Los Angeles Child Molestation Representation Attorney

No child should ever be sexually abused. Ever.

Unfortunately, there are times when predatory adults take advantage of children under the age of 18 for their own sexual gratification. When these horrendous acts occur, the team at Okabe & Haushalter is standing by to help survivors come forward and hold abusers accountable. Our Los Angeles child molestation victim representation attorneys have extensive experience handling these cases, and we know what it takes to help survivors recover the closure and compensation they need.

The effects of child molestation on survivors

Data available from the National Center for Victims of Crime shows us that one out of every five girls and one out of every 20 boys under the age of 18 is sexually abused. Multiple studies have shown that more than 60,000 children are victims of sexual abuse each year across the country.

The effects of childhood sexual abuse have been well documented throughout the years, and they can be long-lasting. Aside from the obvious physical harm directly caused by the abuse, there are various emotional and psychological traumas that can last for years and even a lifetime. Children who have been sexually abused may:

• Develop substantial performance or behavior-based issues at school
• Develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Revert to progressive behaviors such as thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, being afraid of the dark, etc.
• Have difficulty developing or maintaining healthy relationships when they reach adulthood
• Become more likely to be re-victimized by another abuser at a later date

How long do child molestation survivors have to file the claim?

As of January 2020, child survivors of sexual abuse have until their 40th birthday or within five years from the date of the discovery of the sexual abuse to file a civil lawsuit against their alleged abuser. This latest law change also allowed for a three-year “lookback window” to provide any claims that would have previously been barred by the statute of limitations to be filed.

Additionally, California law now allows for treble damages to be claimed if the childhood sexual abuse was covered up. This can substantially increase the compensation paid to survivors.

Call a Los Angeles child molestation victim representation attorney today

If you are a survivor of child molestation, or if your child has been sexually abused, you need help to get through this. At Okabe & Haushalter, we are dedicated to helping child molestation survivors come forward in order to hold abusers accountable for their actions. We represent those seeking justice. Our Los Angeles victim representation attorneys want to help survivors recover closure and compensation. We want them to have peace of mind knowing that they are represented by a skilled team looking out for their well-being. You can contact us for a free consultation of your case today by clicking here or calling 310-430-7799.