Lawsuit Information Center
Victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault are bringing civil lawsuits in California and getting significant settlements. Thanks to new changes in California law, it is now much easier for sex abuse victims to access the civil courts.
In this post, we will examine the process and laws related to sex abuse lawsuits in California. We will also examine the average settlement amounts of these cases and provide examples of settlements and jury payouts.
If you have a sex abuse case in California, contact us today.
Table of Contents
➤ Deadline for California Sex Abuse for Claims
➤ Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse Cases
California Sex Abuse Updates
October 1, 2025 – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Lawsuits
The more our attorney sees in the CDCR women’s prison lawsuits, the more we think the settlement amounts in these cases will be high. There are three main facilities we are focused on:
- California Institution for Women (CIW)
- Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla
- Folsom Women’s Facility
September 23, 2025 – LA County School Sex Abuse Lawsuit
A new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles last week accuses the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) of decades of systemic negligence that allowed a Miramonte Elementary School teacher to sexually abuse children in plain view. The case, brought by former students who are now adults in their 30s, alleges the district repeatedly failed to act on warnings and complaints, leaving vulnerable children unprotected for more than a generation.
According to the complaint, the abuse stretched from the late 1990s into the early 2010s, with a broader pattern of misconduct dating back as far as 1980. Survivors claim that students, parents, and even teachers reported incidents of sexual misconduct for years, including exposure in the classroom and other lewd behavior.
Instead of alerting law enforcement, district administrators allegedly silenced victims, ignored faculty reports, and used tenure protections as a shield to keep the predator teacher in place.
The filing describes disturbing examples of misconduct, including students being given food tainted with bodily fluids, an allegation later substantiated when photographs were discovered in 2011 by a clerk who turned them over to police. Plaintiffs further contend that LAUSD misled investigators by falsely stating that no prior complaints had been made, a horrible thing to do that ultimately delayed accountability and led to continued suffering of elementary school children.
September 22, 2025 – Light of the World Lawsuit
The Light of the World Church (La Luz del Mundo) is facing mounting legal fallout after years of allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation.
Its leader, Naasón Joaquín García, pleaded guilty in California in 2022 to abusing minors and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Federal prosecutors have since brought racketeering and sex trafficking charges against García, his mother, and other top church officials, accusing them of running a decades-long criminal enterprise that used religious authority and intimidation to coerce victims into sexual acts, forced labor, and financial exploitation.
Survivors are also pursuing justice in civil court. Lawsuits filed in Los Angeles allege the church functioned as a criminal organization that enabled and concealed abuse, with plaintiffs seeking damages for sexual abuse, trafficking, and forced labor. These cases have gained visibility through documentaries on HBO and Netflix, which have amplified survivors’ voices and shown how one of the largest megachurches in the world fostered a culture of silence and control while its leaders preyed on vulnerable followers.
September 17, 2025 – Harvest Christian Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
A new sex abuse lawsuit focuses on Harvest Christian Fellowship, an evangelical network based in Riverside, California.
The complaint alleges that a former pastor abused a minor inside church-operated group homes where the child lived from age eight to sixteen. These residences were presented as safe placements for vulnerable youth. The lawsuit says they became the setting for repeated sexual abuse.
The suit names senior church leaders and alleges that they received credible reports, failed to investigate, did not remove the staff member, and did not notify law enforcement or child protection. The claims raise core issues that recur in faith-based litigation: mandatory reporting, negligent hiring and supervision, vicarious liability, and the duty to protect children in residential care.
This case reflects a wider pattern we see across institutions that house or serve minors. The risk is not abstract. It turns on simple questions that have clear answers. Who was supervising the unit that night? What training and background checks were in place? When were prior complaints logged, and to whom? Were parents and authorities told? The evidence appears to be very strong for the plaintiffs in these cases.
If you lived in a Harvest Christian Fellowship group home, or you have information about similar conduct in these programs, you can speak with a lawyer confidentially about your rights and options. We are reviewing potential claims on behalf of other survivors.
September 16, 2025 – St. Anne’s Family Services Housing Sex Abuse Claims
We are investigating reports of sexual harassment and assault involving employees of St. Anne’s Family Services in Los Angeles.
St. Anne’s markets itself as a safe haven that offers short-term residential care, crisis intervention, mental health services, and support for pregnant and young parents. Our lawyers are looking at lapses in supervision and reporting that may have allowed staff to exploit residents.
So if you are a current or former resident of St. Anne’s housing and experienced unwanted touching, sexual comments, coercion tied to housing or services, retaliation after reporting, or failures to protect you from known risks, you can contact us for a confidential evaluation. Consultations are free and confidential.
September 15, 2025 – Foster Care Sex Abuse Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed on Friday, a family from San Mateo County alleges that their teenage daughter was repeatedly sexually abused while placed in a foster home that had a long history of prior complaints and licensing violations.
The lawsuit names as defendants the County of San Mateo, the State of California, and two private foster care agencies (Family Builders and Aldea, Inc.) along with several individual social workers. According to the complaint, the child, referred to only as Jane Doe, was placed with a foster father who was already under investigation for sexually abusing other children in the home. Despite this knowledge, the agencies failed to remove Jane and even returned her to the same placement after she disclosed abuse.
Jane Doe was abused over a 14-month period. She reported sexual assaults multiple times to therapists and mandated reporters, yet no protective action was taken. Her abuser was eventually arrested and convicted, but only after Jane had suffered prolonged trauma. The lawsuit alleges that county and private agencies had actual knowledge of the risks but acted with deliberate indifference.
The family seeks compensatory and punitive damages, citing violations of the child’s constitutional rights under the Fourteenth Amendment and a failure to comply with state-mandated reporting and licensing obligations.
September 5, 2025 – Sierra Vista Hospital Sex Abuse Lawsuits Against UHS
Seven former adolescent patients have filed a civil lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court alleging sexual abuse while they were minors at Sierra Vista Hospital.
The complaint names Sierra Vista Hospital, BHC Sierra Vista Hospital, and corporate parent and frequent flyer sex abuse defendant Universal Health Services, along with eight unidentified staff members. The plaintiffs describe sexual battery, harassment, and voyeurism, including an allegation that a staff member watched a patient shower without consent. They also allege systemic failures in hiring, training, supervision, and mandatory reporting once misconduct was known or suspected.
The lawsuit pleads multiple causes of action, including negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, violations of California civil rights protections related to gender-based violence, fraud, and unfair business practices. The plaintiffs seek damages for emotional, psychological, and economic harm, and they contend that what happened reflects broader cultural and oversight problems within UHS behavioral facilities.
If you or a family member experienced abuse or witnessed misconduct at Sierra Vista Hospital, call us.
September 4, 2025- New LA Detention Center Lawsuits
In a new lawsuit filed yesterday, five men from Los Angeles, California, have sued the County of Los Angeles, alleging that they were sexually abused as minors while confined in the county’s juvenile probation system. The plaintiffs, identified by pseudonyms, claim the abuse occurred over several years at multiple juvenile detention facilities, including Camp Scott, Camp Vernon Kilpatrick, Camp Karl Holton, and several units within the Challenger Memorial Youth Center.
These facilities were operated by the Los Angeles County Probation Department to house youth awaiting adjudication or serving post-adjudication sentences. Plaintiffs allege that during their mandatory confinement, they were repeatedly assaulted by adult staff, who used their positions of authority to isolate, coerce, and abuse them. The misconduct described includes rape, forced oral copulation, groping, forced nudity, and threats of extending the plaintiffs’ incarceration if they resisted.
That evil perpetrators were not the only ones responsible. The lawsuit powerfully argues that county officials knew or should have known about the abuse, citing prior complaints and a 2008 report by the U.S. Department of Justice, which identified systemic failures across these facilities.
