Experiencing sexual abuse as a child is one of the most devastating traumas a person can endure. While no legal action can erase the pain or restore lost innocence, pursuing justice through the civil court system can offer a path to accountability, healing, and empowerment. A Westchester child sexual abuse lawyer can help you take legal action.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we’re committed to advocating for survivors throughout every stage of the legal process. Our Westchester sexual abuse lawyers offer experienced representation that prioritizes your safety, dignity, and needs. If you or someone you care about has endured childhood sexual abuse, we invite you to contact us for a free case consultation.
Fighting for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Across Westchester and Surrounding Communities
Our Westchester personal injury lawyers have years of experience advocating for survivors of child sexual abuse throughout Los Angeles County. We have represented clients who have bravely come forward after being abused by individuals they trusted, including family members, teachers, clergy, and coaches.
We have helped survivors take legal action directly against their abusers as well as against powerful institutions that were supposed to protect them but failed to do so.
Every survivor’s story is unique, and so is their path to justice. Whether the abuse happened decades ago or more recently, we believe that every survivor deserves to be heard, supported, and respected. We handle a wide range of child sexual abuse cases, including:
- Abuse by trusted authority figures: These include cases involving educators, religious leaders, foster parents, medical professionals, and others who hold a position of power or trust.
- Institutional negligence and complicity: We represent clients abused in settings like private and public schools, churches, youth sports leagues, and summer camps, where abuse was either concealed or enabled.
- Foster care and residential home abuse: Children in state care or group homes often face unique vulnerabilities. We pursue justice against state agencies and contractors that failed in their duty of care.
- Statutory rape and exploitation: California law strictly prohibits any sexual activity involving minors. We fight to expose those who manipulate or exploit children and teens.
- Delayed reporting and adult survivors: Many survivors don’t disclose abuse until years later. We are committed to ensuring they are not denied justice simply because of the passage of time.
Our Westchester child sexual abuse attorneys approach every case with care, discretion, and the deep understanding that your journey toward justice should be survivor-led, not dictated by external pressures.
How Our Westchester Sexual Abuse Lawyers Support You
Pursuing a civil claim after childhood sexual abuse can be emotionally taxing and legally complicated. At Arias Sanguinetti, we strive to make this process as safe and empowering as possible. Our legal team is built on a foundation of support, trust, and tenacious legal advocacy.
We understand the unique sensitivities involved in these cases, and we tailor our approach to your individual needs.
Comprehensive Investigation
Our team works alongside forensic experts, trauma-informed mental health professionals, and private investigators to uncover evidence that supports your case. Even in situations where there is no physical evidence remaining, we can build powerful legal arguments based on survivor testimony, behavioral patterns, institutional records, and witness statements.
Litigation Experience You Can Trust
With decades of combined experience in sexual abuse litigation, our attorneys have taken on schools, religious institutions, medical facilities, and governmental bodies that turned a blind eye to abuse. We are familiar with the tactics these institutions use to deflect blame and protect their reputations, and we are prepared to challenge them in and out of the courtroom.
Survivor-First Legal Representation
You are never just a case file to us. We respect your pace, your decisions, and your boundaries. Our approach is collaborative and respectful, ensuring that you remain in control throughout the process. Legal action should never deepen your trauma. Instead, it should empower you to reclaim your voice.
Personalized Legal Strategy
Unlike larger firms that may assign you to junior associates or juggle dozens of similar cases, we limit our caseload so that each client receives our full attention. You’ll work directly with seasoned attorneys who are responsive, supportive, and deeply committed to achieving a just outcome.
Skilled in Negotiation and Trial
Whether resolving your case through a negotiated settlement or taking it before a jury, our legal team is prepared. We’ve obtained significant verdicts and settlements in child sexual abuse cases and are known by opposing counsel as a firm that won’t back down. That reputation often leads to more favorable outcomes for our clients during settlement discussions.
Westchester Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
Compensation Survivors Can Pursue in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Seeking financial compensation in a civil case isn’t just about money. Compensation can also help you get justice and validation. However, compensation can provide the crucial resources you need to access therapy, rebuild your life, and recover from the long-term effects of abuse.
Economic Damages
You can pursue economic damages to cover the direct financial costs resulting from child sexual abuse, including:
- Therapy and psychological treatment
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning ability
- Costs related to educational disruptions
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages can help compensate you for the emotional and psychological harm you endured as a result of the abuse. Some of the most common non-economic damages available include:
- Pain and suffering, including trauma, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disability
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were especially egregious or malicious. These damages are meant to punish the abuser and deter similar misconduct by others.
We partner with mental health experts, economists, and vocational consultants to build a thorough and well-documented case that fully reflects the harm you have endured.
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Filing Deadlines for Child Sexual Abuse Claims in California
Time limits for filing civil claims, known as statutes of limitations, are especially important in child sexual abuse cases. California law acknowledges the challenges surrounding childhood sexual abuse and provides extended timeframes for survivors to pursue civil claims.
Under Assembly Bill 218, individuals can file a lawsuit up until the age of 40, or within five years of realizing that the abuse led to psychological harm, whichever of those two dates comes later.
In addition, Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452) has removed the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases, but this change applies only to abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2024. For incidents that took place before that date, the previous time limits for filing still apply. However, survivors pursuing a civil claim against the government only have six months to file.
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Speak With a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Serving Westchester Today
At Arias Sanguinetti, we believe that every survivor deserves support, legal clarity, and a team that stands firmly in their corner. We’re here not just to fight for compensation, but to help you regain a sense of control, purpose, and justice.
You don’t have to walk this path alone. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your legal options or ready to take action, our child sexual abuse attorneys in Westchester are here for you. With over 300 years of combined legal experience and a track record of success in high-stakes abuse cases, we are prepared to handle even the most intricate claims.
Take the first step today. Contact us for a free, confidential case review. We’re ready to listen when you’re ready to speak.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
