California Sexual Abuse Victim Attorneys

Name: Bamieh & De Smeth PLC
Telephone: (805)643-5555
Price range: Free Consultation
Rating: 4.6

At the Law Offices of Bamieh and De Smeth, our California injury lawyers are loyal to the cause of promoting the rights, interests, and well-being of our clients. Acts of sexual abuse, no matter how minor or major, can cause serious damage to people’s lives. Beyond the emotional and psychological anxiety that a victim may feel, the ripple effects can be felt among an entire community.

When a child or anyone else in a vulnerable position has been sexually abused, the resulting scars can be irreversible. Our attorneys can advocate for the rights of sexual assault and sexual abuse victims and fight to get them compensation for the harm they faced, bringing their abusers to light in a civil lawsuit. To set up a free legal consultation on your case, contact our law offices at (805) 643-5555.

Abuse On Campus Sexual Assault In Schools Sexual Assault On College Campuses

The Definition of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault in California

The first question that many victims of sexual assault or sexual abuse have is to question what happened to them and ask whether it constitutes sexual abuse. California’s laws are incredibly broad and define sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual abuse using very broad terms that cover a wide variety of conduct. There is no need to question whether the harm you suffered was severe enough to seek justice; any inappropriate touching, grooming, or physical assault is likely illegal under at least one statute and is sufficient to begin the process of seeking justice.

Talk to an attorney if you have any questions about your potential case. Our lawyers can help guide you through the process and help you understand your rights as a survivor of sexual assault or sexual abuse.

Uncovering Child Sexual Abuse

In cases involving childhood sexual abuse, the ramifications of an unspeakable tragedy can result in years of emotional and psychological trauma. Sometimes, seeing a child’s abuser put in jail does not seem to serve as complete justice for what has been done to your family. Our skilled sexual abuse lawyers can also pursue financial compensation from the individual, school, organization, or religious entity that is responsible for the life-changing damage your child has endured.

The first step in holding an abuser accountable is discovering the abuse. Many parents may be in the dark about the abuse their child has suffered, and it can be difficult to talk to your child about the incident if they are young or do not understand what has happened to them.

The following are signs of abuse and trauma to look for in a child to help you uncover abuse:

Unexplained behavior or irritability
Sudden bed wetting or wetting the bed later in childhood
Running away or wanting to run away
Nightmares and sleeping problems
Demonstrating behaviors of withdrawing from others or clinging to others
Changes in behavior, mood, eating habits, or personality
Creation of an imaginary friend
Physical signs of abuse, such as bruises or other marks
Other symptoms of anxiety, stress, or trauma

You can also uncover abuse by looking for suspicious activity from adults in your child’s community. Talking to teachers, principals, priests, family members, and other adults your child comes in contact with can help you understand if anything questionable has been happening.

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Founding Attorney, Partner Ron S. Bamieh

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Managing Attorney, Partner Danielle De Smeth

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Attorney & Partner Jennifer Yates

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Attorney Jason D. Frantz

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Attorney Anzac Jacobs

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Attorney Thelma Corsa

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Attorney Meghan Sherry

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Attorney Charlotte Krem

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Suing for Sexual Abuse Years after the Assault

Many people take years to come to terms with the trauma they suffered and the effects of the abuse they experienced as a child. In many cases, adults who only just began to process and understand the abuse they suffered feel scared and ashamed, and they are afraid to come forward about their abuse. These survivors may also be afraid to come forward because they fear the deadline to file their case has passed.

In many cases, the statute of limitations for civil actions against abusers is longer than you think it might be. If you were an adult when the abuse occurred, new laws that went into effect January 1, 2019 give you 10 years to file your case. This extends the deadline significantly from the old 2-year statute of limitations. For survivors of sexual abuse or sexual assault who were abused as a minor, the deadline to file your case may be significantly longer.

