Child Sexual Abuse Claims in California
Child Sexual Abuse Claims in California. Sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic experiences a child can have. When you learn that your child has been sexually abused or if you were sexually abused as a child, you know your world will never be the same again. Child sexual abuse does much more than take away a child’s innocence – it can create a life with psychological problems, PTSD, and more. The negligent party or parties are responsible for harm that they did to a child, and the child and parents may be entitled to compensation for their damages. Unfortunately, children sometimes do not realize the abuse occurred until much later.
If you would like assistance with a child sexual abuse suit, please reach out to the California child sexual abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C. today.
Delayed Disclosure
Delayed disclosure means that a child sexual abuse victim may not tell anyone about the abuse until much later. In some instances, the child does not even realize that abuse took place until they become an adult. Many adults do not disclose their child sexual abuse, so they may suffer without treatment for many years. Children may experience a great many emotions as a result of the abuse, including such things as shame, guilt, fear, and more. Previously, California law allowed child sexual abuse claims until the age of 26.
California Child Victims Act
California legislation enacted the Child Victims Act in 2019. This legislation makes some changes to the laws that have already been in place governing child sexual assault damages and statute of limitations. The new law extends the length of time allowed to file a child sexual abuse claim. The new law allows someone to file a claim of child sexual assault 22 years after the person reaches majority or within five years of discovering the assault, whichever is later. Thus, the law now permits adult victims of child abuse to generally have until the age of 40 to file a claim.
The legislation also provides for the possibility of treble damages. If the victim can prove that there was a cover-up of the illegal sexual act, the victim may seek three times the regular damages allowed. For example, if an entity such as a school, church, or organization or their representatives knew of the abuse but covered it up, the victim may get treble damages.
Who Can I File a Child Sexual Abuse Claim Against?
In addition to a claim against a specific abuser, the victim may also file a claim against public or private organizations. Some of the organizations that have recently been involved in child sexual abuse lawsuits include scouting organizations, churches, and schools, to name a few. These entities may have known or should have known that the abuse took place and, in some cases, took steps to cover it up. These organizations must protect children in their care, and they have a legal obligation to report child sexual abuse. If they fail to do so, they could be held partly responsible for the victim’s damages.
If you are the victim of child sexual abuse, don’t delay. From San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco or anywhere in California, contact our California child sexual abuse lawyer today at Beck Law at (707) 576-7175 to discuss the details of your claim.
