Huntington Beach Sexual Abuse Lawyer
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- Top Rated Trial Firm
- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
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Sexual abuse is a profoundly traumatic experience that can have enduring effects on a survivor’s physical and emotional well-being.
In California, reported instances of sexual harassment are 5 percent higher for women and 10 percent higher for men than the national average, according to a study by the Center for Gender Equity and Health (GEH).
Survivors of sexual abuse often encounter significant obstacles when seeking justice and holding perpetrators accountable. At Feher Law, we understand the immense courage it takes for victims to come forward. We are committed to providing compassionate support and robust legal advocacy to survivors of sexual abuse.
If you or a loved one has been a victim in Huntington Beach, California, you don’t have to work through the legal process alone. Our team is here to offer the skilled legal representation you need to seek justice and regain your power.
Do You Have a Claim For Sex Abuse?
Determining whether you have a claim for sex crimes involves understanding key factors and ensuring proper steps are taken to support your case.
- Duty of Care: In the context of sexual abuse cases, duty of care refers to the responsibility of individuals and institutions to protect others from harm. This duty is especially critical in environments such as schools, workplaces, and care facilities, where there is an expectation of safety and protection.
- Breach of Duty: A breach of duty occurs when an individual or institution fails to uphold their responsibility to protect others from sexual abuse. This can include neglecting to implement adequate safety measures, failing to respond appropriately to complaints, or not providing a safe environment.
- Causation: Causation in sexual abuse cases involves establishing a direct link between the breach of duty and the abuse suffered. This means demonstrating that the failure to protect or act appropriately directly led to the occurrence of the abuse.
- Damages and Injuries: Damages in sexual abuse cases encompass the physical, emotional, and psychological harm suffered by the victim. This includes not only the immediate impact of the abuse but also long-term effects such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Financial losses and costs related to medical treatment and therapy are also considered damages.
Types of Damages You Can Pursue in a Sexual Abuse Claim
You may be entitled to different types of damages to cover your losses:
Economic Damages
- Medical Bills: Costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other immediate treatments.
- Future Medical Costs: Expenses for ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If the injury affects your ability to work in the future, you can seek compensation for the loss of future earnings.
- Vehicle and Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle and personal belongings.
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured.
- Emotional Distress: Covers the psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and mental anguish.
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the loss of affection, support, and companionship from a spouse or family member due to injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to enjoy activities and hobbies you previously did.
Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or malicious behavior by the at-fault party, additional damages may be awarded to punish and deter similar conduct in the future.
Getting in Touch With Us
If you require legal assistance after a sexual abuse claim in Huntington Beach, Feher Law Firm is ready to support you. Our skilled Huntington Beach personal injury lawyers are committed to offering compassionate and effective legal representation.
Here’s how you can reach out to us:
- Online Contact Form: Fill out the contact form. Provide your details and a brief description of your case, and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.
- Phone: Call us at (866) 646-6676 to speak with a representative and schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Us?
When seeking legal representation for a sexual abuse claim in Huntington Beach, choosing the right law firm is essential. Feher Law stands out for several reasons:
- Premier Legal Representation: As a leading personal injury firm, we provide unparalleled expertise and personalized attention to all victims. By choosing us, you are selecting a dedicated team committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
- Proven Track Record of Success: We have a history of success in handling sexual harassment cases. For example, in Whipple vs. U.S. Metro, we secured a significant $2,700,000 verdict in Van Nuys. This case highlighted the gross negligence of the U.S. Metro Group, which allowed a janitorial manager to access work sites late at night, leading to the assault of a minor. Our success in this case not only provided justice for the victim but also held the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
- Litigation and Trial Experience: As experienced litigators, we manage every aspect of your case, from initial filing to trial. Our extensive experience equips us to represent you effectively in court, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Compassionate Approach: We understand the emotional and physical toll that injuries can take on individuals and their families. Our Huntington Beach personal injury lawyers offer compassionate guidance and support throughout the legal process, prioritizing your well-being and aiming to alleviate your burdens during this difficult time.
Case Results
Our commitment to achieving justice for our clients is reflected in our impressive case results. Each success story demonstrates our dedication, expertise, and relentless pursuit of the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
CASE RESULTS
RESULTS FROM OUR MOST RECENT CASES
Meet Your Huntington Beach Sexual Abuse Attorneys
We are dedicated to delivering outstanding legal services, particularly in cases of sexual harassment. Our team combines extensive expertise with genuine empathy and a steadfast commitment to advocating for the rights of those impacted by sexual harassment.
With a comprehensive understanding of sexual harassment laws, we give each case the focused attention and expert guidance it deserves, striving to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Some Words From Our Clients
Our clients’ satisfaction is our top priority. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional legal representation and compassionate support.
