Experiencing childhood sexual abuse is a life-altering trauma that can impact every part of your life. Survivors often carry the weight of this trauma into adulthood.
While no legal resolution can undo the pain you’ve endured, a San Francisco child sexual abuse lawyer can hold your abuser and any enabling institutions accountable.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we are proud to support survivors throughout the legal process. Our San Francisco sexual abuse lawyers offer client-focused representation that puts your well-being first while pursuing justice on your behalf.
If you or a loved one is considering legal action related to childhood sexual abuse, reach out for a free, confidential consultation.
Supporting Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Throughout the Bay Area
Our team of San Francisco personal injury lawyers has years of experience representing survivors of child sexual abuse in civil litigation.
We have stood beside countless clients as they faced deeply personal legal cases involving both individual perpetrators and powerful institutions that failed to protect them.
Whether the abuse occurred recently or many years ago, we believe survivors deserve to be heard and supported at every step. We represent individuals in a wide range of child sexual abuse cases, including:
- Abuse by trusted adults: We handle claims involving family members, clergy, teachers, coaches, and other authority figures who exploit positions of trust.
- Abuse in foster care or group homes: Children in the care of the state or private agencies are especially vulnerable. When foster care systems or residential programs neglect their duty, we hold them accountable.
- Institutional failure and concealment: We pursue cases against San Francisco schools, churches, camps, sports leagues, and other organizations that ignored, concealed, or otherwise enabled abuse.
- Statutory rape and exploitation: California law is clear that minors cannot legally consent to sex. We help expose perpetrators who attempt to blur legal lines.
- Delayed disclosure and adult survivors: Many survivors delay coming forward for years or even decades. We fight to ensure that their voices are not silenced due to the passage of time.
No matter the circumstances or timeline, our San Francisco child sexual abuse lawyers are here to help you seek justice and reclaim your power.
How Our San Francisco Sexual Abuse Attorneys Advocate for You
At Arias Sanguinetti, we understand that taking legal action can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team emphasizes a supportive, survivor-centered approach.
We’re committed to protecting your rights and providing a secure space where you feel safe, respected, and in control.
In-Depth Case Investigation
Our legal team collaborates with a network of professionals, including forensic psychologists, trauma specialists, and investigative experts, to collect compelling evidence.
Even in cases where physical evidence is limited or no longer exists, we can build strong cases based on patterns of behavior, witness accounts, institutional records, and psychological evaluations.
Extensive Litigation Experience in Sexual Abuse Cases
With decades of combined experience litigating sexual abuse cases across California, our attorneys understand the complicated dynamics involved.
We are well-versed in the tactics used by institutions to shield abusers, and we have successfully pursued claims against schools, churches, youth programs, and other powerful entities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Empowerment Through Survivor-Centered Advocacy
Every survivor deserves a voice and control over how their story is told. We move at your pace and ensure you are never pressured into decisions.
Your comfort, privacy, and empowerment are our top priorities. Legal action should never re-traumatize you. Instead, it should be a step toward reclaiming your narrative.
Personalized Legal Attention
Unlike many large firms, where cases can get lost in the shuffle, we limit our caseload to ensure each client receives dedicated attention.
When you work with us, you have a committed legal team by your side from start to finish. Your questions will be answered, your concerns respected, and your needs prioritized.
Skilled Negotiators and Trial Attorneys
Our team has a proven track record of achieving meaningful settlements and favorable verdicts for survivors. We are fierce advocates in the courtroom and skilled negotiators at the settlement table.
Institutions and insurance companies know that we are not afraid to take a case to trial if necessary, which gives us a strategic advantage in negotiations.
When you work with our experienced San Francisco child sexual abuse lawyers, you will have a team of legal professionals by your side who always have your best interests at heart and will work diligently to ensure a favorable outcome to your legal case.
San Francisco Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
Understanding Compensation in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Pursuing a civil claim related to childhood sexual abuse is not just about recovering money; it’s about achieving accountability and recognition for the harm done. However, recovering fair compensation can be critical for your long-term well-being and help support your healing.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include any measurable financial losses resulting from the abuse, such as:
- Therapy and mental health treatment
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Educational disruptions
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages recognize the profound emotional and psychological harm caused by abuse. They can include:
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress, trauma, and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
In many child sexual abuse cases, punitive damages are also awarded. These are intended to punish the abuser or negligent institution and deter future wrongdoing.
Punitive damages are more common in sexual abuse cases than in other personal injury lawsuits due to the intentional nature of the harm.
We work closely with medical and psychological professionals to document the full impact of the abuse and ensure that your claim is supported by compelling, credible evidence.
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Legal Deadlines and Filing Windows for Child Sexual Abuse Claims in California
One of the most important aspects of any civil case is timing. Fortunately, California law recognizes the intricate nature of childhood sexual abuse cases and offers generous deadlines for filing.
Under Assembly Bill 218, survivors can file a civil lawsuit until age 40, or within five years of discovering the abuse caused psychological injury, whichever occurs later.
For those who endured childhood sexual abuse, California also recently eliminated the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases under Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452). However, this bill only applies to cases of abuse occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2024. For any prior abuse, the former statute of limitations still applies.
California also created a lookback window that extends the statute of limitations for filing a claim for survivors of sexual abuse who were 18 or over at the time of their abuse.
This window runs from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2026, allowing for claims to be filed related to incidents occurring after Jan. 1, 2009.
Despite the ample time given in most sexual abuse cases, those who are filing a civil claim against the government may find that they only have six months to take legal action.
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Speak With a Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Serving San Francisco Today
At Arias Sanguinetti, we stand firmly with survivors. Our goal is to help you reclaim your voice, restore your agency, and seek justice on your terms. We believe you. We support you.
And we are ready to fight for you. With over 300 years of collective legal experience, our team has the resources, knowledge, and dedication to handle even the most challenging cases.
Let us be part of your support system as you take this brave step forward. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a trusted San Francisco child sexual abuse attorney.
You don’t have to face this alone, and justice may be closer than you think.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
