Surviving sexual abuse is deeply traumatic—but pursuing justice shouldn’t be. Dordick Law Corporation has over 35 years of experience helping survivors in Riverside, California, hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable.
Some abusers and negligent institutions never face criminal charges, even when their actions caused life-altering harm. Civil lawsuits offer survivors an opportunity to seek compensation for their pain, suffering, lost income, medical care, and future therapy. Many people choose civil claims because they offer the chance for accountability with a lower burden of proof.
The Riverside sexual abuse lawyers of Dordick Law Corporation will prioritize your safety, privacy, and dignity throughout the legal process. We guide you with compassion and fierce advocacy every step of the way. If you’re considering a sexual abuse lawsuit or want to understand your rights, contact us today at (310) 551-0949 or contact us online for a confidential case review.
You don’t have to face this alone—let us fight for the justice you deserve.
Who Can File a Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuit?
According to the California Department of Public Health, over 33% of women and 25% of men report experiencing sexual violence involving physical contact in their lifetime. An estimated 23 million women in the United States have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetimes.
These statistics are horrifying—but survivors of sexual abuse have strong legal rights in California. If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, you may be entitled to pursue financial compensation and other remedies—even if criminal charges were never filed. California law makes it clear that you don’t have to stay silent or accept what happened.
Civil vs. Criminal Paths to Justice
Criminal cases and civil lawsuits serve different purposes. In a criminal case, the government prosecutes the offender to impose penalties such as jail or probation. In a civil case, you—the survivor—bring the case, seeking financial compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Civil claims often move forward even if there’s no criminal conviction. That’s because the burden of proof is lower, and the focus is on making you whole—not proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Filing a civil lawsuit provides a path to accountability when the criminal system doesn’t act or provide justice.
Adult and Child Survivors’ Rights
Both adult and child survivors have the right to bring civil claims in California. These cases can seek compensation for emotional suffering, therapy costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and future care. In some cases, survivors may also seek punitive damages. Punitive damages punish egregious conduct and deter others from similar abuse.
California law recognizes that trauma can delay a survivor’s decision to come forward. You may still have a valid claim, even if the abuse happened years ago. A knowledgeable attorney from Dordick Law Corporation can explain your rights and next steps.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation to Represent You in Your Sexual Abuse Claim?
Dordick Law Corporation focuses on serious civil cases, including sexual abuse claims. Lead trial lawyer Gary A. Dordick offers more than 35 years of courtroom experience and personally manages every case our firm takes on. That hands-on attention allows us to build the strongest possible claims, guided by strategy, compassion, and accountability.
We intentionally limit the number of cases we accept to ensure each client receives our full focus. Survivors of sexual abuse need more than legal skill—they need an advocate who listens, prepares thoroughly, and refuses to be intimidated by powerful institutions. Whether your claim involves an individual perpetrator or a large organization like a school, church, or employer, we have the experience to hold them accountable.
Our results reflect our strong advocacy and deep compassion. In 2023, we secured a $2.28 billion verdict in Doe v. Fitzgerald—one of the largest sexual abuse verdicts ever awarded in Riverside Superior Court. In 2024, we followed with a $900 million unanimous jury award in Los Angeles for another survivor of sexual assault and harassment. These verdicts were the result of thorough preparation, persuasive trial work, and our commitment to justice.
When you work with Dordick Law Corporation, you get a trial team known for ethical, relentless advocacy. We understand how difficult these cases can be—and we’re here to support you through every step.
Types of Sexual Abuse Claims We Handle
The compassionate attorneys at Dordick Law Corporation represent survivors of sexual abuse in a wide range of civil claims. Whether the harm occurred recently or years ago, we work hard to hold individuals and institutions accountable.
Sexual abuse cases can involve complex dynamics and powerful defendants. We’re here to pursue justice, no matter how complicated the case. Many of the cases we take on involve institutions that failed to prevent or respond to abuse.
Under California law, organizations may be held liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of abusive employees or volunteers. They may also be accountable for covering up known abuse or allowing a dangerous environment to persist.
We represent survivors in cases against:
- Individual actors who perpetrated the abuse
- Public and private schools that ignored reports or allowed predators continued access to students
- Religious institutions, including churches and dioceses, that protected clergy or volunteers at the expense of victims
- Youth organizations, such as scouting groups or camps, that failed to implement safety policies or respond to warning signs
- Employers who allowed harassment or assault by supervisors or coworkers to go unchecked
- Medical facilities and therapists involved in boundary violations or abuse under the guise of treatment
- Foster care agencies and group homes where vulnerable youth suffered preventable harm
- Landlords or housing providers who used their position to exploit tenants or ignored complaints of sexual misconduct
Every survivor’s story is different. Whether the abuse happened in childhood or adulthood, we listen carefully, investigate thoroughly, and pursue full accountability from each party.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering a sexual abuse lawsuit, you likely have plenty of questions. Here are some of the most common questions we receive:
Q: How long do I have to file a sexual abuse claim?
A: California law gives adult survivors of sexual assault up to 10 years from the last act of abuse or three years from discovering an injury caused by abuse to file a civil claim. For child survivors, the window is even longer. There is no time limit for sexual abuse claims involving minors.
Q: What should I do if I want to report sexual abuse but am unsure about filing a lawsuit?
A: You can contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your options. We’ll explain your rights and the best steps forward.
Q: How long does a sexual abuse lawsuit typically take to resolve?
A: Each case varies, but a sexual abuse lawsuit can take months to years. The timeline depends on complexity, discovery, and court schedules. However, our firm will keep you informed every step of the way so you know what to expect.
Q: How does Dordick Law Corporation handle sensitive information in sexual abuse cases?
A: We prioritize confidentiality and respect your privacy. Our attorneys will gladly answer any questions you may have and explain your options throughout the legal process.
Q: What if the abuser is part of a religious or educational institution?
A: Institutions can be held liable for abuse committed by their employees or agents if they knew or should have known and failed to act. We have extensive experience holding such organizations accountable.
Q: Can I file a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges were filed?
A: Yes. Civil cases focus on compensation for harm, and you can pursue a lawsuit regardless of whether a criminal case exists or results in conviction.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in Riverside, don’t wait to seek justice. Dordick Law Corporation is focused on holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation today at (310) 551-0949 or complete our online form to schedule a confidential case review.