The DOJ found rampant issues such as undertrained staff, failure to report abuse, and an overall lack of safeguards to protect youth. Despite this, the County allegedly failed to take corrective action, enabling the abuse to continue unchecked.
The plaintiffs bring claims for sexual assault and battery, negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, and violations of California’s Bane Act. They are seeking compensatory, punitive, and treble damages, and a jury trial.
September 2, 2025 – Another San Diego Lawsuit
A new lawsuit filed in San Diego Superior Court against the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility underscores the growing legal and moral fallout from California’s mishandling of abuse in its juvenile detention centers.
This case, brought by two former detainees now in their late twenties, draws a straight line from the sexual abuse they suffered in the early 2010s back to warning signs as early as 2008.
San Diego County was already receiving internal reports about inappropriate behavior by specific guards and medical staff at that time. Rather than taking meaningful action, the county allegedly opted for quiet transfers or no response at all, an approach that all but guaranteed further harm.
As we have been saying, we think San Diego will be the next big settlement domino to fall.
September 1, 2025 – New Los Angeles Catholic School Sex Abuse Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, a woman from Santa Barbara County, California, alleges that she was sexually abused as a minor by a teacher and coach at St. Joseph High School, a Catholic institution operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
The plaintiff, who was approximately 16 to 17 years old at the time, claims that between December 2002 and April 2003, the teacher used his authority and position of trust to groom and sexually abuse her on multiple occasions, including during school hours and on school premises.
The lawsuit asserts that the Archdiocese and the school failed to take reasonable steps to protect the plaintiff, despite allegedly having prior notice of the teacher’s inappropriate conduct toward minors. It further alleges that the teacher had previously groomed another student and that the teacher’s spouse had communicated a warning, but no action was taken. The teacher was later criminally convicted in 2003 for unlawful sexual intercourse, oral copulation with a minor, and dissuading a witness.
The complaint paints a picture of institutional complicity and deliberate suppression of abuse reports, positioning the case not as an isolated failure but as part of a larger pattern of concealment within the Archdiocese’s network. We all know that the Church has an awful history, particularly during this time period, of protecting the institution’s image instead of the safety of minors. This claim has resonance in many recent clergy abuse lawsuits in California.
Click to Get More California Sex Abuse Lawsuit Updates👈
August 27, 2025 – New Lawsuit Against Fox News
In a new lawsuit filed yesterday, a woman from Georgia has sued Fox Corporation, Fox Cable Network Services, LLC, and multiple security firms and individuals in Los Angeles, California, alleging a broad range of employment-related violations. The plaintiff asserts claims of gender, racial, and sexual discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in violation of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), as well as whistleblower retaliation under California Labor Code § 1102.5. Additional claims include wrongful termination, negligent supervision and hiring, violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law, sex trafficking under 18 U.S.C. § 1591, and both negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The plaintiff alleges she was employed by various entities in Los Angeles County and suffered extensive workplace misconduct. She is seeking over $15 million in economic and non-economic damages. Defendants removed the case to federal court on the grounds of diversity and federal question jurisdiction, citing the plaintiff’s Georgia citizenship and the inclusion of federal sex trafficking claims.
Fox is certainly no stranger to lawsuits of this type.
August 17, 2025 – New LA County School Sex Abuse Lawsuit
A civil lawsuit was filed on Friday in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles (Case No. 26TO24028), alleging serious and sustained abuse against a student attending WISH Academy High School. WISH is a public charter school operating on the campus of Westchester High School under the authority of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The plaintiff, a minor suing under a pseudonym, accuses both the school and the district of failing to act on repeated warnings and reports of racial discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, and physical assault that escalated over the course of her high school years.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff endured years of verbal and physical abuse, including being sexually harassed and physically attacked on school grounds while staff stood by and failed to intervene. The situation culminated in an October 2024 assault during which she was repeatedly punched in the head and neck despite staff being present in the classroom.
One thing many people do not realize is that physical abuse often travels with sexual abuse because both operate within the same framework of control, intimidation, and power. Perpetrators use physical violence not just to harm, but to silence and isolate, making it harder for victims to resist, report, or even fully process what is happening.
August 15, 2025 – 224 Years for Rodriguez
Gregory Rodriguez was sentenced to 224 years in state prison for the serial sexual abuse of women incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility.
The sentencing came seven months after his conviction on 64 charges, including rape, forced oral copulation, and sexual battery against multiple women under his custody. The length of the sentence reflects the gravity of the offenses and the number of victims harmed over nearly a decade.
Judge Katherine Rigby, in issuing the sentence, described the abuse as predatory and emphasized the lasting trauma inflicted on survivors who had no ability to escape their abuser due to their incarceration.
Rodriguez used his authority and access to isolate women in areas without surveillance cameras, often coercing them with promises of favors or threats of retaliation. He targeted particularly vulnerable women, including those with addiction issues or mental health needs. One survivor described being offered heroin in place of prescribed medication, leading to an overdose.
The majority of the charged assaults occurred in 2021 and 2022 in the prison’s parole hearing area, a space intended for confidential legal proceedings. But you know it was going on for his entire 27 years there. Survivors testified in court, describing Rodriguez as manipulative and calculated, and condemned the state prison system for failing to act on repeated warnings.
Although the sentence is significant, the broader crisis is far from resolved. The Rodriguez case is only one part of a growing body of litigation and federal investigation into sexual abuse in California’s women’s prisons. State records show that between 2014 and 2023, hundreds of complaints were filed by incarcerated women, yet only a handful of staff were terminated for sexual misconduct.
Lawsuits and public records suggest that California’s correctional institutions, including the CIW in Chino, Folsom, Chowchilla, and the former FCI Dublin, have long failed to protect women from predatory staff. The Rodriguez sentencing brings a degree of personal accountability, but the institutional failures that enabled him remain deeply embedded.
July 2, 2025 – Claremont Pays $2.9 Million to Settle Police Sexual Assault Lawsuit
The City of Claremont agreed to pay $2.9 million to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by former Claremont police officer Gabriel Arellanes while in custody. The lawsuit, filed under the pseudonym “Jane Doe,” claimed that Arellanes arrested her on February 16, 2024, after finding a methamphetamine pipe in her car.
While transporting her to another station for a search, Arellanes allegedly stopped multiple times to grope her and later pressured her to perform oral sex at the Pomona Police Department. After booking her at the Claremont station, he offered her a ride to the Montclair Transit Center and, according to the complaint, forcibly made her perform oral sex in a remote part of the parking lot before leaving her there. The cruelty of this is hard to imagine.
Arellanes, who joined the Claremont Police Department in 2022, resigned in January 2025 after being placed on leave. He was criminally charged in March with one count of forcible oral copulation and faces up to eight years in prison if convicted. As part of the criminal investigation, the plaintiff submitted physical evidence to investigators, including clothing with biological material and a note that Arellanes had written with his phone number.
July 1, 2025 – Clovis Unified School District Sex Abuse Lawsuit
Five women have sued the Clovis Unified School District in Fresno County, alleging that school officials ignored years of warnings about a second-grade teacher who sexually abused students in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The teacher was eventually arrested in 2012 for producing child pornography and is now thankfully serving a 38-year sentence in federal prison. According to the complaint, the school district failed to act despite multiple reports from students and instead kept the teacher in the classroom, where the abuse continued unchecked.
The lawsuit claims that district administrators not only failed to investigate but also blamed the children and withheld required reports, in violation of mandatory reporting laws. This case adds to a growing wave of lawsuits made possible by California’s expanded statute of limitations for child sexual abuse. The resulting financial pressure has affected districts statewide, many of which now face ballooning liability costs and retroactive insurance premiums. Plaintiffs argue that the school district’s inaction protected the abuser at the expense of student safety.
