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Your child's behavior may have changed. A coach or teacher may have started meeting privately your daughter. You may have noticed that a child in foster care or daycare is acting out sexually with smaller children, or that a child has become sullen in a new foster home. The signs of child sexual abuse may go unnoticed for some time or be misdiagnosed as a discipline problem. It is important that families and adult victims of child sexual abuse know that claims can still be filed years after the abuse ends.
At Phil Michels Law, our Los Angeles personal injury firm, we call ourselves "attorneys for the children." If you suspect or know of a case of child molestation, please contact our LA office. Our team and lawyers will work together to uncover the truth. We may send the child to a specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and will see that testing is done for sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea and HIV/AIDS. Whatever we find, whether you hire us to represent the child or not, we will share everything we know with you and explain exactly what your options are. Our primary concern is seeing that the child is protected and gets the best treatment available.
Justice for a child: the sexual abuse civil lawsuit
No jury award or settlement will compensate for a childhood marred by sexual abuse. Emotionally, these are complex psychological cases, where the child often has an affectionate relationship with the abuser. However, by pursuing a civil claim against your child's abuser, you make it clear that the child is not at fault, that the molester is the bad guy, and that you are doing everything you can to hold the abuser responsible for his or her actions.
In some child injury cases, we have structured settlements to include purchases of homes in the children's names and college accounts.
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Who will hold the parties responsible for your child's sexual abuse accountable? Contact our LA office and arrange a consultation. At Phil Michels Law our staff, led by Bradford S. Davis, M.D., works with our lawyers to get victims of molestation the help they need and hold those responsible accountable. Our Los Angeles firm serves clients throughout California and surrounding states. Our staff and the lawyers provide far more than legal services, giving our clients the support they need to survive and move forward.
Child sexual abuse includes any sexual conduct involving a minor, including molestation, exploitation, sexual assault, or inappropriate sexual contact. Abuse may be committed by a family member, caregiver, teacher, coach, religious leader, or other authority figure. California law allows survivors to pursue civil claims even when abuse occurred years ago.
Yes. California has expanded the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. Many survivors are now allowed to file civil lawsuits well into adulthood, even if the abuse occurred decades ago. Special “look-back windows” may also apply in certain cases, allowing claims that were previously time-barred.
In addition to the individual abuser, institutions and organizations may also be held liable if they failed to protect a child. This can include schools, churches, youth organizations, daycare providers, sports programs, and other entities that negligently allowed abuse to occur or concealed prior misconduct.
Survivors may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, psychological treatment, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some cases, courts may also award punitive damages to hold wrongdoers and negligent institutions accountable.
No. A civil child sexual abuse lawsuit is separate from any criminal case. Survivors can pursue a civil claim even if criminal charges were never filed, were dismissed, or resulted in an acquittal. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases.
Yes. Parents or legal guardians can file a civil lawsuit on behalf of a minor child who has experienced sexual abuse. These claims can help secure financial resources for therapy, treatment, and long-term care while also holding responsible parties accountable.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, number of defendants, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take longer. An experienced attorney can provide guidance based on the specific circumstances of the claim.
In many child sexual abuse cases, survivors are allowed to proceed anonymously or with protective court orders to safeguard their privacy. Protecting survivors’ identities and minimizing additional trauma is a priority throughout the legal process.
If you believe a child may be in immediate danger, contact law enforcement or child protective services right away. Seeking medical care and counseling is also critical. Speaking with a qualified child sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your legal options while prioritizing your child’s safety and well-being.
Most child sexual abuse cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront legal fees, and attorneys are only paid if compensation is recovered. Consultations are typically free and confidential.