By submitting this form, you agree to our terms & conditions. Please read full disclaimer here.
Reviews and Top-Tier Experience.
Herman Law saved my life. Plain and simple. I am forever grateful for my family at Herman Law. They brought me and my family justice and then delivered accountability to a corrupt and broken system. They uncovered the agency’s cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable.
I had a great experience working with Herman Law. They consistently updated me on my case and helped me get an amazing settlement. Thank you to Attorney Dan Ellis and thank you to everyone at the law firm. I truly appreciate it.
The Herman Law Firm never over promised. They kept everything in perspective. But they sure hit a grand slam for me in the end. The firm always kept in contact with me to let me know things were getting done. I was blessed with this firm. Thank you Jeff and Jason for all your empathy and professionalism. You guys really helped me to get closure in my life.
For many survivors of childhood sexual abuse, questions about legal rights emerge gradually—shaped by healing, reflection, and changing life circumstances. Coming forward takes strength, and there is no single right time to begin exploring your options. Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago in a school, church, foster home, youth program, or another setting, civil law in California offers real paths to accountability.
Herman Law focuses exclusively on civil sexual abuse litigation, pursuing claims that examine both the underlying abuse and the institutional failures that enabled it. We approach every case with discretion and deep respect for survivor autonomy. Our team is here to provide clarity, support, and relentless advocacy—on your terms.
At Herman Law, our mission is to help victims heal by giving them a voice through civil litigation. Start your path towards justice and healing with a member of our team — confidentially and with care.
California law defines sexual abuse involving minors as any sexual activity involving a child, since a minor cannot legally consent to sexual conduct. Civil claims rely on this legal standard when evaluating institutional negligence and breaches of duty. According to Child USA, sexual abuse does not require physical contact and may include conduct such as exposure, exploitation, coercive communication, manipulation, or any sexual conduct harmful to children’s welfare.
Not all abuse is physical. Grooming, emotional coercion, and psychological manipulation can cause deep and lasting harm—and civil courts recognize these dynamics. Civil cases focus on how access occurred, what safeguards failed, and whether warning signs were ignored. California law acknowledges that abuse often unfolds within structured environments where authority figures gain repeated access to children. Civil litigation allows survivors to examine these patterns and pursue accountability against organizations that failed to act.
Experienced civil representation plays a critical role in sexual abuse litigation involving delayed disclosure and institutional liability. California sexual abuse claims often involve events that occurred many years ago, limited documentation, and organizations with extensive legal resources. An experienced Calabasas sexual abuse lawyer understands how trauma influences memory, disclosure timing, and a survior’s decision to come forward.
At Herman Law, our team conducts detailed investigations into institutional practices, internal policies, supervision failures, and prior complaints. Survivors benefit from representation focused on accountability rather than confrontation, allowing legal action to proceed without unnecessary retraumatization.
California removed time limits for civil claims arising from childhood sexual assault. Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 340.1, survivors may pursue civil damages without any statute of limitations when abuse occurred on or after January 1, 2024. For abuse that occurred before that date, survivors may still file a claim — the law allows filing up until age 40, or within five years of discovering that psychological injuries were caused by the abuse, whichever is later.
This legal framework reflects a broader understanding of how childhood sexual abuse affects survivors over time. California lawmakers recognized that fear, institutional pressure, and the nature of trauma itself can make disclosure difficult for years—or even decades. Survivors in Calabasas retain the right to seek accountability regardless of how much time has passed.
Civil sexual abuse claims can provide survivors with formal recognition of harm and a meaningful path toward accountability. Financial recovery may address therapy expenses, future mental health care, lost earning capacity, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. Outcomes vary based on the length of abuse, the survivor’s age, corroborating evidence, and documented failures within the organization.
Cases involving schools, religious institutions, foster care systems, youth programs, and healthcare facilities often uncover patterns of ignored warnings, inadequate safeguards, and institutional cover-ups. Civil litigation provides survivors with a structured avenue to be heard—while compelling organizations to confront systemic failures and take steps to prevent future harm.
Liability frequently extends beyond the individual who committed the abuse. California civil law permits claims against organizations that owed a duty of care and failed to protect children from foreseeable harm. Responsible parties may include:
Civil claims examine hiring decisions, background screening, supervision practices, reporting failures, and prior complaints. When organizations operating in Calabasas fail to meet their legal obligations to protect minors, civil accountability provides a structured path toward justice.
free case review
Coming forward can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to take that step alone. A dedicated member of our team will listen to your story with compassion and discretion. Every conversation is confidential. You decide what you share and when.
Contact Herman Law today at 800-686-9921 for a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team.
Jeff Herman is a nationally recognized attorney and founder of Herman Law, known for his dedication to helping survivors of sexual abuse. With over 35 years of experience, Jeff has represented thousands of clients across the U.S. and secured landmark victories, including a $100 million verdict. He is trained in trauma-informed advocacy and works closely with survivors to guide them through the legal process with care and determination. Jeff is admitted to practice in Florida and New York and leads a team committed to justice and healing.
Speaking up is never easy—but you’re not alone. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, our compassionate team at Herman Law is here to listen, support, and guide you forward. Reach out today in complete confidence.
Call Us: 1 866 850 3766 
call us: 1 800 686 9921
Message Us 
Call Us