June 27, 2025 – Los Padrinos Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed yesterday, more than seventy former juvenile detainees brought claims against Los Angeles County stemming from widespread sexual abuse at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, located at 7285 Quill Drive in Downey, California. The plaintiffs allege they were subjected to repeated acts of sexual assault, harassment, and molestation while confined at the facility, which the Los Angeles County Probation Department operates.
The complaint states that abuse was perpetrated by both staff and fellow detainees, and was enabled by systemic failures in supervision, training, and accountability. Plaintiffs assert that county officials were aware—or should have been aware—of the risks and specific instances of misconduct, but failed to intervene or implement protective safeguards.
Los Padrinos settlements were a big part of the $4 billion settlement reached earlier this year to compensate survivors of childhood sexual abuse in California’s juvenile halls.
The current plaintiffs now join a new wave of litigation, alleging egregious conduct and institutional neglect at one of the most cited facilities in the settlement.
June 17, 2025 – New Los Angeles School Settlements Piling Up
The Los Angeles Unified School District has authorized up to $500 million in bonds to address a flood of sexual abuse claims filed by survivors under California’s Assembly Bill 218. This move comes in response to nearly 370 claims, many involving abuse dating back to the 1940s, brought by adults who were victimized as children in LAUSD schools.
Rather than confronting these cases through budget cuts that would immediately impact current students, the district will stretch payments over 15 years. Still, over $300 million has already been paid out this fiscal year, a testament to both the scale of harm and the legitimacy of survivors’ longstanding grievances.
At the end of the day, these bonds, while a ton of money, represent a societal investment in righting historical wrongs. Survivors’ voices are finally being heard, and the LA school system has to do what is right.
June 16, 2025 – New Los Angeles School Sex Abuse Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed yesterday, a Los Angeles woman filed suit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), alleging that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted as a minor by a teacher at Luther Burbank Middle School.
The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe M.K., brings claims under California law for damages related to childhood sexual abuse that occurred when she was approximately 11 to 12 years old.
The plaintiff claims she was abused in 1996 and 1997 by a teacher identified in the complaint. The man was her special education teacher. The lawsuit alleges the sexual abuse occurred multiple times on school grounds and that LAUSD administrators and staff received prior complaints about the teacher’s behavior but somehow failed to intervene or report the suspected abuse, thereby breaching their statutory and common law duties.
June 9, 2025 -New Central Juvenile Hall Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed Friday, a Los Angeles man alleges he was sexually assaulted as a minor while held at Central Juvenile Hall, a youth detention facility managed by Los Angeles County.
The plaintiff says that while in state custody, he was repeatedly sexually abused by fellow detainees and staff members under the supervision of unnamed public employees and administrators. The lawsuit accuses the county and its agencies of negligence, breach of mandatory statutory duties, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, arguing that the government failed to properly screen, train, and supervise staff or prevent known risks of abuse. The complaint details systemic misconduct, asserting that sexual abuse reports were ignored and that the plaintiff suffered severe psychological harm as a result of the defendants’ inaction and dereliction of their protective duties.
June 6, 2025 – New Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit
The Uber sexual assault MDL is based in California, and there are a disproportionate number of claims from California. In a new lawsuit filed today, a woman from San Jose, California, has sued Uber in the MDL, alleging she was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver in Miami, Florida, on or around June 11, 2021, while using the ride-sharing platform.
Jane Doe asserts a range of claims adopted from the MDL’s Master Long-Form Complaint, including negligence, fraud, emotional distress, breach of Uber’s non-delegable duty as a common carrier, and several theories of vicarious liability and product liability. The complaint alleges systemic failures by Uber in driver screening, platform design, and safety protocols that enabled the attack. The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages and has demanded a jury trial.
May 31, 2025: Prison OB/GYN Charged and Sued For Abusing Patients
For seven years, Dr. Scott Lee, the only full-time gynecologist at the California Institution for Women in Chino, allegedly abused incarcerated women under his care.
A newly filed civil lawsuit by six former prisoners accuses Lee of coercing patients into unnecessary and painful examinations while prison officials ignored red flags and prior complaints. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has faced repeated allegations of systemic sexual abuse in its women’s prisons. This case comes amid a federal investigation into civil rights violations at both the Chino facility and another prison in Chowchilla that we have been talking about on this page.
The lawsuit details disturbing allegations, including forced pelvic exams, coercive medical procedures, and retaliation against women who resisted Lee’s authority. One plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe #1, recounted how Lee performed a painful and unnecessary pelvic exam despite her signed refusal. Another woman, Jane Doe #4, was seven months pregnant when she says Lee forcefully examined her despite her protests, leaving her terrified for her unborn child. The lawsuit further alleges, depressingly, that Lee’s behavior was known to medical staff, yet nurses present during these incidents failed to intervene, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.
The case against Dr. Lee is clearly part of a broader pattern of sexual violence in California’s prisons, with imprisoned women struggling to report abuse due to fear of retaliation and systemic inaction. This cannot go on any longer in 2025.
May 28, 2025 – Los Angeles Juvenile Hall Sex Abuse Lawsuits
Our lawyers are again accepting Los Angeles juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuits for victims currently under age 40.
May 27, 2025 – New Los Padrinos Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed today, a man from Downey, California, has brought claims against the County of Los Angeles and several of its officials and employees, alleging systemic civil rights violations arising from repeated sexual assaults by a psychiatric social worker while he was detained at Los Padrinos Detention Center.
The plaintiff, who was detained at Los Padrinos Detention Center under the supervision of the Los Angeles County Probation Department, accuses a psychiatric social worker employed by the County’s Department of Mental Health of exploiting her position to sexually assault him repeatedly between September 2024 and February 2025. The complaint asserts that this conduct was enabled by the County’s longstanding failure to enforce, train, and, most importantly, monitor staff under its own anti-abuse policies.
This case underscores the sex abuse problems at Los Padrinos have not been resolved.
May 18, 2025 – New Los Padrinos and Central Juvenile Hall Lawsuits
In a new lawsuit filed Thursday in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, multiple survivors have brought claims against the County of Los Angeles, alleging they were sexually abused as minors while detained at Los Padrinos and Central Juvenile Hall, facilities operated by the county’s Probation Department. The plaintiffs, including male and female former detainees, proceed under pseudonyms due to the sensitive nature of their allegations.
The complaint alleges widespread and systemic sexual abuse by staff members, including guards and probation officers, for years. The plaintiffs contend that the county failed in its duty to supervise, hire, train, and retain competent staff and knowingly allowed abusive employees to maintain positions of authority over vulnerable children. Allegations include rape, molestation, harassment, coercion, and threats—conduct that the plaintiffs argue was enabled by a culture of impunity within the juvenile detention system.
The lawsuit sets forth causes of action for negligence, negligent supervision of minors, failure to warn/train, and violations of California’s Bane Act. It also outlines failure to comply with the Penal Code’s mandated reporting laws. Plaintiffs cite decades of documented failures, including findings from the U.S. Department of Justice and recent state investigations, demonstrating a pattern of misconduct and institutional indifference.
May 16, 2025 – New School Sex Abuse Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed today in Los Angeles County Superior Court, a woman has brought claims against Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, the Congregation of Holy Cross, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
The plaintiff, who is now forty years old and resides in California, alleges that she was sexually assaulted by a fellow student while attending Notre Dame High School as a minor in the 9th and 10th grades.
The complaint asserts that the institutions named as defendants failed in their duty to protect her from foreseeable harm while she was under their care. Specifically, her sex abuse lawyers bring claims for negligence, negligent supervision and failure to warn, negligent failure to train or educate, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit contends that the defendants knew or should have known of the risks posed by the perpetrator, a male student, and that their collective failure to supervise and protect her directly led to her harm.
According to the filing, the plaintiff argues that the defendants had a unified interest and operational overlap, collectively managing and controlling the school environment in which the abuse occurred. She further alleges that allowing the defendants to maintain a facade of corporate separation would perpetuate fraud and allow evasion of accountability.
