Child Abuse Attorneys

Protecting Children. Demanding Accountability.

When children are harmed by the people and institutions trusted to protect them, the damage can last a lifetime. California law gives survivors and families powerful tools to pursue accountability — from individual abusers to the schools, churches, and organizations that enabled them.

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$6M+ Largest Recovery
6,000+ Cases Handled
75+ Years Combined Experience
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California law

What You Need to Know Before You Settle

CA Law

Extended statute of limitations for survivors

California CCP §340.1 gives childhood sexual abuse survivors until age 40 — or 5 years from discovering the psychological harm was caused by the abuse — whichever is later. Many survivors still have viable claims.

CA Law

Institutions can be held accountable

Schools, churches, youth organizations, and foster care agencies face liability when they knew or should have known about an abuser and failed to act. Institutional defendants typically have far greater resources than individual abusers.

CA Law

Cover-ups trigger treble damages

When an organization is found to have concealed abuse or moved known abusers to protect its reputation, California law allows courts to award up to three times actual damages.

CA Law

Privacy protections are available

California courts permit survivors to file under pseudonyms (Jane Doe / John Doe). Settlements can include confidentiality protections for the survivor's identity throughout the case.

We handle the full spectrum

Child Abuse Cases We Handle

Every survivor's situation is different. What unites our cases is a commitment to holding both the individual abuser and the institution that enabled them fully accountable.

01

Sexual Abuse by Trusted Adults

Teachers, coaches, clergy, scout leaders, foster parents, and youth organization staff who exploit positions of trust.

02

Physical Abuse in Institutional Settings

Schools, daycares, group homes, juvenile facilities, and residential programs where children are harmed by staff.

03

Neglect & Failure to Supervise

By daycares, summer camps, group homes, and foster care providers who fail in their duty of care.

04

Institutional Cover-Ups

Organizations that concealed abuse, moved known abusers, or failed to respond to prior complaints — triggering treble damages under California law.

05

Delayed Discovery Cases

Survivors who are only now connecting current psychological harm to childhood abuse — California's discovery rule may still give you time to file.

You set the pace

How to Start a Child Abuse Claim

There is no single right way to begin. These cases are built carefully and with the survivor always at the center.

01

Speak with an attorney first

Before contacting the institution or making any statements, let us understand your situation. How your first steps are taken can affect your options.

02

Document what you remember

Write down as much detail as you can recall — approximate dates, locations, the abuser, and any adults you told at the time. Notes you make now are valuable evidence.

03

Gather records you have access to

School records, medical records, therapy notes, and any written communications from the relevant period may be important evidence.

04

Identify potential witnesses

Other survivors, family members who noticed warning signs, or adults who may have been aware — each can contribute to building your case.

05

Know that you may still have time

California's extended statute of limitations means many survivors who believe they are too late still have viable claims. Let us evaluate before you assume you can't act.

06

Contact L&F Brown confidentially

All consultations are completely confidential. We will listen first, move at your pace, and never pressure you to proceed before you are ready.

Client Stories
Hear From the People We've Helped

“I had a very good experience with these lawyers. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for quality legal advice and fantastic service. Curt is an Ace.”

Jack Hoskinson

“Overall experience was great. Arya was extremely knowledgeable and guided me through a stressful time in my life. Response times were quick and reassuring. Very happy with the outcome of my case.”

David Chau

“Helped now on three different occasions. Have referred Curt to at least three other people.”

Scott MacDonell

By the Numbers

75+

Years Legal Experience

6,000+

Clients Served

One

Case at a Time

What survivors can recover

Compensation Available for Child Abuse Survivors

California law provides meaningful remedies for survivors — including damages designed to hold institutions accountable, not just individual abusers.

Track record

Recent Verdicts & Settlements

Past outcomes don't guarantee future results, but they show what's possible when evidence is preserved and all defendants are pursued.

$6M Auto versus government entity settlement.
$4M Slip and fall at major retailer.
$2.5M Slip and fall at major retailer.
$1.5M Complex auto vs auto case.
$900K Complicated auto vs auto accident.
$700K Resolved following an auto accident injury.
Know your rights

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a child abuse survivor have to file a civil lawsuit in California?
For childhood sexual abuse, California Code of Civil Procedure §340.1 gives survivors until age 40, or five years from discovering that psychological harm was caused by the abuse, whichever is later. Physical abuse and neglect claims involving minors have different deadlines depending on when the abuse occurred and who the defendant is. Because statutes of limitations in these cases can be complex, speaking with an attorney as early as possible protects your options.
Can I sue a school, church, or organization — not just the individual abuser?
Yes. California law allows survivors to hold institutions liable when they knew or should have known about an abuser and failed to act, or when they concealed abuse to protect their reputation. Schools, churches, youth organizations, and foster care agencies can all face liability for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of abusers. In cases involving cover-ups, California law allows for treble damages — up to three times actual damages — against the organization.
What if the abuser has died, moved away, or cannot be found?
Your claim may still be viable. Civil cases are typically brought against the institution — school district, church, organization — rather than relying solely on finding the individual abuser. The focus is on what the institution knew, when it knew it, and what it failed to do. Even decades-old abuse can support a claim if the institutional knowledge and cover-up can be documented.
Will my identity be kept private if I file a lawsuit?
California courts permit survivors in childhood sexual abuse cases to file under a pseudonym (e.g., “Jane Doe” or “John Doe”). Settlements can also include confidentiality provisions. Our attorneys will work to protect your privacy at every stage of the case while pursuing maximum accountability for the responsible parties.
Does L&F Brown charge upfront fees for child abuse cases?
No. We handle child abuse and survivor cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront fees, no hourly charges, and no out-of-pocket costs to get started. Call for a free, completely confidential consultation.
Abuse & Neglect

Related Practice Areas

Elder Abuse

When nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or caregivers harm or neglect a senior, California's Elder Abuse Act provides powerful remedies. L&F Brown fights for the dignity and compensation of elderly victims and their families.

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and prepare you for tomorrow.
Greater Los Angeles

We Handle Cases Across LA & the Valley

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