Your Battle, Our Compass:
Sacramento Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
Our attorneys have represented child sexual abuse survivors throughout Sacramento and Sacramento County, bringing decades of combined experience to some of the most sensitive and high-stakes cases in California. We fight to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable while guiding families through every step of the legal process. Call us today at (213) 320-1001 for a free, confidential consultation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Child Sexual Abuse in Sacramento?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure §340.1, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may hold both individual perpetrators and the institutions that enabled them legally accountable. In Sacramento County, civil liability extends well beyond the direct abuser — organizations that employed, supervised, or granted access to a predator can face claims for negligent hiring, negligent retention, and failure to report under California’s mandatory reporting laws. California courts have consistently held that institutions bear a duty to protect children from foreseeable harm, and that duty does not end when an abuser acts on their own initiative.
Institutional liability in Sacramento commonly arises under a respondeat superior theory, which holds employers responsible for employee misconduct occurring within the scope of employment, or under direct negligence when an organization knew — or should have known — of an abuser’s dangerous propensities and failed to act. The Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD), the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, Sacramento-area youth sports organizations, foster care agencies, and pediatric healthcare providers have each faced civil claims rooted in these principles. AB 2777 further expanded survivor rights by reviving previously time-barred claims against institutions that covered up abuse.
Identifying every liable party is one of the most consequential steps in a Sacramento child sexual abuse case. Holding institutions accountable — not just individual abusers — is often the only path to meaningful compensation and systemic change.
- Individual perpetrators — teachers, coaches, clergy, healthcare providers, family members, or any person who directly committed the abuse
- Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) and other public school districts — for negligent hiring, retention, or supervision of employees who abused students
- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento — for concealing known abusers and reassigning clergy with histories of misconduct
- Sacramento-area youth organizations — sports leagues, scouting organizations, camps, and after-school programs that failed to screen or remove predatory adults
- Foster care agencies and Sacramento County DCSS — for placing children with known or inadequately vetted caregivers in violation of mandatory reporting obligations under Welfare & Institutions Code §15630
How We Value a Child Sexual Abuse Case in Sacramento
With more than $250 million recovered for survivors across California, Compass Law Group builds each case valuation around documented compensatory damages: therapy and psychological counseling costs, ongoing medical treatment, and lost wages or diminished earning capacity. For Sacramento and Sacramento County survivors, these economic losses frequently extend decades into the future when childhood trauma went untreated for years following the abuse.
Emotional distress—including PTSD, depression, and chronic anxiety—is fully compensable under California law and often represents the largest share of total recovery. When institutions such as the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) or Sacramento County agencies concealed abuse or failed to fulfill mandatory reporting obligations, courts may impose punitive damages on top of compensatory amounts, substantially increasing the overall value of the claim.
Under AB 218 and AB 2777, California eliminated statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims and revived previously time-barred cases—with no cap on recoverable damages. To discuss what your case may be worth, contact Compass Law Group at (213) 320-1001 for a free, confidential consultation.
What to Do If You Are a Child Sexual Abuse Survivor in Sacramento
- Get to a Safe Environment First — Your immediate safety is the priority. If you or a child is in ongoing danger, contact the Sacramento Police Department at 911 or the Sacramento Child Protective Services hotline at (916) 875-5437 to remove the child from any situation involving an active abuser.
- Seek a Medical Evaluation — A SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) exam at UC Davis Medical Center or Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento can document physical evidence and connect you with trauma-informed care — even if you are not ready to report to law enforcement. Medical records created at this stage can be critical evidence in a future civil case.
- Document Everything You Remember — Write down names, dates, locations, and any witnesses as clearly as you can recall, including the identity of the abuser and any institution — school, church, sports organization — that may have enabled or concealed the abuse. Notes written close in time to disclosure carry significant evidentiary weight.
- Report to Law Enforcement if You Choose — Reporting to the Sacramento Police Department or the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is your right, not your obligation. A criminal report can generate police records and case numbers that strengthen a civil lawsuit, but you can still pursue civil justice in California even if you choose not to report criminally or if prosecutors decline to file charges.
- Preserve All Evidence — Save any text messages, emails, photographs, journal entries, or social media communications connected to the abuse or the abuser. Do not delete digital records, and if evidence exists on platforms like Instagram or Snapchat, screenshot and back it up immediately, as platforms may remove content or accounts on short notice.
- Contact a Sacramento Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Before December 31, 2026 — California’s AB 2777 lookback window gives survivors the rare opportunity to file civil claims for childhood sexual abuse regardless of when the abuse occurred — but this window closes permanently on December 31, 2026. An experienced attorney can evaluate your claim, identify all liable parties including institutions that covered up the abuse, and file before your right to compensation expires.
If you are a survivor or the parent of a survivor in Sacramento or anywhere in Sacramento County, call our office today at (213) 320-1001 for a free, confidential consultation — our team is here to help you understand your legal options and take the first step toward justice.
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Gold Standard
Injury Law Firm
With Joseph Shirazi and Simon Esfandi at the helm, our firm is a trusted name in accident law in California.
Meet Our Managing Partners
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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Super Lawyers Rising Star. Southwestern Law School graduate. Led the firm’s $9,870,000 motorcycle accident settlement and a $2,250,000 rideshare recovery.
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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.
Jacob
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.
Blandine
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.