April 18, 2025 – Troubling New Bill
A new bill in the California Legislature is drawing fierce opposition from child protection advocates, who warn that it would severely undermine the rights of child sexual abuse survivors. Senate Bill 832, sponsored by state lawmakers, proposes to raise the legal standard of proof in revived child sex abuse cases, requiring survivors to present “clear and convincing corroborating evidence” to receive compensation, even for non-punitive damages.
Critics argue that SB 832 represents a direct attack on the progress made by AB 218, the landmark 2019 law that opened a three-year revival window for survivors to file claims previously barred by the statute of limitations. SB 832 would make it significantly harder for survivors—many of whom delay disclosure for decades due to trauma—to succeed in court, especially in cases where no physical evidence remains.
The bill also bars courts from relying solely on a survivor’s testimony, despite overwhelming research showing that delayed disclosure and lack of documentation are hallmarks of childhood sexual abuse. Advocates warn the bill would silence survivors, shield public institutions from liability, and dismantle hard-won avenues to justice.
SB 832 is a regressive measure that prioritizes the reputations of schools, churches, and other state-run entities over the safety and dignity of children.
The bill is currently under review in the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is unlikely to go anywhere but it is still disturbing.
April 10, 2025 – Modesto LDS Sex Abuse Case Part of Statewide Surge in Claims
A civil complaint filed in Stanislaus County details a harrowing account of sexual abuse allegedly committed against a child within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spanning multiple years and church locations. The case, involving a woman identified as Jane Doe, claims the abuse began in Hayward when she was just six years old and continued after she moved to Modesto.
The complaint alleges that both perpetrators were boys connected to church leadership, including the son of a local bishop. The abuse escalated over time, with incidents reportedly occurring during church programs and sleepovers. Despite signs of assault—such as undergarments left behind in a church restroom—leaders allegedly failed to investigate or intervene.
This case is one of 91 filed in California across 26 counties, all accusing the LDS Church of enabling and concealing sexual abuse over several decades. The lawsuits have now been consolidated in Los Angeles under a Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding, which aims to streamline complex litigation involving large numbers of related cases.
Court filings also allege that the Church used financial resources, internal legal systems, and spiritual counseling to manage or suppress abuse allegations. The Church denies wrongdoing and claims it complies with all legal reporting requirements. Plaintiffs argue that institutional policies and church-managed hotlines function more to protect the Church than to support survivors.
April 7, 2025: LA County Sex Abuse Settlement
Los Angeles County has reached a tentative $4 billion settlement to resolve nearly 7,000 sexual abuse claims related to incidents at juvenile detention centers and the now-closed MacLaren Children’s Center foster facility. The claims primarily stem from abuse occurring in the 1980s through the 2000s and were filed under California Assembly Bill 218, which temporarily revived time-barred child sex abuse lawsuits.
This settlement—described as the largest sexual abuse payout in U.S. history, surpassing the Boy Scouts of America’s $2.46 billion deal—reflects systemic failures in LA County’s oversight of vulnerable youth. The payment will be structured over five years, avoiding the bankruptcy seen in other institutions like the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
County officials apologized and pointed to “numerous reforms” to protect children going forward.
March 13, 2025: Montebello School District Sex Abuse Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed yesterday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, a California woman alleges that the Montebello Unified School District failed to protect her from years of sexual abuse by her high school math teacher. The lawsuit claims that from 2000 to 2004, while attending Montebello High School, the plaintiff was groomed and sexually abused by her teacher, who gave her special attention, offered her rides to school, and isolated her in his classroom. The abuse allegedly escalated to inappropriate touching and coerced sexual acts, both on and off school grounds.
According to the complaint, her teacher began grooming her when she transferred into his math class during her freshman year. He immediately singled her out for special attention, flirted with her, and offered her rides to school in his personal car, picking her up at the bus stop. Over time, the teacher escalated his behavior, isolating her in his classroom during recess and lunch breaks, where he would close the door and ensure no other students were present.
As the grooming continued, the teacher began holding hands with the plaintiff while driving her to school, putting his hand on her thigh, and engaging in inappropriate physical contact. He later started fondling her breasts, kissing her, placing his hands inside her pants, and having her touch his erect penis over his clothing. Much of this abuse took place inside his car, his classroom, and the school’s copy room, where he would press his body against hers and grope her. During her sophomore year, the teacher gave her a cell phone so he could communicate with her privately, sending flirtatious messages and engaging in phone sex. The abuse continued throughout her high school years.
This is awful, but how is the school responsible? Multiple school employees allegedly witnessed suspicious behavior throughout this period but failed to report it. Staff members saw the young student exiting the teacher’s personal vehicle in the staff parking lot, but no one took action. The story gets worse. The defendant’s own brother was also a teacher at Montebello High School. He allegedly observed his brother’s interactions with the plaintiff multiple times and did nothing to intervene. Years after graduating, the plaintiff came forward and reported the abuse to law enforcement. The man was arrested and criminally charged, but before he could stand trial, he committed suicide.
Why the school district would not settle this lawsuit before it was filed is a mystery.
March 7, 2025: New School Sex Abuse Lawsuit
March 6, 2025: Class Action Lawsuit Denied (maybe for the best)
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler recently denied the motion to certify a sex abuse class action lawsuit alleging a sexually abusive environment under former University of San Francisco (USF) baseball coaches. The proposed class, which included all USF baseball players since 2000, was deemed too broad and lacking in commonality required for class certification.
There are some upsides. This ruling allows individual plaintiffs to pursue their claims without the constraints of a class action framework. This enables a more tailored examination of each plaintiff’s unique experiences. By focusing on individual school sex abuse lawsuits, the court can address the particular circumstances of each claim, ensuring that the nuances of each plaintiff’s situation are thoroughly considered. This individualized attention may result in more appropriate remedies and a clearer path to settlement compensation for victims.
February 23, 2025: Temescal Canyon High School Sex Abuse Allegations
We are investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Temescal Canyon High School in California. The allegations, which span multiple incidents, including a conviction, have raised concerns about the school’s handling of abuse claims and whether proper safeguards were in place to protect students. Law enforcement and sex abuse lawyers like us are working to determine the extent of the abuse, with investigators urging any victims or witnesses to come forward.
January 7, 2025: Holiday Inn Los Angeles Facing Sex Trafficking Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed in federal court in Los Angeles last week, a survivor identified as Jane Doe accuses Holiday Inn franchise operators and parent company IHG of knowingly facilitating her trafficking and profiting from the exploitation. The lawsuit alleges that the plaintiff was trafficked at multiple Holiday Inn locations, where obvious signs of trafficking were ignored by staff and management.
The complaint details red flags observed at the hotels, including cash payments for extended stays, multiple rooms rented simultaneously, constant male visitors at irregular hours, and traffickers lingering on the premises. Housekeeping staff were reportedly kept out of the rooms, with towels and linens exchanged at the door, further indicating illicit activity. Despite these indicators, the defendants allegedly failed to take action or alert law enforcement.
January 6, 2025: Bell Middle School in San Diego
Our law firm is investigating sexual abuse claims involving Bell Middle School in San Diego.
January 2, 2025: $116 Million Settlement for Sex Abuse at Women’s Federal Prison
The federal government has agreed to pay $116 million in settlement compensation to a group of women who alleged that they were sexually abused at a women’s federal prison in Dublin, California. The facility, which has since been shut down, was known as the “rape club” because of its reputation for staff sexual assaults on female inmates.
January 1, 2025, 2024: Dr. Robert Altman Sex Abuse Claims Investigation
Our law firm is investigating sex abuse claims against Dr. Robert Altman. The California Medical Board has accused the prominent Modesto obstetrician-gynecologist of sexual misconduct following complaints from two patients. The accusations allege that Altman’s behavior included inappropriate touching during medical examinations, excessive physical contact, and failure to provide chaperones during sensitive procedures. Altman, who serves as president and CEO of Gould Medical Group.
