Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual Abuse Lawyer Los Angeles, CA

Sexual abuse leaves wounds that don’t heal on their own timeline. Survivors may take years or decades to process what happened, to understand it wasn’t their fault, and to consider coming forward. California law recognizes this reality.

Recent legislative changes have expanded survivors’ rights to seek justice—even for abuse that occurred many years ago. Assembly Bill 218 created a three-year window for childhood sexual abuse claims previously barred by the statute of limitations. Other reforms extended deadlines and expanded liability for institutions that enabled abuse.

Pursuing a sexual abuse claim requires courage. It means revisiting trauma, potentially facing your abuser in legal proceedings, and confronting institutions that may have protected predators. But it also means holding wrongdoers accountable, obtaining compensation for the harm you’ve suffered, and potentially protecting future victims.

Cohen Injury Law Group represents sexual abuse survivors throughout Los Angeles County. As a Los Angeles personal injury law firm with decades of experience, we approach these cases with the sensitivity they require and the legal skill they demand. Wayne R. Cohen has tried cases for more than three decades. He understands that sexual abuse cases are different—and treats them accordingly.

We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Consultations are confidential. If you need a Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer, call us to discuss your options.

California’s Expanded Rights For Sexual Abuse Survivors

California has strengthened protections for sexual abuse survivors through several key laws:

AB 218: The California Child Victims Act

Assembly Bill 218, effective January 1, 2020, made three major changes:

Extended statute of limitations. Childhood sexual assault claims can now be filed until age 40, or within 5 years of discovering that psychological injury was caused by the abuse—whichever is later.

Revival window. AB 218 created a three-year window (January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022) during which survivors could file claims previously barred by older statutes of limitations. This window has closed, but claims filed during that period remain active.

Treble damages. Institutions that engaged in “cover-up” of childhood sexual abuse face triple damages. This provision holds accountable organizations that protected abusers at the expense of children.

Sexual Assault Statute Of Limitations

For adult sexual assault, Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.16 provides:

• Claims may be filed within 10 years of the assault, or
• Within 3 years of discovering that injury or illness resulted from the assault
• Whichever is later

Additional Reforms

California has enacted other survivor-friendly provisions:

• Elimination of statutes of limitations for certain felony sex crimes
• Expanded liability for institutional employers
• Requirements for mandatory reporting
• Enhanced background check requirements for youth-serving organizations

Types Of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle

Sexual abuse occurs in many contexts, each with different legal considerations:

Childhood Sexual Abuse

Children are victimized by those with access and authority:

• Family members and relatives
• Teachers and school staff
• Coaches and athletic trainers
• Religious leaders and clergy
• Counselors and therapists
• Babysitters and childcare workers
• Youth organization leaders (scouts, clubs)
• Family friends and neighbors

Childhood abuse cases focus not only on the abuser but on institutions that failed to protect children—schools, churches, sports organizations, camps.

Clergy And Religious Institution Abuse

The Catholic Church abuse crisis revealed systemic failures, but abuse occurs across denominations and faiths:

• Priests, pastors, ministers, rabbis, imams
• Religious educators and youth leaders
• Employees and volunteers at religious organizations

Institutional liability is often key. When churches transferred known abusers to new parishes, failed to report abuse, or actively covered up crimes, they bear responsibility alongside the individual abusers.

Institutional Abuse

Organizations serving children and vulnerable populations have enabled abuse:

• Public and private schools
• Colleges and universities
• Residential treatment facilities
• Foster care organizations
• Youth sports leagues
• Scouting organizations
• Summer camps
• Juvenile detention facilities

Institutions may be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, failure to report, and cover-up of known abuse.

Employer Sexual Assault And Harassment

Workplace sexual abuse occurs when employers fail to prevent it:

• Assault by supervisors or coworkers
• Harassment creating hostile work environment
• Retaliation against employees who report
• Failure to investigate complaints

Employer liability may be based on direct negligence, vicarious liability for supervisors, or violations of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

Assault By Third Parties

Property owners and businesses may be liable when sexual assault occurs due to inadequate security:

• Hotel and motel assaults
• Apartment complex attacks
• Parking structure assaults
• Nursing home abuse
• Rideshare assaults

These cases combine sexual abuse claims with premises liability theories.

Abuse In Healthcare Settings

Patients are vulnerable when seeking medical care:

• Physician abuse during examinations
• Nursing staff abuse
• Therapist exploitation
• Abuse in psychiatric facilities
• Abuse of patients with disabilities

Medical licensing boards and reporting requirements create additional accountability mechanisms.

