California Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Are You A Victim Of Childhood Sexual Abuse?

We provide representation to victims of school/teacher/counselor/coach sexual assault, clergy/pastor/priest childhood sexual abuse, Boy Scouts sexual abuse, and other institutional abuse matters throughout California.

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Attorney Rick Gazipura

Here are some haunting statistics:

• 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys are victims of child sexual abuse in California.
• Over 67,000 cases of child sexual abuse are reported per year in the state.
• Around 90% of child sexual abuse victims know and trust their abuser.
• The average age for reported sexual abuse is nine years old.
• Only 30% of child sexual abuse cases are reported to authorities.
• Children who experience sexual abuse are over three times more likely to commit suicide.

Childhood sexual abuse can cast a haunting shadow over a survivor’s life. The traumatic memories, feelings of shame, and psychological damage don’t simply vanish when the abuse ends. Even decades later, survivors often struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty with relationships, and a loss of trust. Some turn to substance abuse to try to numb the pain. Many are unable to function fully at work or in their personal lives. The wounds of sexual abuse run very deep.

If you’re a survivor, know that you’re not alone. And know that you have legal options. In recent years, California has enacted laws that significantly expand the rights of childhood sexual abuse survivors to pursue justice through the civil court system. 

You may be entitled to financial compensation that can assist with therapy costs, lost wages, and other damages related to the abuse. While money cannot make up for what happened, it can provide vital resources to help you heal. Mr. Gazipura and his team can advise you on the process, fight aggressively on your behalf, and help you take back power over your life. There is hope.

Recent Changes to California Law

In 2019, California passed the Child Victims Act, a landmark new law giving survivors of childhood sexual abuse the expanded ability to pursue civil claims as adults. The law extended the statute of limitations, allowing claims to be filed until a survivor reaches age 40. It also created a “lookback window” for three years - from 2020 to 2022 - during which claims could be filed, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. This window revived many previously barred claims for survivors.

In addition, the Child Victims Act broadened the criteria for what counts as sexual abuse under California law. The definition was expanded to include any sexual assault committed against someone under the age of 18. 

This changed the legal standard from “childhood sexual abuse” to the more encompassing “childhood sexual assault.”

As a result, a wider range of crimes - such as rape, sodomy, lewd or lascivious acts, sexual penetration, and more - now fall under the umbrella of sexual abuse for purposes of filing a civil claim, even if they occurred decades ago.

The Child Victims Act recognizes the tremendous difficulties survivors face in coming forward about sexual crimes committed against them as children. By extending and expanding survivors’ rights, this law provides a path to justice and healing.

The entire 340.1 Code of Civil Procedure section can be found here.

Steps to Take in Pursuing a Civil Claim

If you’re considering filing a civil lawsuit related to childhood sexual abuse, the first step is to find an attorney like Mr. Rick Gazipura, who specializes in these types of cases. Initial consultations are always free of charge. Click here to request one now.

Understand that pursuing compensation will involve reliving painful memories and emotions. As a compassionate attorney, Mr. Gazipura will help you through this difficult process every step of the way. You’ll be supported, and your needs will be prioritized.

Mr. Gazipura can advise you on important aspects of the legal process, such as:

• Collecting records, documentation, and statements pertaining to the abuse. School and medical records may be useful. Eyewitness accounts substantiate claims.
• Identifying the proper party or parties to name in the lawsuit. This could include the perpetrator, school, church, organization, or employer that enabled the abuse.
• Determining the types of damages to seek, such as medical costs, lost income, etc. Punitive damages may also be warranted depending on the circumstances.
• Filing the lawsuit within the allotted timeframes, per California’s statute of limitations. Deadlines depend on your specific case.
• Preparing you for the possibility of a deposition and/or trial testimony recounting the traumatic events.
• Guiding you through any settlement negotiations and discussions.

We’ll handle the legal intricacies involved in proving your case while making you feel heard, empowered, and cared for through the process.

Types of Compensation Available

If your civil lawsuit related to childhood sexual abuse is successful, there are various types of damages for which you may receive monetary compensation, including:

• Cost of medical treatment and counseling - This includes expenses already incurred and those expected to be necessary in the future to treat conditions resulting from the abuse, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.
• Loss of wages and professional setbacks - The abuse may have impaired your ability to maintain steady employment or advance in a career. Damages can account for past and future lost income.
• Pain and suffering - These subjective, non-economic damages account for the psychological trauma you endured. The effects may include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, anguish, humiliation, and other difficult-to-quantify impacts.
• Punitive damages - If the abuse was enabled through serious negligence or intent to conceal misconduct, the court may award additional damages as punishment.

The total settlement or award amount depends on many factors of the case, such as solid documentation of damages, the nature of the crimes, the number of occurrences, applicable insurance coverage, and more. We’ll seek fair compensation based on your unique circumstances.

While financial damages cannot undo the harm, they can provide critical resources to help you move forward in your healing process. We’ll be able to advise you on the amounts warranted.

Seeking Justice Outside the Court System

For some survivors, the civil court process may not feel like the right path to justice or healing. There are other options to hold abusers accountable and prevent further harm:

• Report the abuse to authorities - Even if the statute of limitations has passed for criminal prosecution, reporting can help establish patterns and prevent future abuse.
• Join support groups - Connecting with fellow survivors can help lessen feelings of isolation. Shared experiences can promote healing.
• Seek individual therapy - Working through the trauma with a mental health professional trained in treating sexual abuse survivors can be transformative.
• Speak out - Telling your story emboldens other survivors to come forward. Applying public pressure helps enact change.
• Advocate for legal reforms - Lobbying for changes like extending statutes of limitations keeps the spotlight on institutions that cover up abuse.
• Volunteer with nonprofits - Get involved with groups working to support survivors, raise awareness, and provide education on prevention.

The path toward reclaiming power looks different for every survivor. We can discuss options tailored to your needs and goals. Justice can take many forms.

The Importance of an Empathetic Legal Team

Pursuing a lawsuit related to childhood sexual abuse requires great vulnerability. You’ll need to recount agonizing memories and face skepticism from those who doubt survivors. Having an attorney who treats you with compassion and sensitivity is crucial, which is something Mr. Gazipura is very skilled at.

We’ll prioritize your emotional needs equal to the legal strategy. We’ll allow you to share information at your own pace and never pressure you to answer questions that trigger painful flashbacks. You’ll never feel dismissed or like your concerns are minimized.

As an empathetic legal team, we promise we will:

• Listen carefully to your story without judgment.
• Advise you of options tailored to your goals.
• Inform you at every step so you don’t feel powerless.
• Connect you with therapists and other resources.
• Pursue the maximum compensation permitted by law.

With the supportive counsel of Mr. Gazipura and his team, the legal process can empower you rather than re-traumatize you. Protecting your emotional well-being is our primary concern.

Summary And The Next Step

The trauma of childhood sexual abuse can have devastating lifelong impacts. But there are paths to healing and justice. Recent changes in California law have significantly expanded options for adult survivors to pursue civil claims against abusers and responsible institutions.

Financial compensation can assist with the costs of therapy and make up for professional setbacks resulting from the abuse. While money cannot erase the pain, it provides recognition and resources to help you move forward.

As an experienced, compassionate attorney, Mr. Gazipura will guide you through the process, fight for your rights, and support you every step of the way.

With the statute of limitations now extended, many survivors have a renewed chance for their day in court. But timing is still critical.

Contact us soon to understand your rights and options. The effects of abuse echo through survivors’ lives, but those lives can be reclaimed. Healing is possible!

Click Here To Request A FREE Consultation With Attorney Rick Gazipura