Those who sexually abuse others should be held accountable for the pain and suffering they’ve caused. While the criminal justice system may put them behind bars, survivors may not always feel that they’ve gotten justice. That’s where a civil sexual abuse trial comes in.
If you or a loved one are a survivor of sexual abuse, you can get help from an attorney to sue an abuser and any other liable third parties. A Long Beach sexual abuse lawyer from Greenberg Gross can help you hold an abuser accountable and recover compensation for damages.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest national network (RAINN), sexual abuse is any act of unwanted sexual contact. Sometimes, we use the term sexual abuse if these acts occur over multiple events. This abuse can involve unwanted touching, rape or attempted rape, unwanted violent sexual acts, or pressuring or threatening someone into having sex.
Sexual abuse is also defined as controlling another person’s sexual activity or the circumstances of how and when sexual activity occurs. This type of abuse can include refusing to or lying about using protection and not allowing someone to use birth control.
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You Can Get Justice for Sexual Abuse
Justice can look different to different survivors, and there are many ways you can seek justice for the sexual abuse you endured.
Sexual assault and abuse are illegal, and perpetrators can be prosecuted, sent to jail or prison, and required to be on the sex offender register. But some perpetrators don’t get punished for the abuse, or survivors may feel that the punishment isn’t justice.
You can also sue the abuser and other liable third parties and recover damages like:
- Medical expenses, including psychiatric care for PTSD
- Lost income and benefits, if you missed work during recovery or treatment
- Lost earning potential or career advancement
- Pain and suffering
- Legal fees
A civil lawsuit against an abuser and/or liable third parties can be a way to hold them accountable for their role in your abuse. A Long Beach sexual abuse lawyer from Greenberg Gross can calculate your damages to give you an estimate of how much you may be able to recover. We can also explore all your options for seeking justice.
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Greenberg Gross Can Fight for You
Choosing a lawyer to lead your sexual abuse case is an important decision. You want someone who cares about you and understands California’s civil codes for sexual abuse.
Our sexual abuse attorneys in Long Beach can:
- Protect your identity
- Handle all communication with the defendant’s legal team
- Build a case against the abuser or third party
- Negotiate a settlement that works for you
- Represent you in court
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle in Long Beach
We know that sexual abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or age. That’s why we take on a wide variety of sexual abuse cases in the Long Beach area. Every survivor deserves to be heard and deserves justice.
Here are some of the sexual abuse cases we handle:
- Child sexual abuse
- Nursing home sexual abuse
- Religious organization sexual abuse
- Public school sexual abuse
- Private school sexual abuse
At Greenberg Gross, we want to empower survivors of sexual abuse to share their stories and help hold their abusers accountable.
Who Can We Hold Accountable for Sexual Abuse in Long Beach?
The first person we can bring a case against is your or your loved one’s abuser. This person may be:
- A teacher, principal, professor, or school official
- A healthcare practitioner
- A counselor
- A coach or mentor
- A church official, pastor, or clergy member
We may be able to bring a case against any of these people if they are liable third parties in your abuse. For instance, some people are mandatory reporters, meaning they must report suspected sexual abuse and misconduct to proper authorities, such as child protective services or the police. If they did not report the abuse, they may be held responsible.
In addition to individual third parties, we can also file a lawsuit against entire organizations, such as:
- A church or religious organization
- A school or university
- A daycare or camp
- A medical or therapy facility
- A nonprofit organization or company
The sexual abuse lawyer from our firm can review the specifics of your case and determine how many parties may be liable for your or your loved one’s sexual abuse. Then, we can help you decide which parties we hold accountable based on what’s best for your life.
How Long do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse?
The state of California does have a statute of limitations on sexual abuse and assault. How long a survivor may have to seek justice through a civil lawsuit depends on whether they were a minor or an adult at the time of the abuse.
Statute of Limitations for a Civil Case – Sexual Abuse of a Minor
AB 218 establishes that children who are survivors of sexual abuse have either 22 years from the date they turn 40 or five years from the date a survivor discovered or “reasonably should have” discovered injury or illness, either physical or psychological, caused by the abuse.
Statute of Limitations for a Civil Case – Sexual Abuse of an Adult
Adults generally have ten years from the date of the last instance of abuse or three years from the date a survivor discovered or “reasonably should have” discovered injury or illness, either physical or psychological, caused by the abuse.
Civil vs. Criminal Statute of Limitations
However, it’s important to note that the statute of limitations mentioned here is only for civil lawsuits. The statute of limitations for criminal charges is different. Your Long Beach sexual abuse attorney from our firm can help you determine how California’s statute of limitations applies to your case.
Trust Greenberg Gross With Your Long Beach Sexual Abuse Case
At Greenberg Gross, we know the harm that sexual abuse can cause to a survivor and their loved ones. That’s why we’re dedicated to fighting for survivors and helping them get the justice they deserve.
Contact our office to get a free case review and learn more about we can help your civil sexual abuse case.
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