The claims against Altman include incidents where he allegedly touched a patient’s clitoris during an exam, hugged patients inappropriately, and conducted extended vaginal examinations despite being asked to stop. A 2017 case involving one patient described Altman continuing an intrusive exam after repeated requests to stop, violating professional boundaries and neglecting to provide a chaperone. Another patient reported feeling uncomfortable after receiving a “husband-like hug” following an examination.
Altman’s alleged misconduct extends to his interactions with patients over several years, despite prior complaints and a lack of apparent corrective action by his employers. An investigation by the Medical Board concluded that Altman’s behavior amounted to sexual misconduct and gross negligence, warranting disciplinary action under the Medical Practice Act. Altman has the right to contest the allegations in a hearing, but disciplinary measures, such as probation, are common in cases where accusations are substantiated.
December 11, 2024: Oakland Clergy Abuse Settlement Talks
The Diocese of Oakland has proposed a $117 million trust to settle roughly 350 clergy sexual abuse lawsuits as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The trust, partially funded by the title transfer of a Livermore property and gradual payments over several years, aims to resolve claims stemming from decades of alleged abuse.
Victims’ attorneys have criticized the proposal as woefully insufficient and accuse the diocese of minimizing its assets to reduce payouts, contrasting the offer with a recent $880 million settlement by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Survivors and their attorneys argue with good reason that the plan delays compensation, diminishes its value due to inflation, and shields diocesan assets, calling for more transparency and the sale of additional properties. While the diocese defends the proposal as “just and equitable.” Is that the goal? Or is it a strategic move to protect the church’s financial interests at the expense of survivors?
November 20, 2024: Heman G. Stark Detention Center
The Heman G. Stark Juvenile Correctional Youth Facility in Chino, San Bernardino County, was once considered one of the most violent juvenile institutions in California—and the nation. After years of ongoing violence and abuse, the facility was permanently shut down.
There are a lot of sex abuse claims coming out of this facility. If you have a potential claim, call us.
November 7, 2024: More Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits
Every single day in California, we see new juvenile hall sex abuse lawsuits being filed. In a lawsuit filed this week in Los Angeles, a former detainee at Central Juvenile Hall, identified as “John Doe H.F.,” is seeking damages for childhood sexual abuse allegedly suffered while in the custody of the Los Angeles County-run juvenile detention facility.
According to the complaint, John Doe H.F. alleges that during his time as a minor in Central Juvenile Hall, he experienced numerous incidents of sexual assault, some of which were reportedly encouraged or witnessed by facility staff. The lawsuit claims that officials at the juvenile hall not only failed to intervene but also ignored prior reports of abuse, thereby allowing a dangerous environment to persist. It further asserts that the defendants neglected to adequately screen, supervise, or train staff, failing to protect minors from known risks of harm.
There are many possible detention center sex abuse defendants. But these are the ones our sex abuse lawyers have been focusing on:
Here are some of the most notable centers involved in such litigation:
- San Diego County Juvenile Hall: San Diego County’s Juvenile Hall has also been named in several lawsuits involving allegations of sexual misconduct by both staff members and other detainees. The lawsuits commonly assert that facility staff either overlooked signs of sexual abuse or did not have adequate protocols in place to prevent it.
- Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall: This facility has faced a series of lawsuits involving claims of physical and sexual abuse. Allegations have included inappropriate conduct by staff members and incidents between detainees. Plaintiffs in these cases often argue that the county failed to protect minors from foreseeable harm.
- Orange County Juvenile Hall: Located in Orange County, this facility has had several high-profile lawsuits in recent years involving claims of sexual abuse and misconduct by detention officers. Some cases have claimed that county officials ignored prior complaints, allowing abusive environments to persist.
November 4, 2024: Dr. Barry J. Brock Sex Abuse Lawsuits
Our legal team is actively investigating allegations of sexual exploitation and misconduct against OB/GYN Barry J. Brock, M.D. Numerous former patients have come forward, citing incidents of inappropriate conduct during examinations, unnecessary and invasive procedures, and medical negligence that allegedly resulted in serious harm. These claims, involving conduct spanning several decades, raise critical issues regarding patient safety and institutional oversight.
If you or someone you know experienced misconduct or harm in association with Dr. Brock, please contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.
October 17, 2024: L.A. Archdiocese to Pay $1.5 Billion in Settlement
The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced yesterday that it has finalized a settlement agreement to pay $880 million in compensation to approximately 1,300 victims who allege sexual abuse by priests. Previously, the L.A. Archdiocese had paid $740 million to an earlier group of victims. With these combined settlements, the total payout for sexual abuse claims against the L.A. Archdiocese now stands at $1.5 billion.
October 16, 2024: New Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall Sex Abuse Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed yesterday, a man alleges that while he was a minor detainee at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, California, he was subjected to childhood sexual assault, abuse, harassment, and molestation by other detainees and staff.
The complaint is short on specifics but is clear in its allegations that staff members not only failed to prevent the sexual molestation as it was happening but it also failed to properly screen, hire, monitor and train its people. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants knew or should have known about ongoing abuse at the facility. But it failed to take any real effort to protect the children in their custody. To this point, the lawsuit this negligence allowed sexual predators to continue working in the facility and harm minors, including the plaintiff.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence, breach of mandatory duties, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiff seeks damages for physical, psychological, and emotional injuries, as well as punitive damages
October 3, 2024: Failure to Supervise Lawsuit
In a new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County, the family of a young girl identified as Jane Doe ML has filed a complaint against the Los Angeles Unified School District, alleging the district failed to protect her from repeated sexual assaults by a fellow student. The incidents allegedly occurred between October 2023 and April 2024 while the child was enrolled in a transitional kindergarten class.
October 1, 2024: Chowchilla Women’s Prison
Our lawyers are looking into sexual abuse and assault lawsuits at Chowchilla Women’s Prison.
These Chowchilla lawsuits focus on some pretty awful allegations: systemic sexual misconduct by prison staff, inadequate oversight, and failures by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to protect incarcerated women from abuse. Our law firm has been getting calls from former inmates who have reported ongoing sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation when they attempted to report misconduct.
September 20, 2024: LAUSD Pays $24 Million for Teacher Sex Abuse
The Los Angeles Unified School District agreed to pay $24 million to settle claims brought by three women who alleged that they were sexually abused by their elementary school teacher back in 2006-2007. The woman alleged that while they were 8 and 9-year-old students at Langdon Avenue Elementary School in North Hills, their teacher, David Ostovich, sexually abused them. Ostivich had previously worked at another LAUSD school where he received numerous complaints about inappropriate behavior with female students, but nothing was ever done.
September 10, 2024: $3.6 Million Settlement for Prisoner’s Wife
September 5, 2024: New School Sex Abuse Lawsuit
August 19, 2024: New Juvenile Detention Center Lawsuit
A new sex abuse lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of California by the plaintiff involves serious allegations of systemic failure and misconduct at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.
The plaintiff, formerly detained at this facility during juvenile hall proceedings, asserts that they were subjected to repeated acts of sexual assault, abuse, and molestation by fellow detainees. These grievous acts were allegedly either overlooked or tacitly permitted by facility staff, including supervisors and other employees.
Central to the plaintiff’s allegations is the accusation that the defendants grossly neglected their legal and ethical responsibilities to protect minor detainees. Detailed claims allege a fundamental failure in screening and hiring practices, with insufficient background checks that might have precluded hiring individuals who are sexual predators. The plaintiff contends that the lack of proper training and supervision enabled a culture where sexual abuse could occur unchecked, exacerbating the risks to vulnerable minors.
