Your Battle, Our Compass:
Los Angeles Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
Our Los Angeles child sexual abuse attorneys have spent decades fighting for survivors and their families throughout Los Angeles County, holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. If your child has been harmed, you don’t have to face this alone — call us today at (213) 320-1001 for a confidential, compassionate consultation.
Child Sexual Abuse Civil Law in Los Angeles: How California’s Statutes Protect Survivors
California treats child sexual abuse as both a crime and a civil wrong, giving survivors two independent legal paths. A criminal prosecution is brought by the state; a civil lawsuit is filed by the survivor to recover money damages from abusers and the organizations that shielded them. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1—substantially strengthened by AB 218 in 2019 and AB 2777 in 2022—survivors in Los Angeles County may pursue civil claims long after any criminal window has closed. Because trauma routinely delays survivors from connecting psychological harm to past abuse, California’s “discovery rule” starts the limitations clock when the survivor knew or reasonably should have known the connection existed, not necessarily on the date the abuse occurred. Los Angeles courts have processed hundreds of institutional childhood sexual abuse cases under these expanded timelines, including dozens of claims directly against LAUSD and its employees.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Child Sexual Abuse in Los Angeles?
Under California law, financial accountability for child sexual abuse extends far beyond the individual perpetrator. California Code of Civil Procedure §340.1 — significantly expanded by AB 2777 — empowers survivors to pursue civil claims against the institutions that enabled or concealed the abuse. Any organization that employed, supervised, or provided access to an abuser, including schools, religious institutions, youth-serving nonprofits, and healthcare providers, can face direct civil liability when negligence allowed the abuse to occur.
Two legal theories most commonly support institutional claims. Under respondeat superior, an employer may be held liable when its organizational structure or authority gave the abuser access to children. Under negligent hiring, supervision, and retention, a Los Angeles school district, diocese, or youth program can be sued for failing to properly screen, monitor, or remove a known or suspected offender. The Los Angeles Unified School District, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and numerous Los Angeles County youth organizations have each faced civil lawsuits on these grounds.
AB 2777 further revived previously time-barred claims against California institutions — including government entities — giving survivors an additional window to file civil actions regardless of when the abuse occurred.
- Individual perpetrators (teachers, coaches, clergy, healthcare workers, family members)
- LAUSD and other Los Angeles public and private schools
- The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and other religious organizations
- Youth sports leagues, summer camps, and after-school programs in Los Angeles County
- Hospitals, pediatric practices, and licensed healthcare or mental health providers
How We Value a Child Sexual Abuse Case in Los Angeles
Every child sexual abuse case in Los Angeles involves damages that extend far beyond a single incident. Compensatory damages account for the full economic and human cost: past and future therapy and psychiatric care, medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity caused by trauma’s long-term effects on education and employment. Courts in Los Angeles County regularly award substantial sums for these documented losses, particularly when institutional failures—such as LAUSD’s systemic concealment of abuser conduct—prolonged or enabled the harm.
Emotional distress damages are often the largest component of a survivor’s recovery. California law recognizes the profound psychological harm of childhood sexual abuse, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety that can span decades. Where an institution knowingly shielded an abuser, juries may also award punitive damages designed to punish and deter—amounts that can multiply a case’s overall value significantly.
Under AB 218 and AB 2777, California has eliminated the statute of limitations bar for many survivors, opening an unlimited recovery window for previously time-barred claims. Our attorneys at Compass Law Group have recovered over $250 million for abuse survivors. Call (213) 320-1001 for a free, confidential consultation.
What to Do If You Are a Child Sexual Abuse Survivor in Los Angeles
- Get to a Safe Place First — Your physical and emotional safety is the priority above everything else. If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 911; if you need crisis support, the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) connects callers to local Los Angeles resources 24 hours a day.
- Seek Medical Attention — A medical examination at a Los Angeles hospital or SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) clinic can document physical injuries and preserve biological evidence, even if you are unsure whether you want to report the abuse. LA County operates several SART centers, and a forensic nurse examiner can collect evidence that may be critical later.
- Document Everything You Remember — Write down names, dates, locations, and any details about the abuse as soon as possible while your recollection is clearest. Preserve text messages, emails, photos, diary entries, or any communications that reference the perpetrator or the abuse — do not delete or alter them.
- Report to Law Enforcement (Your Choice) — You may report child sexual abuse to the Los Angeles Police Department, the LA County Sheriff’s Department, or the LA County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) at any time. Reporting is your decision; an attorney can help you understand what a report means for your civil case before you make it.
- Contact a Los Angeles Child Sexual Abuse Attorney — A civil claim is separate from any criminal proceeding and allows you to pursue compensation for therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can identify all liable parties — including institutions such as schools, churches, or youth organizations — who may share responsibility under California law.
- Act Before the AB 2777 Lookback Window Closes — December 31, 2026 — California’s AB 2777 (the Survivor’s Bill) opened a limited three-year window allowing adult survivors to file civil claims for childhood sexual abuse that would otherwise be time-barred, regardless of when the abuse occurred. This window expires on December 31, 2026. Once it closes, many survivors will lose the right to sue forever.
If you are ready to take the next step, call our Los Angeles office today at (213) 320-1001 for a free, confidential consultation — we represent survivors on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
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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.