As a survivor of sexual abuse, you may be weary of talking about your experiences and skeptical of your ability to get justice through legal means, or your call to our office may be the first time that you speak to someone about your experiences. Wherever you are in your processing journey, hiring a sexual abuse lawyer can help you hold perpetrators accountable, prevent future harm, and provide an avenue to discuss your experience in a safe environment.
Let the sexual abuse lawyers in Los Angeles at Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers the process of hiring a sexual abuse lawyer. Read on to learn about how to determine the right time to contact us and how our team may be able to help you.
Signs that You Should Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for legal representation can help you as a survivor of sexual abuse. Some common signals that suggest you should hire a sexual abuse lawyer include, but are not limited to:
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, are common effects of the abuse.
- Physical injuries sustained as a result of the abuse.
- Legal complexity surrounding the case, including intricate laws, statutes of limitations, and evidentiary requirements.
- Multiple victims coming forward or a history of abuse by the perpetrator.
- Institutional coverup or protection of perpetrators.
As for when you should hire a sexual abuse attorney, you should strive to hire one as soon as possible so you can begin working on your case. The sooner you have a legal team behind you, the more time and resources you will have to build your case and the more support you will have for recovery.
How to Choose the Right Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Selecting the right Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer is the key to a successful legal process. Consider factors such as experience, compatibility and communication, resources and support, and the fee structure. Look for a lawyer with extensive experience in handling sexual abuse cases.
Your sexual abuse attorney should have a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved in these cases and a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for survivors. It is important to find a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and can communicate openly. During initial consultations, assess their responsiveness, empathy, and willingness to listen to your concerns.
Determine if your lawyer has access to the necessary resources, such as expert witnesses and investigators, to strengthen your case. Additionally, inquire about the support services they can provide, such as counseling referrals or connections to survivor networks.
Discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during the initial consultation. Some lawyers may work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case, which is how Arias Sanguinetti Operates Clarify any potential costs or fees involved to ensure transparency.
How Long do You Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim in California?
Statutes of limitations are laws that establish a specific time limit within which you must take legal action. These limitations can vary depending on factors such as your age, the type of abuse, and the jurisdiction in which the abuse occurred.
What Is the California Child Victim Act and How Can It Help You?
In California, the passage of the California Child Victim Act in 2019 expanded the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This law allows survivors who were previously time-barred from filing a lawsuit due to the statute of limitations to seek legal action.
Under the California Child Victim Act, survivors have until the age of 40 or five years from the discovery of the abuse to file a civil lawsuit, whichever comes later. This extension provides an opportunity for individuals who were older than 18 at the time of the abuse to pursue legal recourse, like in cases of college campus sexual abuse.
Taking prompt action when pursuing a sexual abuse case is best. By seeking legal support early on from our team at Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers, you can maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
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How Will a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Maintain Confidentiality?
Confidentiality and privacy are top considerations when addressing sexual abuse cases, as they provide you with a sense of security and control over your personal information. One essential aspect of confidentiality is attorney-client privilege, which protects the communications between a survivor and their sexual abuse lawyer. This privilege ensures that any information shared remains confidential and allows survivors to discuss the details of the abuse openly without fear of disclosure.
Additionally, safeguarding personal information is vital, and lawyers should take steps to securely store documents, use encrypted communication channels, and implement data protection measures to maintain privacy.
Survivors have the right to determine their disclosure preferences, and discussing these preferences with your lawyer helps you through the disclosure process while respecting privacy boundaries. In some instances, legal proceedings related to sexual abuse may be conducted in public courts, potentially making certain details public record.
However, sexual abuse lawyers in Los Angeles can work with survivors to explore options for maintaining confidentiality or seeking protective orders to limit public access to sensitive information.
Carefully consider the implications of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before entering into them, and you should consult your lawyer to understand the terms and potential consequences fully. Overall, confidentiality and privacy are integral to the legal journey of survivors, and open communication with a sexual abuse lawyer ensures that these rights are respected and protected.
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Learn More About the Right Time to Hire a Sexual Abuse Attorney in Los Angeles
At Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles sexual abuse attorneys care about you recovering from your trauma and recovering compensation. If you’re a survivor of sexual abuse, our team is ready to help you.
To learn more about when to hire an attorney, contact us for a free consultation.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