Moreover, the complaint outlines a breach of mandatory statutory and ethical duties, asserting that the defendants did not adhere to regulations requiring the reporting and prevention of abuse. This neglect purportedly extended to a failure to investigate known incidents of abuse effectively or to discipline staff involved, thereby perpetuating an unsafe environment.
August 1, 2024 – New Dublin Prison Lawsuit
Plaintiff’s lawsuit says that between 2019 and 2022, she was subjected to sexual manipulation and assault by an officer who coerced her into a sexual relationship with promises and threats. The situation escalated when the officer forcibly raped her. Disgustingly, she says other officers were complicit in the abuse by acting as lookouts. Just horrible.
The complaint outlines a broader culture of abuse at FCI Dublin, highlighting that several staff members, including the former warden, were indicted or convicted for similar offenses. The warden who led the prison and was involved in training staff on the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), was himself convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse against inmates. Other officers at the facility have also faced criminal charges for sexually assaulting female inmates, underscoring a systemic problem within the institution.
June 29, 2024 – $900 Million Verdict in Rape Civil Suit
This week, a Los Angeles jury awarded nearly $1 billion in damages for workplace sexual assault to a plaintiff against billionaire Alkiviades David.
The plaintiff, a former employee hired as a “brand ambassador” at one of David’s companies, filed suit in 2020 alleging years of sexual assault, battery, and harassment. Her lawsuit against alleged she was harassed and raped over three years from 2016 to 2019.
The jury awarded $100 million in compensatory damages and $800 million in punitive damages, marking one of the largest verdicts in a sexual assault case in history.
June 19, 2024 – Diocese of San Diego Plans to File Bankruptcy
The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego announced plans to file for bankruptcy due to hundreds of legal claims from alleged sexual abuse victims.
Cardinal Robert McElroy stated that bankruptcy would enable the Diocese to compensate victims while continuing its mission. Last year, McElroy warned of potential bankruptcy, citing the need to address lawsuits dating back to 1945.
The Diocese previously settled 144 claims for $198 million in 2007, but over 450 new claims would exceed $550 million. Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy will allow the Diocese’s parishes, charities, and schools to remain operational, although they must contribute to settlements. Plaintiffs’ lawyers criticized the Diocese’s bankruptcy move as a strategy to minimize compensation and avoid trials. They accused the Diocese of transferring assets to avoid settlements. The firm plans to work towards a fair settlement for the 457 survivors now involved in bankruptcy proceedings.
May 30, 2024 – Workplace Sex Assault Lawsuit
In a new workplace sexual assault lawsuit filed yesterday in Los Angeles, a then seventeen-year-old woman alleges she was sexually assaulted while working at Pizza Hut.
The complaint details specific incidents involving a coworker who unhooked the plaintiff’s bra on two separate occasions while she was working. The plaintiff claims Pizza Hut’s management knew what had happened and did nothing.
May 28, 2024 – New School Sex Abuse Settlement
Barstow Unified School District has agreed to a $2.38 million settlement in a child sex abuse lawsuit involving a former teacher, coach, and administrator, Mark L. Hassell.
This case is part of a larger pattern of alleged sexual misconduct within the district. This particular molestation lawsuit involved a student abused from 2004 to 2005 while she was 16 and 17 years old.
The lawsuit highlighted systemic issues within Barstow Unified, citing multiple instances where district employees, including high-ranking officials, were aware of Hassell’s misconduct but failed to report it to authorities, violating California’s mandated reporter law. The suit also pointed out that the district had a shameful history of ignoring sexual abuse allegations, with at least 14 alleged sexual predators reported within the district from 2004 to the present.
So this case is hardly an isolated incident for Barstow Unified. In 2021, the district paid $2.4 million to settle another lawsuit involving former teacher Katherine O’Neill. The plaintiff’s attorneys argue that the district’s failure to act on reports of abuse and lack of proper training for employees contributed to the ongoing problem.
The problems are not over for this district. It faces seven additional sex abuse lawsuits involving 25 reported victims over the last forty years.
More details are included in the settlement section below.
May 24, 2024: Mark Berndt Lawsuit
Another lawsuit was filed yesterday against the Los Angeles Unified School District alleging sexual abuse by Mark Berndt, a former teacher at Miramonte Elementary School. The district had notice in the 80s of what was happening yet he continued to teach children until 2011. Millions of dollars have already been spent on the Berndt settlement by the District.
The plaintiff in this case was 8. Berndt is now in jail.
May 22, 2024: Diocese of Oakland Seeks Bankruptcy Deadline Extension
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland has requested the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California to extend the deadlines for filing and obtaining acceptance of a reorganization plan to September 6 and November 5, 2024.
The request is due to the case’s size and complexity, involving over 570 creditors and 560 claims, including 386 related to childhood sexual abuse, many of which have substantial or unknown amounts.
Their motion explains that the unique aspects of handling claims related to childhood sexual abuse, such as confidentiality and equitable treatment, and the challenges of determining clergy sex abuse settlement amounts, add complexity. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 8, 2023, with disclosed assets and liabilities between $100 million and $500 million.
April 23, 2024: Diocese of Sacramento Files Bankruptcy
As expected, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Sacramento submitted a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in a California court to manage liabilities stemming from historical childhood sexual abuse claims, potentially amounting to as much as $500 million. The filing was made to prevent the depletion of the debtor’s assets by the numerous claims. The church says this necessitated the protection of the bankruptcy court to reorganize and address the financial implications of these allegations.
Bankruptcy in sex abuse lawsuits are not the best-case scenario. But it is not all bad. In other jurisdictions, it has been a mixed bag. Bankruptcy often comes with lower but faster settlement amounts.
April 1, 2024: Massage Envy Settlement
A notice of settlement was filed in a Massage Envy sexual assault lawsuit in L.A. County. The plaintiff, who visited a Glendale, California Massage Envy location, claimed she was sexually assaulted during a massage by a male therapist. The lawsuit outlines systemic failures by Massage Envy to warn customers, investigate reports, and report sexual misconduct to authorities.
March 15, 2024: San Francisco Settles School Abuse Cases
The San Francisco Unified School District has settled two sexual abuse lawsuits involving allegations against a former athletic director at George Washington High School. The director allegedly abused two students during school hours on campus.
Despite his resignation under a confidential agreement and the lack of a criminal conviction, the evidence led the district to settle the lawsuits.
The settlement was approved to avoid further trauma to the survivors, allowing them to move forward with their lives. Another similar case is currently being pursued against the district involving a different teacher from Lowell High School.
February 8, 2024 – Los Angeles Sex Abuse Lawsuit Revived
In Arellano v. Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the plaintiff appealed the dismissal of her case for wrongful termination after a sexual assault.
How could this possibly make sense? The case was dismissed because her claim of constructive wrongful termination in violation of public policy could not stand because the sexual assault she experienced was a single incident and because the defendants did not knowingly allow or intentionally create intolerable working conditions.
This poor woman worked as a janitor for the parish when she was sexually assaulted by an associate pastor, Father Primitivo Gonzalez, in his living quarters. This incident led to her being diagnosed with PTSD and depression, and she was later declared permanently unfit to resume work at the parish. Despite reporting the incident and the subsequent actions taken by the parish, such as Gonzalez being removed and the parish being notified, she sued for constructive wrongful termination.
The appellate court reversed, thankfully. The court found that a single incident of misconduct, particularly a violent crime such as sexual assault, could be considered as creating intolerable working conditions.
February 5, 2024 – Lizzo Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
Some claims against singer Lizzo, filed by her former dancers, were dismissed in the Los Angeles Superior Court last week. But the claims that really matter – sexual harassment and racial discrimination- will move forward.
The allegations allowed to move forward involve claims that a tour manager subjected the dancers to inappropriate sexual and religious comments, Lizzo coerced them into attending sexually explicit shows, and created a hostile work environment, among other accusations.
What is Sexual Abuse or Assault in California?
