Personal Injury Settlements and Cases Won in California.
San Diego, known for its coastal beauty and diverse communities, is a thriving city—but like many urban areas, it faces the troubling issue of sexual abuse. Survivors here often endure deep psychological, emotional, and financial hardships as a result of these devastating experiences. Whether the abuse was a one-time incident or part of an ongoing pattern—committed by someone known or unknown—the impact can be long-term and profoundly damaging.
Seeking justice after surviving sexual abuse in San Diego can feel daunting, especially when ongoing therapy, emotional care, or medical support is involved. Still, victims may be entitled to pursue monetary compensation to help cover healthcare costs, missed work, and emotional distress. Partnering with an experienced San Diego sexual abuse lawyer can make a meaningful difference in your ability to secure justice and the support necessary for long-term healing.
This resource covers the most common types of sexual abuse cases in San Diego, explains available compensation options, and outlines the legal process of filing a claim under California Filing a sexual abuse claim in California can feel overwhelming, especially when long-term therapy, emotional recovery, or extensive support systems are required. Victims may be eligible for financial compensation to help cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Partnering with a knowledgeable Long Beach sexual abuse lawyer can greatly improve your chances of obtaining the justice and restitution you deserve for meaningful healing.
This page outlines the key types of sexual abuse claims, the potential damages available through civil action, and the vital steps to take when navigating the legal process in California. Understanding your rights under state law empowers you to make informed decisions and focus on rebuilding your emotional and psychological well-being.
At RMD Law, we understand how difficult and deeply personal it can be to speak up about sexual abuse. That’s why safeguarding your privacy isn’t just a practice—it’s a fundamental part of how we work. When you choose to share your experience with us, your story will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, empathy, and respect. We offer a secure, judgment-free space where survivors in San Diego can speak openly, knowing their voice is protected every step of the way.
Survivors of sexual abuse often carry emotional wounds that aren’t visible. At RMD Law, we want every survivor in San Diego to know: we believe you. Whether the abuse happened recently or in the past, our committed legal team is prepared to help you seek justice with compassion and strength. We work with trauma-informed professionals and survivor advocacy organizations across San Diego County to ensure you’re supported both legally and emotionally throughout your journey.
Survivors in San Diego have significant legal rights under California law. You may be eligible to bring a civil claim against the perpetrator and, in some cases, against institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. These lawsuits can result in financial recovery for emotional trauma, therapy, lost earnings, and related losses. At RMD Law, we’re dedicated to helping you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and take steps toward healing and justice.
RMD Law represents clients in a wide range of sexual abuse cases throughout San Diego. No matter the circumstances or setting, we’re here to listen, advocate, and help you take action with care and determination.
We support individuals who were sexually abused as children in San Diego, whether by a family member, teacher, coach, or other trusted adult. The emotional effects can carry into adulthood. At RMD Law, we approach these cases with compassion and clarity, helping you seek justice regardless of how much time has passed.
Organizations that serve young people and vulnerable communities have a duty to protect them. When institutions—such as schools, teams, or clubs—fail to report or hide abuse, RMD Law works to hold them legally accountable throughout San Diego County.
Abuse by religious leaders often involves a serious breach of trust and long-term silence. Survivors in San Diego have begun to speak out against misconduct by priests, pastors, and other faith leaders. We assist survivors in bringing civil claims against religious institutions that enabled or covered up the abuse.
Children placed in San Diego’s foster care system or group homes deserve to be safe and protected. Unfortunately, some experience abuse by caregivers, employees, or other residents. RMD Law is committed to fighting for children who were harmed by those entrusted with their care.
Workplaces should be safe environments. If you experienced sexual harassment or assault on the job in San Diego and your employer failed to act appropriately, you may be able to take legal action. We advocate for employees who have faced threats, coercion, or unwanted behavior at work.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have a responsibility to protect passengers. If you were sexually assaulted by a driver in San Diego, you may be able to hold both the individual and the company accountable. RMD Law can help you file a claim and pursue justice for your suffering.
