Your Battle, Our Compass:
Long Beach Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
Our Long Beach child sexual abuse attorneys have spent years helping survivors across Los Angeles County hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. We handle every case with strict confidentiality and compassionate advocacy so your family can focus on healing. Call (213) 320-1001 today for a free, confidential consultation.
Can I File a Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Long Beach, California?
Yes — and California law is among the strongest in the nation for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Long Beach falls within Los Angeles County Superior Court jurisdiction; civil sexual abuse cases are filed at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, 275 Magnolia Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802. California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, expanded by AB 218 in 2019 and AB 2777 in 2022, gives survivors multiple pathways for relief regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. The law reflects a documented clinical reality: survivors commonly require years or decades to recognize that psychological harm traces back to childhood abuse, and California courts in LA County formally acknowledge that delay. Filing a civil lawsuit is independent of any criminal proceeding — your abuser does not need to have been charged or convicted for you to recover compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Child Sexual Abuse in Long Beach?
Liability for child sexual abuse in California extends far beyond the individual who committed the act. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §340.1, survivors have the right to pursue civil claims against any person or entity whose negligence enabled the abuse. Institutions bear responsibility when they knew or should have known a perpetrator posed a risk to children — whether through prior complaints, background check failures, or deliberate concealment of misconduct.
California’s legal theory of respondeat superior holds employers accountable when abuse occurs within the scope of an employee’s duties or position of trust. Separately, negligent hiring, supervision, and retention claims apply when an organization failed to screen staff, ignored warning signs, or kept an abuser in a role with child access. In Long Beach, this liability has reached institutions including Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), youth sports organizations, Catholic Diocese parishes, foster care providers contracted through LA County DCFS, and medical facilities such as Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
AB 2777, California’s 2023 revival window, expanded the window for survivors to file claims against previously protected institutions. If an organization destroyed records, paid hush money, or transferred offenders, punitive damages may apply under California Civil Code §3294.
- Individual perpetrators (teachers, coaches, clergy, family members, caregivers)
- Long Beach Unified School District and charter school operators
- Catholic Diocese of Los Angeles parishes serving Long Beach communities
- LA County DCFS-contracted foster care and group home agencies
- Youth-serving nonprofits, sports leagues, and after-school programs operating in Long Beach
How We Value a Child Sexual Abuse Case in Long Beach
Determining the value of a Long Beach child sexual abuse case begins with compensatory damages — the concrete and ongoing losses a survivor has suffered. These include costs for therapy and psychiatric care, future medical treatment, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life. Los Angeles County cases frequently involve institutional defendants such as Long Beach Unified School District, youth-serving organizations, or religious entities, which expands the scope of recoverable losses considerably. In cases with multiple plaintiffs or systemic failures, total exposure against a single institution can reach into the millions.
California law also permits recovery for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and the lasting psychological harm caused by abuse. When an institution concealed misconduct, ignored mandatory reporting obligations, or transferred known offenders, courts may award punitive damages on top of compensatory amounts. These punitive awards are designed to punish institutional cover-ups and send a clear deterrent to organizations that prioritize reputation over child safety.
Under AB 218 and AB 2777, many Long Beach survivors who were previously time-barred now have a revived window to pursue claims against both individual abusers and the institutions that enabled them, with no statutory cap on damages in qualifying cases. Our attorneys have recovered more than $250 million for clients across California, including survivors in Los Angeles County facing some of the most complex institutional defendants in the state. Call (213) 320-1001 for a free, confidential consultation.
What to Do If You Are a Child Sexual Abuse Survivor in Long Beach
California’s AB 2777 lookback window gives survivors who were barred by expired statutes of limitations until December 31, 2026 to file a civil claim — but that deadline is firm. If you or someone you love experienced childhood sexual abuse in Long Beach or anywhere in Los Angeles County, the steps below can protect your safety, your rights, and your legal options.
- Get to a safe environment first — If abuse is ongoing or you are in immediate danger, call 911 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Your physical safety is the priority before anything else.
- Seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible — A doctor or Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) nurse can treat injuries, screen for infections, and collect forensic evidence that may be critical to both criminal and civil proceedings.
- Document everything you remember — Write down dates, locations, descriptions of the abuser, witnesses, and any details about the abuse while they are fresh. These notes can become important evidence even years later in a civil lawsuit.
- Preserve physical and digital evidence — Save any texts, emails, photos, or communications involving the abuser. Do not delete messages or accounts, and avoid posting about the abuse on social media until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Report to law enforcement or child protective services if you choose to — You are not legally required to file a police report in order to pursue a civil claim, but a Long Beach Police Department report or a DCFS referral can strengthen your case and may protect other children from the same abuser.
- Contact a Long Beach child sexual abuse attorney before December 31, 2026 — California’s AB 2777 lookback window closes at the end of 2026, permanently eliminating claims that are currently revived regardless of when the abuse occurred. An attorney can evaluate your case at no cost, identify all liable parties — including institutions that enabled the abuse — and file before the deadline.
Time is running out for survivors whose claims were previously barred — call our Long Beach team today at (213) 320-1001 for a free, confidential consultation.
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With Joseph Shirazi and Simon Esfandi at the helm, our firm is a trusted name in accident law in California.
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National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Avvo 10.0 Superb. Loyola Law School graduate. Recognized for his $14,500,000 truck accident verdict and a $13,000,000 trial verdict.
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Jerry
After 10 accidents and 9 attorneys, the client met Simon, who stood out for his honesty and clear communication. Years later, after another accident, the client called Simon and was impressed by his professionalism and follow-through. Simon explained everything, connected him with top doctors, and kept every promise. It was the first time the client felt truly supported—highly recommending Simon and Joseph for their integrity and dedication.
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Jacob was rear-ended by a big rig and left nearly paralyzed for a year. He found Cooper Law Group, and Joseph and Simon personally helped him through the legal process. Over two years, they ensured he got the medical care and surgeries he needed, helped repair his car, and secured the compensation he deserved. He highly recommends them for truly fighting for their clients.
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During the early days of COVID, Blandine was hit by a car while biking to work. Alone and unsure of what to do, they found Compass Law Group. Joseph was the first to respond with care and clarity. Throughout the case, the team—Joseph, Simon, and Julie—provided support, regular check-ins, and made the client feel safe and cared for. They now consider the firm like family and highly recommend them for their compassion and competence.
Understanding Your Rights:
Frequently Asked
Questions
#1 Do I have a case?
Understanding whether a claim exists is one of the challenges of personal injury law. This is why we offer free initial consultations to help you make this determination and allow you an avenue to vindicate your rights.
We’re committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Southern California, and, unlike other California personal injury attorneys, we will take on any case if we can help, no matter how big or small.
#2 What is personal injury?
Personal injury involves harm to an individual’s body or property caused by someone else’s negligence. It can range from minor to significant injuries, often requiring legal action to recover damages. We specialize in representing and securing fair settlements for such victims.
#3 Why hire Compass Law Group?
Our client-focused approach ensures personalized attention, detailed case building, and compelling evidence presentation. We’re skilled in negotiating settlements and prepared for trial with aggressive strategies. Our firm maintains transparent communication, involves clients in the process, and utilizes a wide network of expert witnesses and resources to strengthen cases. Choosing us means trusting a team dedicated to your success and justice.
#4What if I didn't go to the hospital?
No matter the injury size, you have rights that need defending. Many injuries seem minor at first but can worsen over time. Ignoring treatment or legal advice risks your health and compensation. Seek immediate medical and legal help after any accident to ensure proper diagnosis and strengthen your compensation claim.