The Trauma Of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse causes lasting psychological harm:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors.
• Depression. Persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities.
• Anxiety disorders. Panic attacks, generalized anxiety, social anxiety.
• Substance abuse. Self-medication to cope with trauma.
• Relationship difficulties. Trust issues, intimacy problems, difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation. In severe cases, survivors may hurt themselves or consider suicide.
• Physical health consequences. Chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular problems linked to trauma.

The psychological impact often doesn’t manifest immediately. Survivors may suppress memories, normalize what happened, or not connect their struggles to past abuse until years later. California law recognizes this through delayed discovery rules.

Why Institutional Accountability Matters

Holding institutions accountable serves critical purposes:

Prevention. Financial consequences force organizations to implement meaningful safeguards—background checks, supervision policies, reporting protocols.

Exposure. Litigation reveals how institutions enabled abuse, informing the public and regulators.

Validation. Successful claims validate survivors’ experiences and counter institutional denials.

Compensation. Survivors deserve resources for therapy, treatment, and rebuilding their lives.

When the Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America, USA Gymnastics, and other institutions faced legal reckoning, it exposed decades of cover-up and forced systemic change. Each case contributes to this broader accountability.

Understanding Your Legal Options

Sexual abuse survivors may have multiple potential claims:

Civil claims against the abuser. Assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress. Individual abusers are liable for their conduct.

Civil claims against institutions. Negligent hiring, negligent supervision, failure to report, cover-up. Institutions that enabled abuse bear responsibility.

Criminal proceedings. Prosecutors may pursue criminal charges independently of civil claims. Civil and criminal cases can proceed simultaneously.

Title IX claims. For abuse in educational settings, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 may provide additional remedies.

Workers’ compensation. For workplace assault, workers’ comp may cover some damages, but civil claims often provide greater recovery.

Civil claims seek monetary compensation. Criminal cases seek incarceration and punishment. Both can be important to survivors—accountability takes many forms.

What To Expect In A Sexual Abuse Case

Understanding the process can reduce anxiety:

Initial consultation. We listen to your story in a confidential, supportive environment. No judgment. No pressure. We explain your options and answer questions.

Investigation. We gather evidence—documents, witness statements, records. For institutional cases, we investigate what the organization knew and when.

Filing. If you choose to proceed, we file a complaint in court. You decide what becomes public and what remains confidential.

Discovery. Both sides exchange information. Depositions may occur. This phase can be difficult but builds the evidence needed to prove your case.

Resolution. Many cases settle before trial. Settlement means no public trial and guaranteed compensation. Some survivors prefer trial for public accountability. We support whichever path you choose.

Confidentiality. Settlements can include confidentiality provisions. Your identity can remain protected if you prefer.

Throughout the process, you control key decisions. We provide guidance, but survivors decide whether to file, whether to settle, and how much to share publicly.

Damages In Sexual Abuse Cases

Sexual abuse survivors can recover:

Therapy and treatment costs. Past and future mental health treatment. Many survivors require years of therapy.

Medical expenses. Physical injuries, STI testing and treatment, pregnancy-related costs if applicable.

Lost income. If abuse affected your ability to work—through trauma, substance abuse, or ongoing psychological effects.

Pain and suffering. The emotional and psychological harm caused by abuse. California has no cap in sexual abuse cases.

Loss of enjoyment of life. How abuse has affected relationships, activities, and overall quality of life.

Punitive damages. In cases involving institutional cover-up or particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages punish wrongdoers.

Treble damages. Under AB 218, institutions that covered up childhood sexual abuse face triple damages.

Sexual abuse cases are not about getting rich. They’re about obtaining resources to heal, holding wrongdoers accountable, and achieving some measure of justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Claims

How Long Do I Have To File A Sexual Abuse Claim?

For childhood sexual abuse: until age 40 or within 5 years of discovering the psychological connection to abuse—whichever is later. For adult sexual assault: 10 years from the assault or 3 years from discovering injury resulted from the assault—whichever is later. Each situation is different. Consult an attorney to understand your specific timeline.

Can I Sue If The Abuse Happened Decades Ago?

Potentially. AB 218 allowed revival of previously time-barred childhood abuse claims through 2022. Current extended limitations periods may still apply. Even for older claims, options may exist. An attorney evaluates your specific situation.

