Orange County Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Orange County Sexual Abuse Attorney

Those who have suffered sexual abuse often struggle with emotional challenges for years and can even experience this fallout for the rest of their lives. Additionally, victims might sustain some form of physical injury. While there are all criminal punishments that can help victims, you may also be entitled to civil damages that can help you deal with the financial challenges of your injuries and other related losses, and an Orange County sexual abuse lawyer is here to help.

Whether your child has suffered abuse at the hands of a sports coach in Irvine, or you are the victim of assault from an event occurring in Centennial Park in Santa Ana, you need an attorney who is ready to listen to your story and fight for the justice you deserve. At Corrales Law Group, Inc., we are here to fight for the underserved and underrepresented populations. We have the experience necessary to represent you and help you seek personal injury compensation for your injuries.

Trust the Team at Corrales Law Group, Inc.

Since our firm’s formation in 2012, the team at Corrales Law Group, Inc., has been serving those often left behind by the legal system in Orange County. We are proud to be fluent Spanish speakers and are here to represent individuals from all walks of life. As a sexual abuse victim, the pain you are experiencing is unimaginable. Allow us to give a voice to this pain and to the testament of your survival, and let us fight for the case outcome you most deserve.

Common Types of Sexual Abuse in Orange County

In California, sexual abuse is recognized as causing real harm, and the legal system sees that harm in both a criminal and civil light. Sexual abuse is any kind of non-consensual physical touching of intimate body parts that is done for sexual arousal, abuse, or gratification, especially in situations where the victim has been illegally restrained or is unable to offer their consent due to age, incapacitation, or intoxication.

These behaviors can include any forced touching, use of intimidation, the use of threats, or any abuse of authority. Abuse does not always necessitate physical violence. Nearly 81% of women in America have been sexually harassed or assaulted in some manner. The most common forms of sexual assault and abuse include the following:

• Groping or unwanted touching
• The unwanted penetration of a victim
• Forced sexual acts of any kind
• Rape or attempted rape
• Behavior of grooming
• Forcing an individual to look at or watch pornographic videos or pictures
• Photographing an individual or distributing sexual videos or photos
• Forcing an individual to expose themselves without their consent

If you believe that you or a loved one has been sexually abused or assaulted, it is only natural to be afraid of coming forward. At Corrales Law Group, Inc., we are here to listen to you and your story alone. We are not here to shame you, blame you, or shift focus away from the damage you have suffered. When you come to us with your story, we will do everything in our power to fight for the truth and for the justice you deserve.

Damages Recoverable for Victims of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can become personal injury when the impacts of the abuse change the way you function on a day-to-day basis. The civil laws of California allow you to seek compensation for these injuries and impacts. At Corrales Law Group, Inc., we are here to give voice to your story in order to allow you to recover from the damages you have suffered. The most common damages available in an Orange County sexual abuse case include the following:

• Medical expenses. As the victim of sexual abuse, you can file a claim for the cost of any medical treatment that stemmed from the abuse itself. This may also apply to any related costs of necessary counseling or other forms of mental, physical, or emotional treatment.
• Lost income. If the sexual abuse you have suffered forces you to be unable to work for a certain period of time or causes you to lose your job or leave your current job, you may be able to file a claim in order to recover lost wages.
• Pain and suffering. In California, state law understands that the experience of being sexually abused is traumatic and will often lead to suffering in the long term. You may be able to file a claim for emotional distress, physical pain, and mental anguish.
• Punitive damages. While punitive damages are rarely awarded, they can add a significant amount of financial value to your claim. The courts may award these forms of damages if they believe the actions of the liable party or perpetrator to be particularly negligent, harmful, or egregious. They will award these damages in order to deter the defendant from taking similar actions in the future.

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to sexual abuse or assault, the team at Corrales Law Group, Inc., is here to offer you the legal counsel and representation necessary to recover the maximum amount of compensation available to you.

Examples of Sexual Abuse and Third-Party Liability in California

Across the country, around 51.1% of sexual abuse actions are committed by an intimate partner, while around 40.8% are committed by an acquaintance of the victim. Sexual abuse cases often occur due to power dynamics, when an individual in authority uses their position to commit sexually abusive actions. Some examples include:

• A teacher who grooms or convinces a student to take part in a sexual situation
• An employer who offers their employee a favor in the workplace, such as a raise or other preferential treatment, in exchange for a sexual favor
• A coach who sexually abuses their athletes under the false claim of a medical examination
• Parents or guardians who take advantage of the children in their care
• A doctor who sexually abuses their patients while claiming their actions are necessary for medical treatment
• A member of the clergy or other individual in authority in a church, such as a pastor, deacon, or youth pastor, who uses their position in order to sexually abuse someone in their care

These situations, while perhaps more rare than intimate partner sexual abuse, often involve the use of threats, intimidation, and other exploitation that can lead to lasting damage in physical, emotional, and financial ways. In addition to the above parties being held liable for sexual abuse, the institution for which the individual works can also be held liable if its negligence leads to the sexual abuse situation.

FAQs About Orange County, CA Sexual Abuse Laws

How Long Do I Have to File My Claim?

For adults in Orange County, you have 10 years from the time of your abuse or assault to file your civil injury claim. It is important that your deadline is not missed, as you may lose your rights to recover compensation if too much time has passed. Additionally, it is important to get your claim filed sooner rather than later, as crucial evidence can quickly degrade.

What Do I Do After an Instance of Sexual Assault in Orange County?

Every 74 seconds in the United States, an individual is sexually assaulted. Many victims will wonder what they should do after this assault or abuse. The most important thing to do is to report it as soon as possible. Feeling scared of retaliation or blame is understandable, which is why it is helpful to hire an attorney who can back you up.

Time is a critical factor in these cases, and it is imperative that you take the necessary steps of filing a claim as soon as you possibly can.

What Are the Warning Signs of Sexual Assault or Abuse?

It is important to be able to spot the signs of sexual assault or abuse, especially amongst your loved ones, such as your children. These warning signs can include a sudden change in behavior or mood, unexplained injuries, especially in the groin area, and certain medical symptoms that could indicate sexual assault or abuse.

How Can a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help Me?

When you hire a sexual abuse lawyer, they are here to serve you in a variety of ways. They can conduct an investigation into your abuse and collect all available evidence to prove your claim. They can also ensure that you receive the medical care you need, along with any necessary therapeutic counseling. They can also negotiate with the parties involved to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

As the victim of sexual abuse in Orange County, you deserve a safe place to share your story and ask confidential questions. At Corrales Law Group, Inc., we are passionate about serving those who have often been left behind and being their legal voice when they feel like their voice has been taken from them. When you hire a sexual abuse lawyer from our firm, you can rest easy knowing we have your interests at heart. Contact our offices today for a free consultation.