Los Angeles Civil Sexual Assault Lawyer

Accountability and Justice Through the California Civil Courts

Sexual assault and sexual abuse are among the most serious violations of human rights. Beyond the criminal implications, these acts are civil wrongs that entitle you to seek accountability, transparency, and restoration. At Parker Shaffie LLP, we believe that the civil justice system offers a unique opportunity for survivors to regain control and hold both perpetrators and negligent organizations responsible for their actions.

A civil claim is an independent path to justice. You can pursue a lawsuit even if law enforcement never filed charges, or if a criminal case failed to result in a conviction. Our firm is dedicated to providing a high-level, litigation-first strategy that prioritizes your privacy and your dignity at every stage.

The Power of the Civil Process for Survivors in California

California law allows victims to sue after sexual assault or sexual abuse. What matters most is whether sexual contact or behavior happened without valid consent, or through pressure or exploitation. These claims commonly include:

Repeated or ongoing sexual misconduct
Abuse of authority, trust, or professional access
Exploitation of age, disability, dependency, or an imbalance of power

Choosing to file a civil lawsuit is often a step toward reclaiming the agency that was taken during the assault. The civil system differs from the criminal system in several vital ways that favor the survivor:

A Survivor-Centered Approach: In a criminal case, the state is the prosecutor and you are a witness. In a civil case, you are the plaintiff. You have the power to make key decisions regarding the direction of the case, including whether to settle or proceed to a public trial.
A Fairer Standard of Proof: Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a bar that many cases cannot clear. Civil cases utilize the “preponderance of the evidence” standard (>50%), meaning we only need to show it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred.
Confidentiality and Protection: Our firm utilizes every available legal protection—including “Doe” (anonymous) filings and protective orders—to safeguard your identity and prevent unnecessary public exposure.

Civil Sexual Assault and Abuse Lawsuits vs. Criminal Cases

Criminal cases and civil lawsuits serve very different purposes. Criminal cases focus on punishment and are brought by the state. Civil lawyers help you get accountability and compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. One can happen without the other.

In a criminal case, prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. That’s the highest legal standard of proof—and it’s why many criminal cases either do not move forward or end without a conviction.

Civil sexual assault and abuse lawsuits use a lower burden of proof, called a preponderance of the evidence. That standard asks whether it’s more likely than not that something happened. The lower standard of proof means that you may still have a valid civil case even when:

Law enforcement never opened an investigation
Prosecutors declined to file charges
The criminal case ended without a conviction
Too much time passed for criminal prosecution

Civil cases also give you more control. After consulting our law offices, your attorney will help you decide whether to file a lawsuit. Once you file a claim, you are in charge of whether to accept a settlement or whether to proceed to trial. You can pursue financial compensation for your physical and emotional harm. The focus is on who should be held legally responsible, rather than on criminal punishment. The attorneys at Parker Shaffie LLP’s law offices can help you understand whether you are eligible to file a claim and what to expect from the process.

Common Settings for Sexual Assault and Abuse in California

Holding Institutions and Employers Accountable

Sexual assault and abuse can happen anywhere, but settings involving power imbalances are common. California law allows us to look beyond the individual perpetrator to the institutions that allowed the misconduct to happen. We hold entities accountable for negligent hiring, failure to supervise, and ignoring “red flags” or prior complaints.

We represent survivors in cases involving:

Schools and educational programs: Sexual assault and abuse in K–12 schools often involve teachers, staff, coaches, or volunteers who have direct access to students. Civil claims may focus on negligent hiring or supervision, as well as failures to act on prior complaints. Schools and staff members have mandatory reporting obligations. Failures to report suspected abuse can support your claim.
Universities and colleges: Sexual assault and abuse on college campuses may involve faculty and administrators or campus-affiliated programs. Civil lawsuits remain separate from campus disciplinary proceedings and can move forward, regardless of the outcome.
Sports organizations and youth programs: Abuse in sports settings often involves coaches, trainers, or officials who hold positions of authority. Civil claims may be brought against leagues and governing bodies that failed to conduct background checks or allowed known risks to continue without intervention.
Clergy and religious institutions: Sexual abuse by clergy members or religious leaders frequently involves long-term concealment or institutional inaction. California law allows civil claims against religious organizations, including claims involving childhood sexual abuse.
Medical professionals: Sexual misconduct by doctors or other licensed providers involves an abuse of professional trust and authority.
Adult care facilities: Sexual assault and abuse by providers or staff at dependent adult and adult care facilities.
Rehab and sober living homes: Sexual abuse in rehab facilities and sober living homes often involves staff members or operators who control housing or access to services. These cases often involve licensing violations and negligent supervision.
Entertainment industry: Sexual assault and abuse in the entertainment industry can include producers and executives, agents, or others who exercised career leverage or control over opportunities. Civil claims may be brought against studios or companies that allowed abusive conduct to continue or failed to address the situation.
Workplace Environments: Holding employers liable for failing to maintain a safe, assault-free environment for their employees.

Rape, Molestation, and Child Sexual Abuse Claims in California

Understanding Your Rights and the Timeline for Justice
The trauma of sexual abuse can make immediate reporting difficult. California law recognizes this reality through “delayed discovery” rules and extended statutes of limitation, particularly in cases involving an abuse of trust or childhood experiences.

Whether the incident occurred recently or years ago, we investigate the facts to determine the best legal strategy for your unique situation. Our team is experienced in navigating the evidentiary challenges of these cases, including:

Institutional records and concealed evidence.
Trauma-related memory gaps.
Power dynamics that prevented earlier disclosure.

What You Can Recover in a Civil Sexual Assault or Abuse Case

Seeking Restoration and Healing
While no amount of money can undo the harm of sexual assault, a civil recovery provides the essential resources for a survivor to rebuild their life. We pursue damages for:

Healing and Support: Covering the costs of specialized trauma therapy, medical care, and mental health services.
Economic Restoration: Addressing lost wages, career disruption, and future earning capacity impacted by the trauma.
General Damages: Acknowledging the profound emotional distress, pain, and suffering caused by the violation.
Punitive Damages: In egregious cases of malice or institutional cover-ups, we seek damages intended to punish the wrongdoer and prevent future harm to others.

Our attorneys can review your case and tell you what kind of damages you are likely to recover.

Discuss Your Case with Integrity

At Parker Shaffie LLP, we treat every consultation with the utmost sensitivity and respect. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning we take on the financial risk of the litigation so you can focus on your well-being. You pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

If you are ready to speak with an experienced and compassionate advocate, contact our Los Angeles office for a strictly confidential consultation.

Contact Us Today for Help with Your Business Litigation Matter

After a dispute arises in a business relationship, get experienced legal counsel to help you pursue your legal options. Contact Parker Shaffie LLP today for a confidential consultation with a litigation attorney to discuss how our firm can help you navigate a business dispute and seek a fair and favorable outcome to your case.

Practice Areas