The law does not expect minors to come forward about these kinds of incidents, and the statute of limitations gives you 8 years from the time you turn 18 to file a claim for sexual abuse that occurred any time when you were under 18. That means that even if the abuse occurred when you were 12, you should have until you turn 26 to file your case.

For abuse or psychological trauma that you could not discover before you were 26, you have 3 years from the date of discovery to file your claim. Repressed memories are not uncommon in these kinds of cases, and if you realize the trauma that you suffered later in life, you have 3 years from the date of your discovery to file your claim. Never assume that it is too late to seek justice. Talk to a lawyer to see if your case can still be filed.

If a Family Member Was the Victim of Sexual Abuse in California, Call Our Attorneys

The Law Offices of Bamieh and De Smeth’s Ventura sexual abuse victim lawyers have handled high-profile litigation matters in California, and we are fully aware of the importance of protecting the rights and privacy of victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault. We take great care while handling your legal matters, and we always operate with the utmost degree of confidentiality. If you or a loved one was sexually abused or sexually assaulted as a child or as an adult, call our attorneys today to discuss scheduling a free legal consultation and getting help to seek justice and compensation for the harm you suffered. Our number is (805) 643-5555.

Client Successes Why Clients Choose Us

I cannot recommend Ron Bamieh and Anzac Jacobs highly enough.

I was wrongly accused of a misdemeanor charge. From the very beginning, Ron approached my case with incredible patience, empathy, and professionalism. He took the time to listen, understand my concerns, and explain every step of the legal process in a way that was clear and reass...

—Andrew C.

Exceptional skill and professionalism

Danielle De Smith handled our case against a school district in Ventura County with exceptional skill and professionalism. I initially approached the situation as a fiercely protective mother, ready to fight, but Danielle’s grace, expertise, and strategic approach proved fa...

—Krista Nowak

I would highly recommend the Law Office of Bamieh and de Smith!

We worked with Atty Jacobs to help us with an issue with our loved one and things could have been so much worse if we hadn’t of had his expertise and compassion. When you’re in a situation when you need help with a loved one, not only are you desperate but you’r...

—Eleanor Torres

Bamieh & Smith were awesome and would definitely recommend.

Mr. Anzac Jacob's was one of the best Lawyer I could've been blessed with. Top to bottom , Professional, honest, caring, and he has a great heart. He did his best for me. He never made me feel like he did not care about my situation, without Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Bamieh, I think I w...

—Frankie Estanol

I would recommend hiring Bamieh & De Smeth.

They are very transparent and up front with you regarding your matter. Never having any experience with the matter I hired them for, they explained everything that was happening, would be happening or could happen. Meghan Sherry took on our matter and made us free welcome and nev...

—Tammy Donovan

First time I met Ron he welcomed me with open arms.

His sincerity and willing to help me was shown immediately. Ron stood by my side, showed up for me and checked in on my emotional well being every step of the way. Not only is he a great lawyer but a genuine person who sees good in others and wants to help good people.
Words...

—Brandee Herrera

Professional, honest, and confident

From my initial conversation with Ron and his team, I was put at ease by their professionalism, honesty and confidence. He clearly described the process and what I could expect in the following months. He was thorough in his preparation and in court, he was calm and calculat...

—Jeff

Grateful for exceptional legal support with a better-than-expected outcome

I am so grateful to my neighbor who recommended this law firm. After being in a terrible accident where I was hit by a car on my bicycle, I wasn’t sure about contacting a lawyer, but after months and months of pain and frustration I decided to give them a call. I’m so...

—Susie Avchen

I highly recommend this law office.

From the moment I stepped in for my first consultation, I felt welcomed and reassured. The team is professional, compassionate, and truly listens to their clients. I left that first meeting with a sense of relief, knowing I was in capable and trustworthy hands. Thank you for your...

—S.B.

Amazing firm.

Ron is straight to the point and will give his honest opinion on the case. Very knowledgeable team that will do their best. I am personally impressed on how they handled my case. They gave me light at the end of a tunnel that seemed endless.

—John

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