California Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawyers
Survivors of sexual abuse and assault often experience long-term emotional, physical, and psychological impact. Any individual who has suffered from sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct may be eligible to pursue legal action in the state of California. At Kayla’s Survivors, our attorneys help survivors file civil lawsuits against the responsible individuals and their associated institutions if they tried to cover up the abuse or otherwise failed to prevent it, report it, or take reasonable steps to protect others from harm.
Our law firm has helped survivors recover over $1 billion as a result of settlements and verdicts, including claims settled in California. The sexual assault attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors can help you better understand your legal options, build a strong claim, and help you recover compensation while serving as your advocate throughout the legal process. When you’re ready to take the next step, call (800) 509-9747 or get help online from our legal team.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Filing A Sexual Abuse, Assault, or Rape Lawsuit in California
Survivor of sexual abuse and assault (including rape and sex trafficking) may decide to pursue civil charges to recover financial compensation for damages that resulted from the abuse. In the state of California, a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse and assault may be filed regardless of whether the abuser has been criminally charged.
- Extended statutes of limitations: California law allows many survivors additional time to file civil claims, including special “lookback” windows for childhood sexual abuse that may revive otherwise expired claims.
- No criminal case required: A civil lawsuit can proceed even if no criminal charges were filed, charges were dismissed, or the abuser was never prosecuted.
- Claims against institutions: Survivors may pursue claims not only against the abuser, but also against schools, churches, youth organizations, employers, healthcare organizations, and other institutions that failed to protect them or concealed misconduct.
- Confidential filing options: California courts offer protections that allow survivors to proceed using initials or pseudonyms to protect their privacy throughout litigation.
- Recoverable damages: Civil claims may seek compensation for medical care, therapy, emotional distress, lost income, and long-term psychological harm related to the abuse.
- Delayed discovery rule: California recognizes that many survivors do not immediately connect their injuries to past abuse, which can affect when the filing deadline begins to run.
- Trauma-informed legal process: Survivors are not required to recount details publicly at the outset, and many cases resolve through confidential settlements without trial.
Talk in Confidence. We’ll listen…
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a sexual abuse lawsuit in California if the abuse happened years ago?
Yes, California has some of the most survivor-friendly statutes of limitations in the country, including extended deadlines and special lookback windows for certain claims, particularly those involving childhood sexual abuse. Even if you were previously told your claim was “time-barred,” you may still be eligible to file.
Do I need a criminal conviction to bring a civil sexual abuse lawsuit?
No, a civil lawsuit is completely separate from any criminal cases. In California, you may pursue a civil case regardless of whether criminal charges were filed, dismissed, or never pursued.
Who can be held liable in a California sexual abuse case?
In addition to the individual abuser, California law allows survivors to bring claims against institutions that enabled the abuse, failed to investigate complaints, ignored warning signs, or attempted to conceal misconduct.
What types of compensation are available in a California sexual abuse lawsuit?
Survivors may pursue compensation for therapy and medical care, emotional distress, lost income, and the long-term psychological impact of the abuse. The goal of a civil case is accountability and financial recovery for the harm suffered.
Areas Served
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Fresno
- Sacramento
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Bakersfield
- Anaheim
California Laws For Sexual Abuse, Assault, and Rape
Statute of Limitations
In California, there is no statute of limitations for civil claims involving child sexual abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2024. For earlier cases, survivors generally have until age 40 or five years after discovering the abuse. Adult survivors have 10 years from the last act or three years from discovery to file a civil claim. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights under California law and determine whether you are still eligible to file a claim.
Age of Consent
In California, the age of consent is 18 years old, meaning that anyone under the age of 18 is considered a minor and cannot legally consent to sexual acts. Offenders may be charged with statutory rape, and any minor who is engaged and under the age of consent may be eligible to file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct against the offender and institution (such as a school) that failed to adequately protect and prevent the harm.
Filing A Claim
Anyone (child or adult) who has experienced sexual abuse, assault, or sexual misconduct in California may be eligible to pursue a civil lawsuit. Claims may arise from abuse involving juvenile detention centers, celebrity sexual abuse, trafficking, any abuse facilitated through online platforms (such as Roblox). A lawyer can help you better understand you legal options – completely free and 100% confidential
Practice Areas & California Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Combined, the lawyers at Kayla’s Survivors have decades of experience in handling sexual abuse claims and have helped clients recover over $1 billion in compensation as a result of settlements and verdicts.
Get Legal Help From Our California Law Offices
Contact one of our California law offices, or get a free case evaluation online from our legal team – 100% confidential.