Sexual abuse of a child raises urgent questions about safety, privacy, and next steps. You may not know whether to report, how to protect records, or whether a civil case makes sense. At The Cifarelli Law Firm, we offer a survivor-centered approach to the legal process, including private consultations, careful planning, and communication that respects your pace and your family’s needs.
A San Diego child sexual abuse lawyer could outline your civil options, preserve evidence, and explain how to proceed with claims against an abuser or an enabling institution. Our compassionate attorneys could give you step-by-step guidance, help with forms and requests, and seek accountability. Contact us today to learn more,
What Are Remedies for Survivors of Child Sex Abuse?
A civil claim serves to ensure accountability from abusers and obtain resources for recovery. Compensation may include coverage for expenses such as:
- Counseling
- Specialized medical treatment
- Medication
- Trauma-focused therapy
- Educational support or tutoring
- Safety planning and relocation costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional damage
If the circumstances justify them, you may seek punitive damages to punish the perpetrator. Proving these claims requires obtaining records and working methodically. Useful evidence to prove claims involving entity or institutional negligence includes:
- Staffing and volunteer files
- Background-check results
- Rosters and access logs
- Sign-in sheets
- Surveillance archives
- Internal emails or messages
- Handbooks and safety protocols
- Prior complaints
One of our child sexual assault lawyers in San Diego could organize any evidence you obtain, request protective measures for sensitive material, and prepare support for negotiations or litigation.
What Is the Filing Deadline for a Child Sex Abuse Case?
The state has rules for civil suits based on childhood sexual assault. According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, claims arising from abuse that occurs on or after January 1, 2024, have no civil statute of limitations. For earlier incidents, you may file until you are 40 years of age or five years after discovering that the abuse caused adult psychological injury or illness, whichever comes first. Certain offenses may allow a more extended discovery period. A San Diego attorney from our firm who is experienced in sex abuse cases involving minors could evaluate which timeframe applies during an initial consultation.
Who May Be Liable in a Child Sexual Abuse Case?
Responsibility may extend beyond the individual offender to any person or entity that enabled access, ignored warnings, or failed to implement reasonable protections against child sexual abuse. Potential defendants who may be liable for sexually abusing children include:
- The perpetrator
- Employers that placed the offender with children, such as schools and districts, daycare centers, camps, youth sports leagues, religious organizations, and mentoring programs
- Health care or counseling providers who failed to screen, supervise, or respond appropriately
- Property owners and managers responsible for security and access control
- Transportation companies and event contractors that assumed custody or control during activities
- Staffing, security, or volunteer-management vendors that handled hiring or oversight
Our lawyers commonly deal with claims that involve negligent hiring, retention, and supervision, failure to train, unsafe policies or practices, negligent security, premises liability, and vicarious liability where conduct occurred within the scope of employment.
The San Diego child sexual assault attorneys at The Cifarelli Law Firm could evaluate duty, notice, foreseeability, prior complaints, background-check results, access logs, and policy compliance to identify every responsible party and available insurance coverage.
Contact a Dedicated Child Sex Abuse Attorney in San Diego Today
Survivors of child sexual abuse demonstrate remarkable courage in coming forward, and they deserve justice for the harm they have suffered. Getting legal help empowers you to act and helps safeguard your dignity and privacy. If you are uncertain about how to file a claim, how to report, or what the potential outcomes are, our attorneys could listen, clarify your options, and recommend thoughtful next steps.
The San Diego child sexual abuse lawyers at The Cifarelli Law Firm help people all over the state. Contact us to request a confidential consultation today.