Many survivors are not ready to speak out until years later. California law gives adult survivors in San Diego the ability to pursue legal action for childhood sexual abuse—even decades later. RMD Law can help you determine if your case still falls within the legal window under the California Child Victims Act.
The California Child Victims Act, also known as AB 218, extended the time survivors of childhood sexual abuse have to file civil claims. Survivors in San Diego may now file lawsuits until age 40 or within five years of realizing the effects of their trauma. The law also allowed a three-year period (2020–2022) to revive expired claims. Even if you’re uncertain whether your case qualifies, RMD Law can evaluate your situation and explain how the law may still work in your favor.
California law provides extended legal opportunities for survivors of sexual abuse to seek accountability, but these timeframes—known as statutes of limitations—remain limited. Knowing these critical deadlines is essential to protecting your ability to bring a civil claim. Recent legislative changes, including the California Child Victims Act (AB 218), have expanded these timelines for many survivors in San Diego.
In California, individuals who were abused as children typically have until age 40 to file a civil lawsuit, or five years from the time they discover that the abuse caused emotional or psychological harm. If the abuse occurred during adulthood in San Diego, survivors usually have ten years to take legal action—or three years from realizing the long-term effects of the trauma. These extended timelines have given many adults a second chance to come forward.
Many survivors do not immediately understand the emotional consequences of their abuse. That’s why California includes the “delayed discovery” rule, which allows survivors to file once they recognize the full impact of the abuse. A knowledgeable San Diego sexual abuse lawyer can evaluate your case to see if this exception applies, helping you act within the legal window.
When schools, churches, youth organizations, or businesses in San Diego neglect to protect those in their care—or ignore abuse reports—they can be held civilly responsible. These lawsuits not only provide individual justice but also spotlight institutional wrongdoing and demand long-overdue reform.
The Diocese of San Diego has faced numerous allegations of clergy sexual abuse involving priests, bishops, and other religious leaders entrusted with spiritual care. Survivors often report abuse that was either covered up or ignored by church officials, allowing perpetrators to continue harming others. Filing a civil claim against the Diocese can help expose patterns of negligence and institutional silence that enabled the abuse to occur. These lawsuits may involve decades-old cases and are often supported by internal church records, survivor testimony, and evidence of prior misconduct. RMD Law helps survivors navigate these complex claims with care, ensuring their rights are protected while holding the church accountable.
Sexual abuse in public and private schools—including the San Diego Unified School District—can involve teachers, coaches, staff, or even other students. When school administrators fail to act on warning signs, dismiss student complaints, or do not implement proper safety protocols, the district may be held legally responsible. Civil lawsuits against school systems can uncover systemic failures, such as inadequate staff training, lack of background checks, or efforts to shield abusive employees. These legal actions not only offer compensation for survivors but also pressure schools to adopt stronger policies that protect future students. Our firm thoroughly investigates the district’s role in the abuse and aggressively advocates for each survivor’s right to justice.
State-run facilities—including juvenile detention centers, foster care agencies, mental health institutions, and shelters—have a legal obligation to protect those in their custody. When abuse happens within these settings in San Diego, it often points to broader issues such as staff misconduct, inadequate supervision, or willful neglect by the state or its contractors. Survivors may bring civil claims against government entities if those in charge failed to prevent, report, or respond appropriately to abuse. These cases can be especially complex due to government immunity laws, but recent legislation has made it easier for victims to hold the state accountable. At RMD Law, we understand how to pursue justice even when powerful agencies are involved, ensuring survivors have a voice and a path forward.
Criminal cases are prosecuted by the government and aim to punish the offender with imprisonment or fines. Civil lawsuits are brought by survivors seeking financial recovery for the damages they’ve experienced. Even if no criminal charges are filed—or if the accused is acquitted—you may still file a civil case in San Diego. These claims require a lower burden of proof and can hold abusers and negligent organizations accountable.
Working with an experienced San Diego sexual abuse lawyer can greatly improve your ability to secure justice and move forward. At RMD Law, we provide client-centered advocacy rooted in confidentiality, empathy, and dedication.
