduct negotiations with all the responsible parties to seek a just settlement
- File a civil lawsuit on your behalf within the legal statute of limitations
Speak with an attorney from Greenberg Gross to discuss your legal options and learn more about your rights as a sexual abuse survivor.
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Statute of Limitations for Civil Lawsuits in Sexual Abuse Cases
Sexual abuse and sexual assault civil lawsuits in California have certain time limitations depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. However, since AB 218 was passed, the statute of limitations has been lengthened for survivors. An attorney will be able to best determine which time limit you fall under.
If sexual abuse was perpetrated upon a minor, the survivor has 22 years from the day they turn 18, or 5 years from the date they discover psychological illness or injury caused by the abuse.
If sexual abuse occurred while the survivor was an adult, they have either 10 years from the last act or attempted act or 3 years from the date they discover psychological illness or injury caused by the abuse.
These timelines are highly subjective, so it is best to contact a San Francisco sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss important filing deadlines.
Types of Sexual Abuse in San Francisco, CA
There is no one type of sexual abuse. It can involve physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, and may include:
- Sexual assault
- Statutory rape
- Child and juvenile sexual abuse
- Child pornography
Each type of sexual abuse is handled differently under California and federal laws. An attorney familiar with sexual abuse cases can help you understand the laws that apply to specific situations and the legal solutions available.
Establishing Liability for Sexual Abuse in San Francisco, CA
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), a national anti-sexual violence organization, nearly 75% of victims of sexual violence know the perpetrator. For juveniles, the number is higher; 93% know their abuser. A sexual abuser may be a partner, family member, acquaintance, or a stranger. Individuals implicated in sexual abuse cases include:
- Medical practitioners
- Teachers, coaches, and school employees
- Therapists and counselors
- Childcare professionals
- Sports coaches
- Church clergy, administrators, and employees
- Members of the military
- Mentors, employers, and co-workers
While the perpetrator of sexual abuse is typically one individual, there are often larger entities involved in facilitating the activity or shielding it from the public eye. Examples of such entities include churches, schools, school districts, companies, corporations, and businesses.
Even if the organization is not directly involved in the abuse, if they fail to protect people from abuse or turn a blind eye to reports of abuse, they can be held liable for the abuse victims suffer as a result. Similarly, organizations that try to hide sexual abuse after it occurs can be held liable in a civil action.
Damages for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in San Francisco
For survivors of sexual abuse, civil actions offer renumeration typically unavailable from a criminal lawsuit. While a criminal conviction will carry serious repercussions for the abuser, including fines, jail time, and mandatory entry on the National Sex Offender Registry, it will rarely offer compensation for the losses sustained by victims. That is where a civil lawsuit can help.
Although we understand that financial compensation cannot erase the damage caused by sexual abuse, our attorneys can help survivors seek compensation to ease the financial burdens associated with the abuse. Such compensation could include
- Psychological treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Hospital bills and medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced income potential
A San Francisco Sexual abuse lawyer at Greenberg Gross will examine your case and help you determine which losses you can include in your claim.
Arrange a Free Consultation With a San Francisco Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The sexual abuse attorneys at Greenberg Gross are determined to hold sexual abuse perpetrators in San Francisco responsible for the damage they caused. We aim to ensure that our clients receive compensation and justice for the injuries they sustained as a result.
Reach out to our team for a free consultation to learn more about filing a civil lawsuit for your sexual abuse case. The sooner you contact us the easier it will be to pursue legal justice and make sure the guilty are punished. Don’t delay filing your claim with one of our trusted lawyers today.
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