Palm Springs/Palm Desert Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Child sexual abuse is an unthinkable crime that can have a range of lasting or permanent mental and emotional effects on a victim. Most children are too young to fully understand what is happening to them, or their brains repress sexual trauma that is too great for them to cope with. We understand that survivors who recognize what happened to them may be reluctant to speak about it now – often, many years later.
At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, our lawyers are trusted and highly reputable advocates for child sexual abuse survivors in Palm Springs, Palm Desert and throughout Southern California. Our law firm has achieved unprecedented settlements and verdicts for child sex abuse victims, with more than $2 billion won over the last 25 years. We are leaders in this area of civil law who are here to help you tell your story.
What Is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse is a crime that can involve any type of inappropriate touching or activity with an individual under the age of 18 that is done for the purpose of sexual pleasure, gratification, arousal or abuse. It may or may not involve physical contact with the child. A range of inappropriate activities involving a child can constitute sexual abuse, such as sexual remarks and innuendos, exposing a child to pornography, taking sexualized photos of a child, exposing one’s genitals to a child, inappropriate touching, penetration, and rape or statutory rape.
Who Are Common Perpetrators of Child Sex Abuse?
Child sexual abuse may be difficult to think about, but it is important to always be vigilant about this crime as a parent of a young child. Sexual abusers and pedophiles can take many shapes and forms, often where you least expect it. Common perpetrators include:
- Priests, clergy and other leaders of the church
- Teachers
- Daycare center employees
- Boy Scout and club leaders
- YMCA staff members
- Camp counselors
- Health care professionals and pediatricians
- Sports coaches
- Foster families
- Family members
The signs of child sexual abuse can include physical injuries, unusual knowledge of sexual acts or subjects, sexualized play with other children, emotional distress, behavioral changes, regression, and isolation. If you notice any potential indicators of child sex abuse, talk to your child about it and report any suspicions to the authorities.
How to File a Child Sexual Abuse Claim in Palm Springs or Palm Desert
If you wish to bring a civil cause of action for child sexual abuse in Palm Springs or Palm Desert, start by consulting with an attorney. Beginning with this step can make the remainder of the legal process easier for you and your family. Your lawyer can handle complicated legal processes for you, such as obtaining and filling out the required claims paperwork.
Next, you or your lawyer will need to file the claim with the correct civil courthouse in your county within California’s statute of limitations. Recently, the passing of AB-218 extended California’s deadline on child sexual abuse lawsuits. Now, victims have until age 40 or five years from the date that they discover a connection between their mental health problem and child sexual abuse to file, whichever comes later.
Bringing a claim for child sexual abuse requires identifying the correct defendant(s). While you may know that you can name the perpetrator as a defendant in your case, it may surprise you to discover that you can also name an institution. If a diocese, school district, organization, company or another party concealed the sexual abuse or otherwise contributed to the crime, it can also be held accountable.
Contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi Today
Manly, Stewart & Finaldi is a law firm with everything that you need to bring a child sexual abuse lawsuit in Palm Springs or Palm Desert, California. We have dedicated personnel, experienced sexual abuse lawyers, state-of-the-art legal resources and a passion for justice.
We will take your case where it needs to go for optimal results. Our past case outcomes have gained national attention and – more importantly – justice for child sexual abuse victims around the country. Request a free, confidential consultation with one of our lawyers today for more information about your rights.