Irvine Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual Abuse Attorney in Irvine, CA
Sexual abuse of any kind is a crime, and the perpetrator of any sexual assault crime will hopefully face criminal charges after the incident. While the offender will likely face jail time, fines, and other penalties, filing a civil lawsuit is usually the most direct way for a victim of sexual abuse to recover compensation for their losses. Restitution ordered in a criminal case and support through the California Victim Compensation Board may also help.
The Irvine sexual abuse attorneys at our Southern California personal injury law firm understand how distressing sexual abuse cases are for victims, and we take the time to get to know our clients’ situations to provide attentive, thorough legal representation. After a sexual abuse incident, survivors often experience physical medical complications as well as psychological trauma from the incident. We provide our clients with aggressive legal representation in even the most complex cases.
If you need to talk to someone right now, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673, rainn.org) offers free, confidential support 24/7.
Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim in Irvine
One of the unfortunate realities facing victims of sexual abuse is the unlikelihood of securing compensation. Unless the perpetrator is particularly wealthy, the damages in a sexual abuse lawsuit will likely exceed the perpetrator’s personal assets. Victims in sexual abuse lawsuits can sue for medical expenses resulting from treating the physical effects of the abuse and any lasting physical harm. Plaintiffs can also sue for the costs of ongoing treatment, including prescription medications, counseling, therapy, and other rehabilitative treatments.
In some cases, a defendant will not have adequate assets to pay compensation to a plaintiff in a sexual abuse case. The plaintiff’s sexual abuse attorney will seek other avenues of compensation, including suing additional defendants who may share liability for the victim’s abuse. For example, if a school or daycare is aware of an abusive issue concerning a child in their care but does nothing to stop it, the plaintiff’s attorney can file suit against both the perpetrator and the organization for doing nothing to stop the abuse.
The right Irvine sexual abuse attorney can make a tremendous difference in a sexual abuse case. When the victim’s civil action runs in tandem with a criminal case against the defendant, the plaintiff’s attorney may use evidence from the criminal proceedings in the civil case. It’s also important to note that the standard of proof in civil claims is lower than that of criminal cases. If a perpetrator escapes criminal prosecution somehow, the victim may still secure compensation through his or her civil action.
How Long Do You Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim in California?
California gives most survivors more time to file a civil claim than they might expect, though the exact deadline depends on how old you were when the abuse happened.
If you were under 18 when the abuse happened, California Code of Civil Procedure section 340.1 generally lets you file at any time if the abuse occurred on or after January 1, 2024. For abuse before that date, you typically have until your 40th birthday, or within five years of discovering that your psychological harm was caused by the abuse, whichever is later.
If you were 18 or older when the abuse happened, Code of Civil Procedure section 340.16 usually gives you 10 years from the assault, or three years from when you discovered the harm it caused, whichever is later. A 2025 amendment also opened a temporary window, running from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, that revives some adult sexual assault claims against institutions that would otherwise be time-barred.
These deadlines have real exceptions, so it’s worth having an Irvine sexual abuse attorney review the specific dates in your case rather than assuming a claim is too old to bring.
Hear From Our Clients
“I just want to express how much I appreciate Bentley & More LLP. My family and I worked with Keith during a really hard time in our life. He and his associates are patient, attentive and if we had any questions they were helpful and informative. They made the process we went through much easier and i highly recommend them if you are looking for true professionals who don’t mind going above and beyond for you. Thanks Keith and everyone at Bentley & More!” – Inessa Juarez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a deadline to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in California?
It depends on your age when the abuse happened. Survivors abused as children generally have more time, sometimes with no deadline at all, while adult survivors usually have 10 years from the assault or three years from discovering their harm.
Can I sue a school, church, or employer for failing to stop the abuse?
Yes. If an organization knew about abuse and did not act, you may be able to sue that institution along with the person who abused you.
Do I need to file a police report before filing a civil lawsuit?
No. A civil claim is separate from any criminal case, so you can pursue compensation whether or not the abuse was reported to police or led to criminal charges.
What can I recover in a civil sexual abuse case?
You may recover costs such as therapy and medical care, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, courts can also award punitive damages against the responsible party.
Is help available if I can’t afford therapy or medical care right now?
Yes. The California Victim Compensation Board can reimburse up to $70,000 in crime-related expenses for eligible sexual assault survivors, separate from any civil lawsuit.
Where would my case be filed?
Civil sexual abuse cases involving Irvine residents or institutions are typically filed in Orange County Superior Court.
How Our Irvine Sexual Abuse Law Firm Can Help
The Anaheim sexual abuse attorneys at Bentley & More, LLP have the experience necessary to handle even the most complicated litigation. We understand the devastating toll a sexual abuse incident can take on the victim, which is why we go to great lengths to ensure our clients receive compassionate and comprehensive legal assistance in their civil claims. We work closely with medical experts who can testify in court concerning the medical effects of a sexual abuse incident, providing a judge and jury with a clearer picture of the plaintiff’s damages.
Reach out to our firm to schedule a consultation about your Irvine sexual abuse case. We help clients across Orange County secure compensation for various types of civil actions. If you’re located in the Riverside area, contact our Riverside sexual abuse lawyers. If you’re located in the San Bernardino area, reach out to our San Bernardino sexual abuse lawyers. We also know how to work with criminal prosecutors to ensure that all of the necessary evidence in a case comes to light so our clients receive just compensation for their damages. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with our Irvine personal injury lawyers.
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
ES