Experiencing sexual abuse as a child can shape every aspect of a person’s life, often for decades. Wilshire Law Firm represents survivors in California who are considering civil legal action to hold responsible individuals and institutions accountable. Our attorneys provide confidential, compassionate guidance to help survivors understand their rights under California law.
Understanding Childhood Sexual Abuse Civil Claims in California
Civil claims for childhood sexual abuse are separate from criminal proceedings. A survivor can pursue a civil lawsuit regardless of whether a criminal case was ever filed, whether charges were brought, or whether a conviction was obtained. The civil process is focused on accountability and compensation for the harm caused, not on criminal punishment.
California law recognizes that many survivors of childhood sexual abuse do not come forward until years or decades after the abuse occurred. This reality is reflected in the state’s statute of limitations, which has been significantly expanded to give survivors more time to seek justice.
Responsible parties in a civil childhood sexual abuse claim may include the individual who committed the abuse, as well as institutions or organizations that employed, supervised, or harbored that individual. Schools, churches, youth organizations, and other entities that failed to protect children in their care may also face civil liability.
What Is the California Child Victims Act?
The California Child Victims Act, enacted as Assembly Bill 218, made sweeping changes to how childhood sexual abuse claims are handled under California law. The law eliminated the previous statute of limitations for civil childhood sexual abuse claims, meaning survivors can now file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.
The law also created a look-back window that allowed previously time-barred claims to be filed. For claims involving institutional defendants, the law provides for the potential recovery of treble damages when it is proven that the institution engaged in a cover-up of the abuse.
Survivors who believe their claims may have been previously barred by older statutes of limitations should speak with a California sexual abuse attorney to understand how the Child Victims Act may apply to their specific situation. Wilshire Law Firm offers confidential consultations to survivors exploring their legal options.
What Types of Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims Does Wilshire Law Firm Handle?
Wilshire Law Firm represents survivors of childhood sexual abuse involving a wide range of circumstances, including abuse committed by teachers, coaches, clergy members, family members, neighbors, caregivers, and others in positions of trust or authority over children.
The firm also handles claims against institutions that failed to prevent abuse or that concealed it after becoming aware of it. This includes school districts, religious organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, foster care systems, and other entities whose negligence or deliberate inaction allowed abuse to continue.
Claims may involve a single incident or a pattern of abuse over an extended period. The specific facts of each survivor’s experience are handled with care and discretion throughout the legal process.
What Is the Legal Process for a Childhood Sexual Abuse Civil Claim?
The legal process for a civil childhood sexual abuse claim typically begins with a confidential consultation during which the survivor’s attorney listens to their account, explains applicable California law, and discusses options. No survivor is ever pressured to take any particular course of action.
If the survivor decides to move forward, the attorney investigates the claim, which may involve gathering records, identifying witnesses, and researching the history of the institution involved. A formal complaint is then filed in the appropriate California court.
Many civil sexual abuse cases are resolved through negotiated settlement, which allows survivors to receive accountability and compensation without the uncertainty of a trial. For survivors who prefer or require a trial, Wilshire Law Firm provides representation through that process as well. Throughout every stage, confidentiality is treated as a priority.
What Should You Expect From a Confidential Consultation?
A consultation with Wilshire Law Firm is completely confidential. Survivors are under no obligation to share more than they are comfortable sharing, and there is no pressure to make any decision during or after the initial meeting.
During the consultation, an attorney will explain how California law applies to the survivor’s situation, what the process of filing a civil claim looks like, and what questions the survivor might want to consider. The goal is to provide information that helps the survivor make their own informed decision.
Wilshire Law Firm handles childhood sexual abuse cases on a contingency basis, meaning no fees unless you get paid. There is no cost to explore your legal options.
Can I File a Civil Claim Even If No Criminal Case Was Pursued?
Yes. Civil and criminal proceedings operate under separate legal standards in California. The burden of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case, and a civil lawsuit can proceed whether or not criminal charges were ever filed, investigated, or resulted in a conviction.
Many survivors pursue civil claims precisely because the criminal justice system did not provide the accountability they were seeking. The civil process offers survivors agency over the legal action and focuses on remedies that acknowledge the harm they experienced.
An attorney at Wilshire Law Firm can explain how a civil claim works and what options are available regardless of the history of any related criminal matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a time limit to file a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit in California?
California’s Child Victims Act significantly expanded the statute of limitations for civil childhood sexual abuse claims. Under current law, survivors can file claims without regard to the standard limitations periods that previously applied. Because the rules are complex and your specific situation matters, speaking with a California sexual abuse attorney is the best way to understand what applies to you.
Can I file a civil claim even if no criminal charges were filed?
Yes. Civil and criminal cases are legally separate. A civil claim can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges were ever filed, declined, or resolved. The civil burden of proof is also lower than in a criminal case.
Will my identity be kept confidential?
Wilshire Law Firm treats confidentiality as a fundamental priority in all sexual abuse cases. Your attorney can also discuss the legal options for maintaining privacy during litigation, including procedures available under California law for protecting survivor identities in court filings.
Can institutions like schools or churches also be held responsible?
Yes. Under California law, institutions that knew or should have known about abuse, or that failed to take reasonable steps to protect the children in their care, may face civil liability. The California Child Victims Act also includes enhanced damages provisions for institutional cover-ups.
What does the civil legal process involve for childhood sexual abuse survivors?
The process begins with a confidential consultation, followed by investigation, case filing, and either settlement negotiations or trial. Throughout each stage, your attorney handles legal proceedings while you remain in control of the decisions that matter most to you.
Get in Touch With Wilshire Law Firm
Every survivor’s path is different. If you are considering civil legal action for childhood sexual abuse, Wilshire Law Firm is available for a confidential consultation to help you understand your rights under California law. The firm works on a contingency basis, meaning no fees unless you get paid. Contact Wilshire Law Firm to learn more about your options as a survivor.
This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.
