Each year, thousands of children are sent to live in foster care homes. Although those wishing to become foster parents are required to undergo training and background checks, unfortunately, emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse has been reported in such homes. Child sexual abuse not only causes physical injuries in many cases, but also may result in profound, long-term psychological impacts. Survivors of sexual abuse in San Diego foster care homes have the right to seek compensation for these impacts from liable parties, including the individuals offering foster care in their homes, the state or county government, or other agencies tasked with ensuring that the home is free from hazards that could injure a child.
If you suffered sexual abuse in a foster home, let our legal team at The Cifarelli Law Firm help you understand your right to compensation and the services we provide to individuals across Southern California. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
In San Diego, those who have suffered sexual abuse in a foster home can file a civil claim against the abusers or those who allowed the abuse to take place, such as the San Diego County Child Welfare Services or one of several foster care agencies. These claims differ from criminal actions, as they do not involve arrests or incarceration, but rather determine liability for the abuse and compensation for the financial and psychological costs. Compensation may include economic damages to cover the costs of medical treatment, therapy, medication, and lost earning capacity resulting from the abuse, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and other quality-of-life losses.
The value of a sexual abuse claim is calculated by considering several factors, including the severity and duration of the abuse, the survivor’s age when the abuse occurred, the availability of evidence and witnesses, and more.
In California, those who were sexually abused in a San Diego foster care home before January 1, 2024, have up to five years from discovering the resulting harm or up to their 40th birthday to file a claim, whichever is later. Recent changes to state laws eliminated the statute of limitations for survivors of sexual abuse occurring after January 1, 2024, meaning there is no deadline for filing a lawsuit against those liable for the abuse. Working with a dedicated attorney could help ensure you understand the timeline of your case and how to file a claim for compensation from those at fault.
The experienced child sexual abuse lawyers at The Cifarelli Law Firm may provide several types of services to assist San Diego survivors with filing a foster home abuse claim. This includes guidance and information about the claims process, assistance with gathering evidence, including:
They may also negotiate a settlement with a liable party or their insurance provider, file a lawsuit on your behalf, and even represent your claim in court.
For many survivors of sexual abuse in San Diego foster care homes, recovering from the trauma of what happened takes years and comes at great cost. If you need information about how to seek compensation, let our team answer the questions you have and tell you about how we can help. Contact us for your free case evaluation today. All communications with our firm will be kept strictly confidential.
If you or your child has been a victim, talk to an Irvine child sexual abuse lawyer at The Cifarelli Law Firm. Our team is passionate about advocating for victims and helping them seek justice. We understand this is a difficult situation, and we strive to create a place where victims from all over California can feel safe and heard. Call The Cifarelli Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
(949) 502-8600
