FONTANA CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEY 

MICHAEL REHM - (800) 978-0754

FREE CONSULTATIONS

When a child is sexually abused, the effects can be long-lasting and severe. If you experienced this as a child and missed your chance to seek compensation because the statute of limitation passed, you have another possibility due to The California Child Victims Act. If you wish to pursue a claim against your abuser and any institutions that allowed the abuse to happen, it is important to seek out legal assistance as soon as possible. A skilled child sex abuse lawyer can help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm today at (800) 978-0754 to schedule your free consultation.

The California Child Victims Act and Child Sexual Abuse: What You Need to Know

The California Child Victims Act (CCVA) is a state law that gives victims of childhood sexual abuse more time to file civil lawsuits against their abusers. For many years, the law in California only allowed child victims of sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits until they turned age 26. However, the CCVA extended that deadline to age 40.

The CCVA also created a three-year "look-back" window, which allows victims of any age to file lawsuits for abuse that occurred when they were children, no matter how long ago it happened. This window is open until December 31, 2022.

The look-back window applies to all cases of childhood sexual abuse, regardless of when the abuse occurred. So, if you were sexually abused as a child, and you are now over the age of forty, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against your abuser under the Act.

Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Fontana, CA

An example of how the new law can impact local events, is a teacher at Southridge from 1996 to 1999 was arrested for sexually abusing five middle school students as far back as 1988. The teacher used grooming methods to gain the trust of the two students involved. Until 2019, this case would have been too old for a civil claim to be filed. This is no longer the case because of the look-back window that is open until December 31, 2022. In this case, the victims can file a lawsuit against the abuser and the school to try to hold them all liable.

Criminal Charges Do Not Have to Be Filed

There are sometimes a misconception that civil and criminal charges are in some way connected. Other than the fact that the alleged conduct might be the same, one does not necessarily have to impact the other. A civil lawsuit can be filed even if no criminal charges are brought against the responsible parties. In a civil lawsuit, you can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and potential treble (*3) damages in these types of cases.

The Law Office of Michael Rehm Is Here to Assist

If you have were the victim of child sexual abuse, please know that you are not alone. There are many people who want to help you, and a qualified lawyer is your best chance at getting the justice and compensation you have deserved for so long. Contact Fontana School Sexual Abuse Attorney Michael Rehm today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how he can help. He will fight for your rights and make sure that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice. Call (800) 978-0754 today.