Sexual abuse or sexual assault can range from forcible rape to groping. The legal definition of sexual assault in California includes any form of unwanted (i.e., non-consensual) touching or contact with another person’s intimate parts for the purpose of sexual satisfaction or arousal. Cal. Penal Code § 243.4 In the context of civil lawsuits, sexual abuse or assault is often referred to as sexual battery.
This broad definition encompasses a very wide range of sexual contact or touching. The 2 critical elements that must be present for the touching to constitute sexual battery are (1) intent, and (2) lack of consent.
To constitute a sexual battery, the touching or contact must be intentionally done for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal. If your boss accidentally touches your breast at work or touches your butt to prevent you from falling, that is not considered sexual battery because there is no sexual intent.
The second element is a lack of consent. For an intentional sexual touching to constitute sexual battery, the touching must be non-consensual. Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a minor and lacks the capacity to give legal consent to any sexual touching. Therefore, any form of intentional sexual contact with a minor will automatically constitute sexual abuse or battery.
Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse or Assault in California
Under California law, anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse or assault has the ability to file a civil lawsuit and seek monetary compensation. Abuse victims can bring a civil lawsuit regardless of whether they pressed criminal charges. In fact, victims can file suit even if they never reported or told anyone about the abuse when it happened.
To file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse, victims simply need to be willing to testify under oath about the facts relating to the sexual abuse or assault. This testimony can be further supported by other evidence, such as medical records showing physical injuries resulting from the assault. Testimony from other factual witnesses can also be presented.
Although the sex abuse lawsuit will be a public record, California’s rules of civil procedure allow victims in these cases to conceal their names and identities in publicly filed court documents. For example, if Jessica Smith files a sexual abuse lawsuit, she can be named in the pleadings as “J.S.” or Jane Doe.
California Sex Abuse Lawsuit Nutshell
Victims of sexual abuse or assault are bringing lawsuits across California and securing substantial financial settlements. Recent legal changes have made it easier for survivors to hold institutions accountable—even in decades-old cases.
Average Settlement Ranges
While every case is different, many California sex abuse lawsuits resolve between $600,000 and $2 million.
Jury verdicts can exceed $10 million or more when an institution ignored warning signs.
Factors That Impact Compensation
- The severity and duration of the abuse
- Whether the institution had prior complaints and failed to act
- The survivor’s long-term physical or emotional harm
- If the abuse occurred in a setting of power or trust (school, church, hospital)
- The skill and reputation of your lawyer — the best sexual abuse attorneys regularly secure higher settlements
Recent California Settlement Examples
- $4 billion – LA County settlement for widespread sexual abuse at juvenile detention centers
- $24 million – LAUSD settlement with three girls sexually abused by their 3rd grade teacher
- $3.6 million – Prison visitor subjected to illegal cavity search at Tehachapi facility
- $2.38 million – Student groomed and abused by principal at Barstow school
These amounts are not guarantees, but they reflect how seriously California courts take institutional abuse. If you’re considering a claim, having the
right legal team can make all the difference.
California Statute of Limitations for Sex Abuse Cases
California has expanded its civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, giving more survivors access to justice. The current rules allow victims to file claims even decades after the abuse occurred.
- Childhood abuse: Victims can file until age 40, or within 5 years of discovering the psychological impact of the abuse — whichever is later.
- Adult sexual assault: Survivors have up to 10 years to file, or 3 years from the date they connect injuries to the abuse.
The statute of limitations for sex abuse lawsuit in California is confusing and full of exceptions (and sometimes ignored for settlement). If you’re unsure whether you’re still eligible to sue, contact a lawyer immediately — deadlines matter, and every day counts. If you assume you do not have a claim, you are making a mistake.
How to File a California Sex Abuse Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit may feel overwhelming — but a good legal team makes the process as easy and private as possible. Here’s how it usually works:
- Free consultation: Speak confidentially with a lawyer to evaluate your case.
- Investigation: Your attorney gathers evidence and identifies all liable parties.
- Filing the lawsuit: Your lawyer files a civil complaint — your name can often remain confidential.
- Settlement or trial: Most cases settle, but experienced lawyers are ready for trial if needed.
There’s no cost to speak with a lawyer and no fee unless you win.
You are not alone — and you deserve justice.
Holding Third Parties Liable in Sex Abuse Lawsuits
The obvious defendant in a sex abuse civil lawsuit would be the person who committed the abuse or assault. The only issue is that the person might already be dead or in jail, and even if they are still around, they probably don’t have enough money to pay a verdict or settlement for the lawsuit. Unless the abuser is someone who is very wealthy, suing them is often pointless.
The key to a successful sexual abuse lawsuit is going after third parties with deep pockets, such as schools, churches, or corporations. These third parties can be held liable if the victim can show that they were somehow negligent in preventing the sexual abuse or failing to protect the victim.
Here is an example of how third parties can be held liable in sex abuse civil lawsuits. Let’s say Jane was sexually abused by her high school teacher Bob. Although Jane never told anyone about the abuse, the school had received other reports and complaints about Bob engaging in inappropriate conduct with students. The school never investigated these reports. Jane can file a sex abuse lawsuit against the school on the grounds that it was negligent in failing to investigate Bob and protect Jane and other students from him.
California Statute of Limitations for Sex Abuse Lawsuits
A statute of limitations is basically a deadline for filing a civil lawsuit. If the statute of limitations period has expired, the plaintiff will be barred from filing suit. Under California law, the statute of limitations deadline is different depending on whether the victim was a child or an adult when the abuse occurred.
SOL for Childhood Sexual Assault: If the sexual abuse occurred when the victim was a minor (under the age of 18) the new California law allows the victim to file a civil lawsuit anytime before their 40th birthday. CA Civ Pro Code § 340
SOL for Adult Sexual Assault (After 2019): If the victim was an adult and the sexual abuse occurred after January 1, 2019, California law allows the victim 10 years from the date of the last assault. CA Civ Pro Code § 340.16 There is also a 3-year discovery rule that can be used to extend this period.
How Sex Abuse Lawsuits in California Are Evaluated for Settlement
California sex abuse lawsuits against churches are evaluated for settlement based on various factors. These factors help determine the appropriate settlement amount and the likelihood of reaching an agreement between the parties involved. Some factors to consider include:
- Strength of the evidence: The availability and quality of evidence supporting the victim’s claims are crucial in determining the potential success of the lawsuit. More substantial evidence can lead to a higher settlement amount as the churches and other sex abuse lawsuit defendants do not want to take a big verdict at trial. You do not need other victims alleging abuse against the same perpetrator to have a strong claim. But it does help a great deal.
- Severity of the abuse: The extent and nature of the abuse suffered by the victim can impact the settlement amount. More severe cases of abuse may result in larger settlements due to the increased emotional and psychological damage suffered by the victim. Longer abuse is correlated with larger settlement payouts, but everyone understands that even one incident can be life-scarring.
- Statute of limitations: As we talked about above, California has extended the statute of limitations for filing sex abuse lawsuits, allowing survivors more time to come forward with their claims. However, the age of the case and the availability of witnesses and evidence may still affect the settlement evaluation.
- Damages: The victim’s damages, including emotional distress, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages, play a significant role in determining the settlement amount. Higher damages may lead to more significant settlement amounts. But the single largest part of any settlement will be the victim’s pain and suffering damages.
- Extent of church or corporate liability: The level of responsibility or negligence by the church or the responsibility of just how much they failed the victim will affect the settlement amount of a California sex abuse lawsuit. If the church or corporation was either aware of the abuse or clearly turned a blind eye to all of the clues, that has a real impact. If they tried to cover it up, a jury would likely destroy their credibility, and that would impact settlement payouts.
