Damages in Irvine Child Sexual Abuse Cases

When children are victims of sexual abuse, the impacts are multifaceted and profound, often affecting them for the rest of their lives. Various factors contribute to the effects of abuse, including the child’s age and relationship with the perpetrator, the duration of the abuse, and the support and services they receive in the aftermath.

Every case is unique, and the potential damages in Irvine child sexual abuse cases depend on the specifics, such as the extent of the abuse and the mental, emotional, psychological, and physical injuries. Contact an experienced child sexual abuse attorney from the Cifarelli Law Firm for help learning more about your options for compensation.

What are the Lasting Impacts of Child Sexual Abuse?

The impacts of child sexual assault and abuse are lasting and can include the following:

• Psychological, emotional, and mental injuries, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, with symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, guilt, shame, and avoidance of emotions
• Long-term or permanent emotional regulation problems, such as mood swings and impulsivity issues
• Problems affecting the victim’s self-perception, such as unworthiness, self-blame, deep-seated feelings of guilt or shame, and identity confusion
• Relationship challenges, such as difficulty forming healthy attachment, trust issues, fear of intimacy, abusive or unstable relationships, and sometimes, revictimization
• Struggles with dissociation, causing a feeling of detachment from their body, reality, thoughts, or memory
• Coping mechanisms, such as eating disorders, like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating

Survivors of childhood sex offenses are also at increased risk of addiction to self-medicate or numb the painful memories, self-harm, or suicidal ideation. However, help is available. An attorney in Irvine could answer questions about compensation in child sexual assault cases and the recovery claims process.

Survivor Treatment and Recoverable Damages

The care and treatment of survivors of child sex abuse is a long-term, complex process. Studies show that an individualized, trauma-informed approach is the most successful in helping individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms and live happy and fulfilling lives.

There is no one-size-fits-all care plan. The method, type, and length of treatment depend on factors such as the child’s age when the abuse occurred, the duration of the abuse, and their relationship to the abuser.

What Are Trauma-Informed Services?

Trauma-informed care is paramount for survivors and requires understanding the widespread impact of abuse and how it may continue influencing their emotions, behavior, thoughts, and relationships. This recovery approach ensures that services take place in safe environments, allowing individuals to feel physically and emotionally comfortable, and facilitating open and honest communication and interactions. An atmosphere of trust fosters connection and empowerment, laying the groundwork for healing.

Recoverable Damages

While the recoverable compensation for Irvine survivors of child sexual abuse varies, the court typically awards payment for economic damages. This may include compensation for past, current, and future financial losses and medical expenses, including therapy costs. Non-economic damages are also commonly awarded to compensate for intangible losses, such as emotional distress and anguish, pain and suffering, and an enduring loss of enjoyment of life.

Call a Compassionate Irvine Attorney for Help Seeking Compensation in Child Sexual Assault Cases

The effects of sexual abuse during childhood are often immense, affecting the victim’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Every survivor experiences injuries, and access to proper treatment for as long as necessary is essential.

The awarding of damages in Irvine child sexual abuse cases can help survivors access the care they need. If you or a loved one has suffered child sexual abuse, call the Cifarelli Law Firm today and schedule a consultation to speak to a compassionate and experienced lawyer.