Can I Sue The Organization, Not Just The Abuser?

Yes. Institutions that enabled abuse—through negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, failure to report, or cover-up—can be held liable. These claims are often more valuable than claims against individual abusers who may lack resources.

Will I Have To Testify In Court?

Not necessarily. Many cases settle before trial. If trial occurs, your testimony may be needed, but we prepare you thoroughly. Courtroom accommodations may be available for vulnerable witnesses.

Will My Identity Become Public?

Cases can proceed with pseudonyms (as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe”) to protect your identity. Settlement agreements often include confidentiality provisions.

What If I Can’t Remember All The Details?

Trauma affects memory. You don’t need to remember every detail to have a valid claim. Gaps in memory are common and don’t destroy your case. Corroborating evidence, patterns of institutional failure, and expert testimony help build claims.

What If The Abuser Is Deceased?

You may still have claims against institutions that enabled the abuse. The abuser’s death doesn’t eliminate institutional liability.

What About Criminal Charges?

Criminal prosecution is separate from civil claims. You can pursue both. Prosecutors decide whether to bring criminal charges—that’s not your decision. Civil claims give you more control over the process and outcome.

Do I Need Proof Beyond My Own Account?

Corroborating evidence helps, but many cases proceed based primarily on survivor testimony. Patterns of behavior, institutional knowledge, and other evidence support your account.

Can I Sue The Catholic Church Or Other Religious Organizations?

Yes. Religious organizations don’t have immunity from civil claims. Many dioceses, religious orders, and other entities have paid substantial settlements and judgments to abuse survivors.

What If I Signed A Previous Settlement Or Release?

Prior settlements may not bar current claims, especially if they didn’t cover all abuse or if they were signed before you understood the full extent of harm. An attorney evaluates what your prior agreement covers.

How Much Are Sexual Abuse Cases Worth?

Varies enormously. Individual claims may settle for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Factors include: severity and duration of abuse, institutional culpability, available evidence, and impact on your life. We evaluate value after understanding your situation.

How Long Will My Case Take?

Institutional abuse cases often take two to four years. Cases against individual abusers may resolve faster. We balance efficiency with thorough preparation.

Will This Process Retraumatize Me?

Legal proceedings can be difficult. We work with trauma-informed practices to minimize harm. Many survivors find that taking action—asserting their rights, holding abusers accountable—is empowering rather than retraumatizing. We monitor how you’re doing throughout.

Can I Remain Anonymous To The Defendant?

Initially, yes—you may sue as “Jane Doe.” The defendant may eventually learn your identity through legal proceedings, but public filings can protect your name. We discuss options to maximize your privacy.

Local Resources For Sexual Abuse Survivors In Los Angeles

Crisis Support:

• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-4673
• Peace Over Violence – LA-based crisis intervention, (213) 626-3393
• Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services – Trauma services

Reporting:

• LAPD Special Victims Unit – For reporting crimes
• LA County DCFS – Child abuse reporting, (800) 540-4000
• California Department of Justice – Additional resources

Legal Resources:

• California Courts Self-Help Guide
• LA County Superior Court

Survivor Support:

• SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
• Child USA – Advocacy organization
• 1in6 – Resources for male survivors

Why Hire Cohen Injury Law Group For Your Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Case?

We understand trauma. Sexual abuse cases are different. We approach survivors with compassion and respect, not just as clients but as people navigating profound harm.

We pursue institutional accountability. Individual abusers often lack resources. We identify and hold accountable the institutions that enabled abuse—schools, churches, organizations, employers.

We maximize your options. Extended statutes of limitations, revival provisions, institutional liability. We know the law and use it to advance your claims.

We protect your privacy. Confidentiality matters. We structure cases to protect your identity to the greatest extent possible.

Trial experience. Wayne R. Cohen has tried cases for over three decades. Insurance companies and institutional defendants know we’ll go to court when necessary.

No fee unless we win. Contingency only. We advance all costs.

What our clients say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I cannot recommend Nick enough. He is extremely supportive of the clients he works with, and approaches each case with precision and care. I trust Nick with any type of legal advice.”

Read more reviews on Google.

Contact Us Confidentially

If you’re a survivor of sexual abuse, we’ll speak with you in confidence about your options. There’s no obligation. We listen, answer questions, and explain what’s possible.

Reaching out is a significant step. We honor your courage in considering it.

Contact our Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyers today for a confidential consultation.