When a child has suffered sexual abuse, it can impact their health, education, and family life. It is common to feel uncertain about reporting, privacy, or next steps. The Cifarelli Law Firm provides a steady, trauma-informed process for survivors and families across Southern California—one that explains your legal options, protects confidentiality, and moves at a pace that feels manageable.
A Los Angeles child sexual abuse lawyer at our firm could evaluate potential civil claims against perpetrators and responsible organizations, explain how cases progress, and coordinate resources that support healing. With an attorney guiding the process, you and your family could receive organized communication, help with documents, and focused representation in negotiations or court. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
What a Civil Case Can Do and Who May Be Responsible
Civil cases seek accountability and compensation. Beyond the perpetrator, liability for your child’s sexual abuse may extend to institutions that allowed the risk to persist, such as:
- Schools
- Youth programs
- Religious organizations
- Athletic organizations
- Transportation providers
- Property owners
Our child sex abuse attorneys in Los Angeles could work to identify duty, notice, hiring, and supervision practices, as well as policy lapses that connect to the harm your child suffered. Remedies may include:
- Therapy expenses
- The costs of specialized medical care
- Future treatment
- Lost future earning capacity
- Non-economic damages for emotional trauma
Furthermore, a court may use protective orders and privacy safeguards to limit unnecessary disclosure of sensitive information.
Deadlines To File a Child Sex Abuse Case
The state sets specific time limits for civil actions arising from childhood sexual assault. According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, survivors may file until the latter of (a) 22 years after turning 18, or age 40, or (b) five years after discovering that the abuse caused them adult psychological injury or illness. Some provisions address previously time-barred claims and other defendant categories, and distinct notice rules may apply with the involvement of a public entity. A Los Angeles attorney could analyze which periods apply when helping you file your claim for sexual abuse of a minor.
Evidence, Privacy, and a Trauma-Informed Process
Strong claims pair testimony with documentation. Typical evidence may include:
- Counseling and medical records
- Prior reports or complaints
- Texts or emails
- Activity logs
- Institutional policies or training records
Our childhood sexual assault attorneys in Los Angeles sequence the collection of these materials to minimize repeated retelling, request protective orders when needed, and coordinate sworn statements from witnesses or former staff. When litigation is necessary, our team prepares carefully tailored discovery requests, seeks confidentiality orders for sensitive materials, and proposes a schedule that minimizes disruption to your child’s schooling and treatment.
How Does The Cifarelli Law Firm Help Survivors and Families?
Managing these cases requires focus, organization, and respect. The Cifarelli Law Firm could create a plan that includes initial record preservation, witness outreach, and early damages strategies to support settlement discussions. Our Los Angeles legal team could prepare a detailed demand letter with supporting documents and, if needed, draft a complaint that clearly outlines the facts and allegations of your child’s sexual abuse claim.
Throughout your case, we may work with therapists and doctors to ensure continued treatment and meet court requirements without extra stress. These plans usually involve sending preservation letters for emails, texts, and access logs, establishing contact protocols with the institution, and coordinating with treatment providers to maintain care while adhering to deadlines and court schedules.
Contact a Compassionate Child Sex Abuse Attorney in Los Angeles
You deserve information you can act on and representation that combines safety and dignity. If you have questions about reporting, deadlines, or what a civil case could accomplish, we will listen and outline options suited to your situation.
A Los Angeles child sexual abuse lawyer at The Cifarelli Law Firm could explain eligibility, gather records, and take measured steps toward accountability. Contact us today to request a confidential consultation.