California Sexual Abuse Lawyer
California Sexual Abuse Lawyers — Confidential, Compassionate, Committed
Filing a civil lawsuit is a decision no survivor takes lightly. Our job is not to talk anyone into a case — it is to answer questions honestly, to explain the law in plain language, and to stand by the survivor’s decision whatever it is. Every call we take is confidential. Every conversation moves at the survivor’s pace. If filing is the right decision, we handle the litigation so the survivor does not have to carry the weight of the legal system alone. If filing is not the right decision, we respect that too.
Compass Law Group, LLP handles California sexual abuse cases from seven offices — Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, and Bell Gardens. Our firm has recovered $250,000,000+ total for California injury victims across all practice areas.
California Has Dramatically Expanded Survivor Rights
Until recently, California civil sexual abuse claims were time-barred within a few years of the abuse — closing the courthouse door on many survivors before they were emotionally ready to come forward. Two recent legislative reforms changed the landscape:
- AB 2777 — The Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act (see California Attorney General archive) (2023). This statute opened a one-year look-back window during which adult survivors of sexual assault that was previously time-barred could file civil claims, and it significantly expanded the standard statute of limitations for adult sexual assault claims going forward under Code of Civil Procedure § 340.16.
- AB 218 — The Child Victims Act (2019). Extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims to age 40 or five years after discovery of the injury, and opened a three-year look-back window for previously time-barred claims.
These two statutes mean that a survivor who thought their case was long dead may still have a viable claim. The only way to know is to have the specific facts reviewed by an attorney familiar with the current law.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a California Sexual Abuse Case
In nearly every California sexual abuse case, the survivor has claims against both the individual abuser and against institutions that enabled, ignored, or covered up the abuse. Common institutional defendants include:
- Religious organizations — churches, dioceses, parishes, religious orders, and nonprofit ministries
- Schools, school districts, and private academies — under Civil Code § 1714 for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of teachers and staff
- Youth organizations — scouts, camps, mentoring programs, youth sports leagues
- Medical providers, clinics, hospitals — for the negligent supervision of doctors, therapists, and support staff
- Employers — for workplace sexual harassment and assault by supervisors and coworkers
- Rideshare platforms — when drivers commit sexual assault against passengers during active trips; see our Uber accident attorneys for the intersection of rideshare law and assault claims
- Hotels and short-term rentals — under negligent security theories when security failures enabled assault on the premises
- Foster care and group homes — for the negligent supervision of foster parents and group home staff
- Detention facilities — jails and prisons for assaults by staff or other detainees
- Government entities — public schools, public universities, state agencies; government claim rules may apply
How We Value a California Sexual Abuse Case
Sexual abuse cases are unique because the damages are primarily non-economic — psychological injury, PTSD, depression, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life — rather than the traditional medical bills and wage loss that drive traffic cases. Economic damages do exist (long-term therapy, psychiatric treatment, lost earning capacity when the abuse derailed a career or education) but they are often dwarfed by the non-economic impact. Factors that push a case toward the top of its range:
- Institutional defendant with significant insurance or assets
- Pattern evidence — prior complaints against the same abuser, cover-up by the institution, internal documents
- Documented psychological injury — treatment records, therapist testimony, formal PTSD or major depression diagnoses (see the VA National Center for PTSD)
- Severity and duration of the abuse
- Age of the survivor at the time of the abuse
- Vocational and educational impact — interrupted careers, loss of earning capacity
- Child Victims Act or AB 2777 applicability — opening cases that would otherwise be barred
California civil sexual abuse verdicts and settlements range widely — from six figures to nine figures depending on the defendant, the pattern evidence, and the severity of the survivor’s injuries. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
California Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims
California’s civil statute of limitations for sexual assault and abuse depends on the type of claim and when the abuse occurred:
- Adult sexual assault — 10 years from the date of the assault, or three years from discovery of an injury caused by the assault, whichever is later (Code of Civil Procedure § 340.16). AB 2777 also opened a one-year look-back window for claims previously time-barred.
- Childhood sexual abuse — until age 40 or five years from discovery of the injury, whichever is later (CCP § 340.1). AB 218 opened a three-year look-back window that has since closed, but discovery-based claims remain available.
- Employer cases — FEHA claims have their own one-year administrative deadline via California Civil Rights Department (DFEH successor); civil claims follow the two-year personal injury rule under CCP § 335.1 unless a longer survivor-specific statute applies.
- Government entity defendants — six-month written government claim deadline under Government Code § 911.2 for most claims; AB 218 created an exception for childhood sexual abuse claims against public entities, but the rules are nuanced and require attorney review.
