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California Sexual Assault Victim Lawyers

Sexual violence is traumatic and life changing. No one should fall victim to unwanted sexual acts such as rape, sodomy, molestation, unwanted touching, and other non-consensual, undesired acts. Children, people with disabilities, and elderly adults are some of the most common victims of sexual abuse. When assaults and other acts of abuse occur under the watchful eye of an organization – such as a residential care facility, school or church – the entity that hired or oversees the employee or staff member may be financially liable for the victim’s injuries. Although corporations, agencies and non-profit organizations may not serve jail time or community service, they can be held financially responsible for incidents, and may be financially liable to victims for emotional and physical injury.

Disabled Sexual Assaults Victim Rights

People with mental and physical disabilities are sadly common victims of sexual abuse (and other acts of violence). Disabled people may lack communication skills to tell others about abuse, and may not even question caretakers or others in authority. According to some research, more than 90% of people with developmental disabilities will be subject to some form of sexual abuse at some time in their lives. Under the law, disabled people are given special protection, similar to the statutory protection given to children. Actual consent of the sexual acts is not relevant if the victim is incapable of giving consent to the acts. Victims and their family may pursue compensation in a civil claim against the perpetrator, as well as third-party entities involved. The amount of compensation a victim may be entitled to may vary, depending on numerous economic and non-economic factors. Compensation may be substantial.

Empowering Sexual Victims and Their Families

At Estey Bomberger, our California sexual assault lawyers help victims hold accountable the offender or a third party responsible for supervising the offender. From experience, we understand that victims and family members victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault have many questions. We offer a free consultation to answer your questions, and explain your legal rights, options and responsibilities to hold accountable whoever is responsible for the abuse you or a loved one suffered.

Regardless of the outcome of any criminal prosecution by the state, sexual assault victims may bring a lawsuit for monetary damages. If the perpetrator was the employee of a school, church, residential care facility, nursing home, hospital, or other organization, the facility that hired the perpetrator and supervised them may be financially liable.  It is often the case that these facilities and entities are more concerned about obtaining profits than caring for individuals and protecting them from harm. Facilities that fail to perform background checks and fail to protect the people entrusted for their care may be financially liable. A third party claim can both compensate victims and serve to deter other organizations from failing to supervise their employees.

Experienced Advocates of Sexual Abuse

Estey Bomberger has steadily gained a reputation as one of the most successful sexual abuse victim law firms in the country. In 2010, the California sexual assault lawyers at Estey Bomberger obtained a $30 million verdict for a victim of sexual abuse, one of the largest single plaintiff verdicts in the state (see press release). Our experience in handling these sensitive matters is a testament to the results we have been able to achieve, and the commitment we give to each and every client to not rest until justice is served. We have successfully represented victims of abuse in foster homes, schools, youth sports programs, residential care facilities and nursing homes.

If you or someone you love is the victim of sexual abuse or assault, you may have legal rights. Please contact Estey Bomberger for a no obligation consultation with one of our attorneys. All inquiries are strictly confidential.