- Reputation and financial resources of the church or corporation: The financial position and public image of the church can influence the settlement amount. Larger, more established churches are more likely to settle for higher amounts to protect their reputation and avoid a lengthy trial. Conversely, if the defendant does not have assets or Insurance coverage, that is a problem
- Your sex abuse lawyer: The experience and skill of the attorneys representing both the victim and the church or company can influence the settlement process and the final settlement amount. The best California sex abuse lawyers fetch the higher settlement amounts for their clients.
How Much Can You Sue for in a California Sexual Assault?
There is no specific cap on the amount you can sue for in a sexual assault lawsuit in California. Damages in sex abuse cases can be both economic, covering things like medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. The total amount that can be sued depends on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the harm caused, the impact on the victim’s life, and any punitive damages awarded.
California Sex Abuse Verdicts and Settlements
One path to assist in understanding how much your California sex abuse lawsuit might be worth is comparing your case to previous settlements and verdicts in similar cases involving sexual abuse. So we provide these below. They absolutely help you understand the range of settlement amounts in these cases.
But do not fall into the trap of thinking you can determine how much your case is worth by looking at the example settlements and verdicts. While these can provide valuable insights into potential compensation, you have to understand that every case is unique and complex, and it’s not possible to summarize a case in a single paragraph accurately. You cannot assume that a similar case will have the same outcome.
So it is crucial to recognize that there are many factors at play in any given sex abuse case, and a settlement or verdict in one case cannot predict the outcome of another. Therefore, prior settlements and verdicts can be used as a tool to gain a general understanding of the range of potential compensation, but should be considered in conjunction with other case evaluation tools to accurately determine the value of your claim.
Below are summaries of verdicts and reported settlements from sex abuse cases in California, including recent clergy sex abuse payouts in California.
- $4,000,000,000 Settlement (California 2025): Los Angeles County agreed to pay $4 billion to resolve nearly 7,000 claims involving sexual abuse in juvenile halls, probation camps, and foster care. The abuse, which dates back to the 1960s, includes allegations against probation officers, social workers, and facility staff. This is the largest sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history and includes mandated reforms to oversight systems.
- $880,000,000 Settlement (California 2024): The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million to resolve 1,353 claims of child sexual abuse by clergy members. This is the largest settlement by a Catholic diocese in the United States, and follows prior settlements totaling over $600 million with other victims.
- $24,000,000 Settlement (California 2024): 3 women sued the Los Angeles Unified School District, claiming that they were sexually abused by their 3rd-grade teacher at Langdon Avenue Elementary School in North Hills. LAUSD had apparently received dozens of prior complaints about the teacher engaging in inappropriate behavior with female students.
- $17,500,000 Settlement (California 2024): Four former students reached a $17.5 million settlement with the Tamalpais Union High School District after being sexually abused by a tennis coach at Redwood High School. The coach had been convicted of over 60 counts of child molestation, and plaintiffs alleged the district failed to act on multiple prior warnings.
- $116,000,000 Settlement (California 2024): More than 100 women who were sexually abused by correctional officers at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, received a $116 million settlement from the U.S. Department of Justice. The abuse was widespread and persisted for years before being addressed.
- $2,380,000 Settlement (California 2024): A former student was sexually abused by the principal of Barstow STEM Academy. The principal, who pleaded guilty to one count of child molestation in 2016, had a sexual relationship with the 17-year-old student. Barstow Unified School District has agreed to a $2.38 million settlement to resolve the claim.
- $3.6 Million Settlement (California 2024): A woman received a settlement after enduring multiple invasive searches while attempting to visit her husband at the California Correctional Institution. The majority of the settlement was paid by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with additional contributions from a doctor, two correctional officers, and a hospital. Despite a search warrant prohibiting cavity searches without X-ray confirmation of contraband, a doctor forcibly conducted the search. Of course, they found no contraband. The woman was denied her visit, handcuffed, refused bathroom access, and left without water during the ordeal.
Key California Sex Assault Appellate Law
Below are some of the key appellate court decisions in California sex abuse cases:
West Contra Costa Unified School District v. Superior Court (2024)
This case examined how California’s revival statute for childhood sexual assault claims, AB 218, applies when survivors bring claims against school districts. The Court of Appeal confirmed that AB 218 serves a strong public purpose by allowing time-barred claims to move forward, rejecting school districts’ attempts to avoid liability through technical defenses. The ruling makes clear that districts cannot use expired statutes of limitation as a shield when the Legislature has expressly revived old claims, reinforcing that protecting survivors’ rights outweighs institutional convenience.
Jane S.D. Doe v. Superior Court (2023)
This case involves a former student suing a school district over sexual molestation by a teacher. The district sought to introduce evidence of another molestation incident involving the victim to challenge her credibility on emotional distress damages.
The Supreme Court ruled the trial court mishandled the issue by skipping required safeguards, such as a hearing and clear limits on admissibility. It stressed that while sexual history evidence is usually barred, it may be allowed to test credibility if carefully scrutinized to protect privacy and avoid undue prejudice. The case was sent back for proper review under these standards.
James Safechuck v. MJJ Productions, Inc. (2023).
The California Court of Appeals ruled that Michael Jackson’s companies, MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, had a legal duty to protect children from his alleged abuse, rejecting the argument that a corporation escapes liability just because its sole owner is the abuser. The court held that the corporations facilitated Jackson’s access and therefore had an affirmative duty to act, regardless of their ownership structure.
This ruling matters far beyond Jackson. It makes clear that corporations cannot hide behind technicalities to dodge responsibility for enabling abuse. When an entity is in a position to prevent foreseeable harm, especially to children, it must act. The message is that corporate structures will not shield organizations from accountability when they enable predators.
Coats v. New Haven Unified School Dist (2020)
This case is about a student and her foster mother who sued their school district, alleging that the student had been sexually abused by one of her teachers. Initially, their lawsuit was dismissed because they failed to file a formal complaint with the school district within the required timeframe, as mandated by law.
While their appeal was ongoing, California law was amended to revive claims of childhood sexual abuse that previously could not be brought forward due to statutory deadlines having passed. So, for the student, the appeals court ruled that her lawsuit could proceed, citing the new law.
But, there was a catch for the foster mother’s part of the lawsuit. The court said the law that let the student sue didn’t apply to the foster mother’s emotional distress claims. Basically, the court found that the law was really meant to help direct victims of abuse, not others who might be indirectly affected, like family members feeling emotional pain because of what happened to the victim.
However, the court did not extend the same revival to the foster mother’s emotional distress claims. The court determined that the legislative changes were intended to benefit direct victims of childhood sexual abuse, not indirect victims such as family members affected by learning about the abuse. Therefore, while the student’s case was allowed to continue, the foster mother’s related claims were not revived, and her part of the lawsuit remained dismissed.
Juvenile Detention Center Lawsuits in California
Sex abuse lawsuits against California detention center employees at juvenile halls and juvenile probation officers in California exploded with the passing of the new statute of limitations window. These cases remain very strong today, even if you are beyond the statute of limitations.
Juvenile hall lawsuits allege severe misconduct and abuse of power, highlighting the vulnerability of the juveniles in these facilities. Victims claim that they have been subjected to sexual harassment, abuse, and assault by the very individuals entrusted with their care and rehabilitation.
The litigation focuses on what we now know were awful systemic failures within these institutions, including inadequate supervision, poor training, and a culture that allowed sex abuse to go unchecked. Plaintiffs’ juvenile hall lawsuits argue that the state and local authorities failed to implement and enforce appropriate safeguards to protect the detainees.
California’s largest juvenile detention centers, which have faced scrutiny and legal challenges, include Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, Central Juvenile Hall, and Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall (Sylmar).
Hiring a California Sex Abuse Lawyer
Our law firm handles sex abuse lawsuits in California and across the nation. Get information about where you begin and what this path will look like. We truly care about what you have been through. You can get a free no-obligation consultation online or call us today at 800-553-8082.
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