Sexual Abuse While Working at McDonald’s in California

Many people who work at McDonald’s are young and working their very first job. That can make abuse by someone in authority especially confusing and hard to talk about. At Wilshire Law Firm, a legal professional will listen with care, help you understand your rights, and explain your options — with no pressure and no obligation. We represent clients confidentially and are available 24/7.

The great majority of McDonald’s restaurants in California are run by independent franchisees who control hiring, training, and supervision at their locations. Every operator has a legal duty to protect workers from sexual abuse and harassment — including screening managers, responding to complaints, and removing known threats. When that duty is ignored, the failure can support a civil claim. Our team investigates the ownership and management structure to identify every party that may share responsibility.

Teenage and young-adult employees are often targeted because they may not recognize abusive conduct, may fear losing a job, or may not know where to turn. Abuse by an older manager or supervisor is a profound betrayal of trust, and the fault lies entirely with the person who caused harm and any employer that allowed it. If you were a young worker when the abuse occurred, you may have especially strong protections under California law, and a confidential conversation can help you understand them.

Your filing deadline depends on your age when the abuse occurred. Survivors who were minors are covered by California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, which imposes no deadline for childhood sexual assault committed on or after January 1, 2024, and provides extended time for earlier abuse (generally until age 40 or five years from discovering the injury). Adult survivors are covered by California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.16, which generally allows up to ten years from the assault or three years from discovery. Because exceptions may apply, we encourage you to speak with a legal professional as soon as you’re ready.

You deserve support and answers, and reaching out is a step you can take at your own pace. Wilshire Law Firm’s nationally recognized team is here to listen with compassion, protect your privacy, and help you understand your options. We’re available 24/7, case reviews are free, and there are no fees unless you get paid.

Call us anytime or request your free, confidential case review online.