We offer a secure, compassionate space for you to speak freely. Your information is kept strictly confidential, and we move at your pace.
Our legal team carefully investigates every case, identifying those responsible, gathering critical evidence, and reviewing any institutional negligence. We collaborate with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
Justice is just one part of the process. We help connect survivors with trusted mental health providers, peer support groups, and advocacy networks throughout San Diego.
We are more than just your attorneys—we are your advocates. Our team pushes for full accountability and the highest compensation possible while protecting your dignity every step of the way.
Filing a civil sexual abuse claim involves several steps. Here’s what survivors in San Diego can expect:
Your journey begins with a confidential consultation at RMD Law. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights under California law, and evaluate potential next steps. You can share documents like journal entries, counseling records, or any written communications. There’s no obligation to move forward unless you’re ready.
If you choose to proceed, we’ll begin gathering evidence—such as witness statements, expert evaluations, and records from schools or religious organizations. We also investigate signs of systemic neglect or cover-ups.
Your attorney will file an official legal complaint detailing the abuse, who is liable, and the damages being claimed. This begins the formal legal process and notifies the involved parties.
During discovery, both sides exchange information and evidence. This includes depositions, document sharing, and written questions. Although time-consuming, this phase is essential to building a comprehensive case.
Most San Diego sexual abuse claims settle before reaching trial. We’ll handle negotiations with the defense while ensuring your priorities come first. You’ll have full control over any settlement decision. If no fair outcome is reached, we are prepared for court.
If the case proceeds to trial, a judge or jury will evaluate the facts. RMD Law will present your case with thorough preparation and professionalism. Even if a trial is unlikely, we always prepare as if we’re going to court.
Civil damages are designed to help survivors recover from the harm they’ve endured. In San Diego, survivors may be entitled to:
You can seek compensation for counseling, therapy sessions, psychiatric care, and any related medical treatments—now and in the future.
If the abuse affected your ability to work or pursue education, you may claim lost earnings and future income potential.
Compensation may be awarded for mental anguish, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and overall loss of life satisfaction.
In particularly severe or outrageous cases, the court may impose punitive damages to penalize wrongdoers and deter similar acts.
If you’re thinking about legal action—or just want to better understand your rights—RMD Law is here to help. We offer confidential, no-cost consultations with no pressure. Speak with an experienced sexual abuse attorney in San Diego today and learn what’s possible—on your terms.
Phone: (949) 528-4853
Visit our Contact Us page to schedule your consultation today.
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From breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor adventures to world-class attractions and a thriving food and arts scene, San Diego provides endless opportunities to explore, indulge, and create unforgettable memories.
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Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that leaves lasting emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical scars. Yet, seeking justice through a legal claim is not only possible, it can be a powerful step toward healing and reclaiming control.
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If you’re thinking about taking legal steps after sexual abuse in San Diego, it’s completely natural to have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns survivors bring to RMD Law:
We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. There are no upfront charges or hourly rates—giving every survivor access to legal help regardless of financial status.
Yes. In many cases, California law allows you to file anonymously—especially in cases involving childhood abuse. We take every possible measure to protect your identity throughout the case.
Most cases resolve outside of court. If a trial is necessary, we can request special accommodations—such as remote testimony or shielded testimony—to support your emotional safety.
Maybe not. California’s expanded statute of limitations allows many survivors to file claims years or decades later. We’ll review your timeline and explain your legal options.
Not always. California’s statute of limitations for sexual abuse has been extended under laws like the Child Victims Act (AB 218). In many cases, the clock starts when you recognize the emotional or psychological impact of the abuse. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and help you understand your rights under current laws.
We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
At RMD Law, we believe that reputation is everything. When clients trust us with their cases, we do everything in our power to help guide them. That means personal service and sharp advocacy. We care about the details of your case because that is how we can get you the best settlement.
We are Orange County personal injury lawyers servicing all of California. Our attorneys regularly handle cases from all over the state.
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RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
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