Read below to discover first-hand accounts of how we’ve helped individuals navigate their legal challenges and achieve favorable outcomes.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our expertise spans incidents involving both minors and adults in various environments, including workplaces, schools, public areas, and private settings. This encompasses, but is not limited to:
- Minors: Often targeted by trusted individuals, making the legal process particularly complex and emotionally challenging.
- Assault: Involves non-consensual sexual acts against individuals of any age. These cases need sensitive handling and a careful legal strategy to protect survivors’ rights and well-being.
- Sexual Harassment: Common in workplaces and educational institutions, where unwelcome advances, comments, or behaviors create hostile environments. Our team is committed to holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for those affected.
- Institutional Abuse: Occurs in settings such as schools, workplaces, and religious organizations, where power dynamics can lead to exploitation and abuse. Skilled legal representation is crucial to navigating the complexities of these cases.
Rest assured, we approach these sensitive cases with the utmost care and professionalism. Contact us today to discuss your situation in complete discretion.
Relevant Laws in California
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) plays a key role in tackling sexual harassment. This law prohibits sexual harassment in workplaces with five or more employees.
It defines harassment as any unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment.
Additionally, the California Penal Code sections 261 through 269 cover various sexual abuse and assault offenses. For instance, Penal Code section 261 defines rape as non-consensual sexual intercourse achieved through force, fear, or threats. Other sections address crimes such as sexual battery, statutory rape, and lewd acts with minors.
Perpetrators in California face severe legal consequences, which may include:
- Imprisonment
- Fines
- Registration as a sex offender
- Civil liability for damages
Victims also have the right to seek civil remedies and compensation for their suffering through the civil court system.
Your Legal Rights as a Sexual Abuse Survivor
If you are a survivor of sexual molestation or abuse in California, you have several important legal rights to protect and support you in seeking justice:
- Right to Report: You have the right to inform law enforcement about the abuse, which can trigger a criminal investigation and potentially lead to the perpetrator facing criminal charges.
- Right to Pursue Criminal Charges: If the abuse violates California’s criminal laws, you can press charges against the perpetrator. This could result in serious legal penalties like imprisonment and fines.
- Right to Seek Civil Remedies: You can file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator or other responsible entities to claim compensation for damages, including medical costs and emotional suffering.
- Right to Privacy and Confidentiality: Throughout the legal process, your privacy is protected, ensuring that your identity and personal details are kept confidential.
- Right to Support Services: Access to support services such as counseling and legal aid is available to help you deal with the trauma of abuse and navigate the legal system effectively.
At our law office, we are committed to championing the rights of abuse survivors with compassion and dedication. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide and support you every step of the way on your path to justice.
How Our Sexual Abuse Law Firm Can Help
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a sexual abuse case in Huntington Beach, our dedicated team of attorneys is here to provide you with comprehensive support and advocacy. Here’s how we can assist you through this challenging time:
- Handling Medical and Counseling Costs: The expenses for medical and psychological treatment following sexual abuse can be substantial. We work to secure compensation to cover these costs, including therapy, counseling, and medical care, so you can concentrate on your healing process without the added stress of financial concerns.
- Compensating for Lost Wages: Sexual abuse can disrupt your ability to work, leading to lost income. Our team is committed to helping you recover compensation for any wages lost during your recovery period, including past and future earnings affected by your inability to work.
- Addressing Property Damage: While sexual abuse may not typically involve property damage, if there are any related losses or damages to personal belongings, we will assist in documenting and seeking compensation for those as well.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: We understand the profound emotional impact of sexual abuse. Our compassionate attorneys offer support throughout the legal process and can connect you with resources for mental health care. We also strive to secure compensation for emotional distress, pain, and suffering, acknowledging the personal toll the abuse has taken on your life.
Our goal is to advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. With our experienced team by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case.
Immediate Actions to Take After the Incident
Taking prompt and thoughtful steps is vital for ensuring your safety and preserving crucial evidence:
- Prioritize Your Safety: If you are in immediate danger or if the abuse is ongoing, get to a safe place and seek help from authorities or someone you trust as soon as possible.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t have visible injuries, it’s important to see a healthcare professional quickly. They can provide necessary care, assess any hidden injuries, and collect evidence that might be important for your case.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing or items involved in the abuse without washing or altering them. Take photographs of any injuries or damage and document all details about the incident while they are still fresh in your mind.
- Report the Abuse: Consider reporting the incident to law enforcement or relevant protective services, especially if there’s a risk to others. This step is vital for initiating a formal investigation and preventing further harm.
- Consult a Lawyer: Reach out to a knowledgeable attorney from our law firm. We can offer guidance on your legal rights, and options, and help ensure that evidence is preserved and your case is handled properly.
Taking these actions will help ensure your safety, provide necessary medical care, and set the stage for seeking justice and accountability.
Deadlines For Filing an Accident Claim
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse varies depending on the specifics of the case.
Generally, survivors have until they are 26 years old to file a claim, or within three years from the date they discover the abuse and its connection to their injuries. However, some exceptions may apply, especially in cases involving minors or situations where the abuse was not immediately known.
