Child Sex Abuse Lawyers serving all of Sonoma County
Individual states define what constitutes as child sex abuse and the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. In many states, the statute of limitations can be extended because of a child’s nature to repress or deny abuse. Sometimes children may have trouble remembering what occurred, also known as repressed memory. This is protected under the statute of limitations by the delayed discovery rule. This means parents can still file a lawsuit after the long-term emotional effects of child sex abuse are discovered. North Bay Legal attorney Michael Li knows the laws specific to these incidents and the steps needed to be taken to bring offenders to justice.
Criminal and Civil Child Sex Abuse Cases
All personal injury cases hinge on proving negligence. If you can prove that the defendant acted in a negligent manner you will be able to receive compensation. If the defendant is found guilty of child sex abuse in a criminal case, it will be much easier to prove negligence in a civil lawsuit. Even if the defendant was not convicted in criminal court, you may still win in a civil suit.
In child sex abuse injury suits, you must only prove that the defendant “more likely than not” committed the abuse. On the other hand, criminal cases require that the crime was committed “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Basically, a decision in a civil suit allows for more doubt than a criminal suit. Damages are similar to those of a regular personal injury lawsuit, and both the child and his or her parents can receive compensation.
- The child (usually represented by a guardian) can collect compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and any other physical or mental harm caused by the abuser.
- The parents of the child can additionally claim damages for emotional and other harm suffered from finding out that their child was abused.
Child sex abuse falls into a number of additional charges. For example, the parent could also sue for assault and battery, negligent infliction, and even false imprisonment. If an employer failed to properly background check the employee charged with abuse, the employer may also be held liable. Work with an experienced Santa Rosa personal injury attorney who is well-versed in the complexities of child sex abuse cases.
Client Testimonials
See what our clients say about their experience with North Bay Legal.
Mike and co. were excellent!
I was involved in a car accident that resulted in some medical issues. Many different parties, several different insurance companies, and various medical offices made this a very confusing ordeal. Mike and his team were a lifesaver. Throughout the whole process, Mike managed to explain everything in...
Matt Vogler
Their service was great.
These attorneys helped my sister and I after a car accident. Their service was great and it was very professional.
Joe Delgado
Michael was incredibly helpful.
Got injured in a car accident recently and wasn’t sure if I had any sort of case. I reached out to North Bay Legal to see if I was able to receive compensation, and I was! Michael was incredibly helpful and made me feel more relaxed about the legal process.
Lisa Eason
Amazing, caring, and honest person.
A random search led me to Mike Li and I’m so glad it did. So if you’re looking for an amazing, caring, and honest person to handle your case you can stop here. He handled my family’s case through an emotional time and he was kind and patient with any questions we had.
Miss MC
View more success stories on our Testimonials Page.
Child Sex Abuse Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered child sex abuse under the law?
Child sex abuse is defined by individual state laws and typically includes any sexual act or behavior involving a minor, such as molestation, exploitation, or assault. In California, these cases are treated as serious offenses, and victims can pursue both criminal and civil remedies. An experienced attorney, like Michael Li at North Bay Legal, can help you understand the specific legal definitions and options in Sonoma County.
How does the statute of limitations work for child sex abuse cases?
In many states, including California, the statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases can be extended due to the delayed discovery rule. This accounts for cases where victims may repress or delay reporting abuse. This means parents or guardians can file a lawsuit even years later, once the long-term emotional or psychological effects of the abuse are recognized. Contact a Santa Rosa child sex abuse attorney to discuss how this applies to your case.
What is the difference between criminal and civil child sex abuse cases?
Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” to convict the abuser, while civil cases require a lower standard of proof, showing it is “more likely than not” that the abuse occurred. A criminal conviction can strengthen a civil lawsuit, but you may still win a civil case even if the defendant was not convicted criminally. Civil cases can result in compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and other damages for both the child and their parents.
What types of compensation can victims and their families receive?
In civil child sex abuse cases, the child (represented by a guardian) may receive compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and physical or mental harm caused by the abuse. Parents can also claim damages for emotional distress and other harm resulting from their child’s abuse. Additional claims, such as assault, battery, or negligent infliction, may also apply depending on the case.
Why should I choose North Bay Legal for a child sex abuse case?
North Bay Legal, led by attorney Michael Li, offers compassionate and experienced representation for child sex abuse victims in Sonoma County. With a strong track record of handling complex cases and a commitment to fighting aggressively for justice, our team is dedicated to securing the compensation and punishment deserved. Client testimonials highlight our caring, honest, and professional approach, making us a trusted choice for your case.
Compassionate Santa Rosa Child Sex Abuse Lawyers proudly serving all of Sonoma County
Contact North Bay Legal to discuss compassionate representation for victims of child sexual abuse. We take child sex abuse cases very seriously. We believe it is our duty to help parents of children who have been abused fight back. We will fight aggressively on your behalf to get you the money you deserve and the punishment the defendant deserves.
No child should ever have to suffer abuse, and no parent should have to see his or her child suffer. We are experienced in criminal and civil lawsuits. We are based in downtown Santa Rosa and we serve Sonoma County and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to begin building your case.