These rules are complex, and the specific facts of each case determine which deadline applies. Survivors who think their case is “too old” are often wrong. A confidential attorney consultation is the only way to find out.
California Cities and the Reality of Sexual Abuse Litigation
Sexual abuse cases come from every community in California. Our offices in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, Bell Gardens, San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento handle cases involving every category of defendant listed above, from every corner of the state. We also frequently cross-reference our other practice areas: cases involving dog attacks that occur in the context of assault, traumatic brain injury from physical assault, wrongful death from fatal attacks, and burn injuries from attacks involving fire or accelerants are all part of our practice when they occur alongside sexual assault allegations.
What to Expect From a Confidential Consultation
Nothing in our first conversation commits the survivor to filing a lawsuit. We listen. We answer questions about the law, the statute of limitations, what filing would actually look like, what the discovery process involves, what the timeline is, what the settlement versus trial options look like, and what privacy protections are available (including using a “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” pseudonym in court filings, which California courts, as explained by the California Courts self-help center, routinely grant in these cases). We respect the survivor’s right to make their own decision — on their own timeline.
Meet the Attorneys Leading Your Case
Your case at Compass Law Group is led by one of our two managing partners. Together they bring decades of California personal injury trial experience, hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, and a courtroom record that forces defense carriers to take the case seriously from day one.
Joseph Shirazi — Managing Partner, CA Bar #265403. A Loyola Law School graduate named to the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and holder of an Avvo 10.0 “Superb” rating. His results include a $14,500,000 truck accident verdict and a $13,000,000 trial verdict. He is a member of Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and the American Association for Justice. Read Joseph Shirazi’s full bio →
Simon Esfandi — Managing Partner, CA Bar #275307. A Southwestern Law School graduate recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. He led the firm’s $9,870,000 motorcycle accident settlement and a $2,250,000 rideshare recovery, and focuses his practice on catastrophic personal injury trials. Read Simon Esfandi’s full bio →
Both partners are admitted to practice in every California state trial court and in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Compass Law Group was founded in 2015, maintains a 5.0/5.0 rating on Google across 193+ verified client reviews, and has recovered more than $250,000,000 for injury victims across the state. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
Why Compass Law Group
- $250,000,000+ recovered for California injury victims
- 5.0 stars on Google, 193+ verified client reviews
- Seven California offices — Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, Bell Gardens
- No win, no fee — we advance every cost and only get paid when you do
- Free confidential consultations in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean — 24/7 at (213) 320-1001
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in California?
It depends on whether the abuse was as an adult or a child and whether it occurred before or after recent legislative changes. Adult sexual assault claims have 10 years from the date of assault or 3 years from discovery of the injury under CCP § 340.16. Childhood abuse claims extend until age 40 or 5 years from discovery under CCP § 340.1. Recent laws AB 218 and AB 2777 opened look-back windows for previously time-barred claims. A confidential consultation is the only way to know the specific deadline in your case.
Can I file a civil lawsuit separate from criminal charges?
Yes. Civil and criminal cases run on separate tracks. The criminal case punishes the abuser; the civil case compensates the survivor. Civil cases use a lower burden of proof (“preponderance of the evidence” instead of “beyond a reasonable doubt”) and can succeed even when criminal charges are not filed or result in acquittal.
What damages are available in a sexual abuse case?
Past and future medical costs, psychological treatment costs, therapy and counseling, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, lost earning capacity, and — in cases of egregious defendant conduct — punitive damages.
Can I sue an institution for failing to prevent abuse?
Yes. Most California sexual abuse cases proceed against both the individual abuser and the institution that hired, supervised, or failed to act on reports about the abuser. Common institutional defendants include churches, schools, youth organizations, employers, and medical facilities.
Is my identity kept confidential in a sexual abuse case?
California courts routinely allow survivors to proceed under a pseudonym (“Jane Doe” or “John Doe”) in civil filings. Our firm takes additional steps to protect client confidentiality throughout the case including limiting who is copied on communications and sealing sensitive records where appropriate.
What is the average settlement for a sexual abuse lawsuit?
No average. California civil sexual abuse settlements and verdicts range from six figures to nine figures depending on the institutional defendant, the pattern evidence of prior knowledge or cover-up, and the severity of the survivor’s injuries. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
Talk to a California Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse or assault anywhere in California, call Compass Law Group, LLP at (213) 320-1001 for a free and confidential consultation. No-win no-fee representation, 24/7 availability in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean.
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California's
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.
Read Full Bio →
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.
Read Full Bio →- ★ National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- ★ Super Lawyers Rising Star
- ★ Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating
- ★ Top 40 Under 40
- ★ Consumer Attorneys of California · CAALA · AAJ
Countless Real Client Reviews Verified by Google
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.