Coming forward after experiencing sexual abuse can be incredibly difficult. You may be dealing with emotional trauma, uncertainty about your legal options, or concerns about privacy.
If you suffered sexual abuse in Bakersfield or elsewhere in California, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a civil claim, regardless of whether criminal charges were filed. A Bakersfield sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate what happened, and pursue accountability from those responsible.
At Sweet James, we have experience helping injured accident victims for over 25 years, and we handle these cases with compassion, discretion, and respect for your privacy. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a California sexual abuse lawyer from our team.
Is What I Experienced Considered Sexual Abuse Under California Law?
In the civil legal context, sexual abuse refers to unwanted sexual contact, sexual assault, exploitation, coercion, or other misconduct that causes physical, emotional, or psychological harm.
A civil lawsuit is separate from a criminal case and focuses on obtaining compensation and holding responsible parties accountable.
Importantly, you may still have a valid civil claim even if no criminal charges were filed, an arrest was never made, or the alleged abuser was not convicted.
California’s Laws Extending the Statute of Limitations for Survivors
California Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218) permanently extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse, allowing survivors to file civil claims until their 40th birthday or within five years of discovering their psychological injury.
While the childhood lookback window under AB 218 closed in 2022, California has since opened other critical paths to justice. Under AB 2777 and the active AB 250 window, certain survivors who were adults at the time of their abuse have a temporary opportunity to file lawsuits for previously time-barred claims, particularly those involving institutional cover-ups.
Speaking with a sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible can help you understand which current deadlines or windows apply to your situation.
What a Bakersfield Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Do for You
Sexual abuse claims require a careful and sensitive approach. A Bakersfield personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process while helping protect your privacy.
Conduct a Confidential Investigation
A Bakersfield sexual abuse lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, review records, and identify facts that support your claim.
Identify All Liable Parties
Many survivors are entitled to seek compensation from both the abuser and institutions that contributed to the abuse. A lawyer can evaluate who may be held liable based on the details of your case.
File a Civil Claim
Civil lawsuits or civil cases allow you to pursue compensation independently of any criminal proceedings. A lawyer can do all the work that comes with filing these claims.
Protect Your Privacy
If you are hesitating to file a claim because of your privacy, you can rest assured that our attorneys handling sexual abuse cases often take steps to safeguard sensitive information and limit unnecessary public exposure.
Negotiate or Litigate Your Case
While many claims resolve through settlement negotiations, your attorney can prepare your case for trial if necessary.
Compensation Available to Sexual Abuse Survivors
The compensation available in a civil sexual abuse case depends on the nature of the abuse and the losses you have experienced.
Medical and Therapy Expenses
You may be able to recover compensation for medical treatment, counseling, therapy, and other healthcare costs related to the abuse.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If the abuse affected your ability to work or pursue career opportunities, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and diminished earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
You may seek damages for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life resulting from the abuse.
Emotional Distress and Psychological Harm
Many survivors experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other long-term emotional effects. These losses may be considered when calculating damages.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases involving especially wrongful conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
California law may allow additional recovery when a person’s extreme or outrageous conduct intentionally causes severe emotional harm.
Speaking to a lawyer about your specific case can help you understand exactly what compensation types may be available.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Abuse Case?
Liability often extends beyond the individual who committed the abuse. Depending on the facts of your case, multiple parties may be responsible.
The Direct Perpetrator
The individual who committed the abuse may be held liable for the harm caused by their actions.
Employers
Employers, supervisors, and administrators may be liable if they knew or should have known about misconduct and failed to take appropriate action. Additionally, organizations have a responsibility to properly screen, train, and supervise employees. Failure to do so may create liability when abuse occurs.
Institutions and Organizations
Schools, religious organizations, nursing homes, healthcare facilities, and other institutions may be held accountable when their negligence contributes to abuse.
Determining liability can be challenging both in a logistical sense and emotionally. The good news is that a Bakersfield sexual abuse lawyer from our firm can do that work for you.
Speak With a Bakersfield Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
If you experienced sexual abuse, you deserve the opportunity to seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable.
Taking legal action cannot undo what happened, but it may help you obtain compensation, regain a sense of control, and prevent similar harm from happening to others.
A Bakersfield sexual abuse attorney from Sweet James can review your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options during a free, confidential consultation.
Contact us today to learn how we may be able to help. You pay no fees or costs until we win, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Sweet James Accident Attorneys
Newport Beach Office Location
4220 Von Karman Ave. Suite 200
Newport Beach, CA 92660