Consulting with a knowledgeable Huntington Beach sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible can help ensure that your claim is filed within the required timeframe and that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
What Evidence is Needed to File an Accident Claim?
Collecting evidence is a key part of building a strong sexual abuse claim and establishing the perpetrator’s responsibility. Here’s a guide to the types of evidence needed and how to gather them effectively:
- Medical Documentation: Seek medical care immediately after the abuse to document any physical injuries or trauma. Obtain medical reports, photos of visible injuries, and forensic exam results to serve as proof of the abuse.
- Witness Statements: If there were any witnesses to the abuse or individuals who know about it, their statements can greatly strengthen your case. Encourage them to provide detailed accounts of what they observed or heard.
- Victim Testimony: Your detailed account of the abuse is central to your claim. Record everything you remember about the incident, including when, where, and how it occurred, to create a comprehensive narrative.
- Physical Evidence: Preserve any items directly related to the abuse, such as clothing or bedding, without altering them. These items may contain DNA or other evidence linking the perpetrator to the crime.
- Electronic Evidence: Digital communications, including text messages, emails, or social media interactions, can be critical, especially in cases involving online abuse.
- Documentation of Emotional Distress: Record any emotional or psychological effects resulting from the abuse. Personal journals or records detailing your mental state can help demonstrate the impact of the abuse on your well-being.
- Expert Testimony: Experts such as medical professionals or forensic psychologists can provide valuable insights into the physical and psychological effects consistent with abuse. Their testimony can support your claims and help clarify the extent of the trauma.
Getting this evidence together after you’ve been the victim of sexual workplace harassment or sexual misconduct can be incredibly difficult. That’s why we’re here to take the burden away from you and get the evidence together on your behalf.
The Legal Process
Here’s what you can expect when working with our sexual abuse attorneys in Huntington Beach:
- Initial Consultation: Your first meeting involves discussing your situation with one of our skilled attorneys. We’ll review the details of your case, evaluate its strengths, and outline your legal options.
- Investigation: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to collect evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, and any relevant documentation to build a strong case.
- Filing Your Claim: Once we’ve gathered sufficient evidence, we will file a formal claim or lawsuit on your behalf to initiate the legal proceedings.
- Discovery Phase: During this stage, both sides exchange information and evidence. This includes answering written questions, sharing documents, and taking depositions from witnesses.
- Settlement Negotiations: Before heading to court, we’ll attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the opposing party, working to achieve the compensation and justice you deserve.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial. We will present your evidence and arguments to a judge and jury, advocating vigorously for your rights.
- Verdict and Appeal: After the trial, a verdict will be reached. If either party is dissatisfied with the outcome, an appeal may be filed to challenge the decision.
Throughout this process, our team will stand by your side, providing unwavering support, expert guidance, and dedicated advocacy to ensure that your rights are protected and you have the best opportunity to achieve justice.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
When it comes to handling legal costs, we prioritize transparency and fairness. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for sexual abuse claims, which means you won’t need to worry about paying any upfront fees.
You only pay us if we successfully secure compensation for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
This approach ensures that you can pursue justice without the financial stress of paying legal fees out of pocket. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that the focus remains on achieving the best possible outcome for you, not on financial concerns.
Our Promise of Confidentiality and Privacy
We deeply value your privacy and are committed to maintaining confidentiality throughout your case. We understand that discussing personal and sensitive matters requires a trusting environment, and we strive to provide just that.
Here’s how we ensure your privacy:
- Strict Confidentiality: We follow rigorous confidentiality protocols to protect your information throughout the legal process.
- Controlled Access: Access to your case details and confidential documents is restricted to authorized personnel only.
- Secure Communication: We use secure channels for all communications, ensuring that your interactions with us are protected.
- Data Protection: Our firm implements strong measures to safeguard your data against unauthorized access or disclosure.
Our goal is to provide you with a secure and supportive space where you can share your story without concern. We are dedicated to protecting your personal information and will only share details of your case with your permission or as legally required.
Other Locations We Serve
Our services are available to clients across a wide range of cities, including, but not limited to:
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Speak to an Experienced Huntington Beach Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, having a dedicated advocate is essential to navigating your path to justice. Our skilled attorneys in Huntington Beach specialize in sexual abuse cases, providing not only expert legal support but also a compassionate approach tailored to your needs.
We recognize the emotional and legal complexities you face and are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a confidential case evaluation, and let us assist you through this difficult journey with care and commitment.
Services We Offer
When it comes to your recovery and peace of mind, it’s vital to have an expert by your side that really understands the bigger picture of employment law. Explore the full range of services we offer below.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION
Our team is standing by and ready to assist you. Consultations are completely free and confidential. We will help you determine if you have a case.
- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
- We Fight for Maximum Compensation
- Get The Justice You Deserve
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