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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.
CASE UPDATE
April 4, 2025
Over 75 lawsuits have already been filed by Herman Law against the County of San Diego, alleging systemic abuse and cover-ups at Polinsky Children’s Center. Contact our team to join this brave group of survivors.
Over the past several weeks, a series of complaints have been filed in California courts regarding allegations of child sexual abuse at a San Diego County youth emergency shelter. The complaints allege that, between 1994 and 2020, more than 100 children were sexually assaulted by staff at the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center. They were also allegedly threatened to keep them from reporting the abuse.
Healing begins with taking action. Whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, it’s never too late to come forward. Let our trusted legal advocates guide you through your next steps—confidentially and with care.
Even if the abuse occurred decades ago, victims of sexual abuse at the San Diego Polinsky Center retain the right to seek justice and financial compensation through the legal system. The California sexual abuse attorneys at Herman Law offer legal representation to survivors and provide free, confidential consultations to help them understand their rights and legal options.
Children are placed at Polinsky when they must be separated from their families for their own safety. Many of the now-adult victims were under the age of 10 at the time of the alleged abuse. The complaints assert that San Diego County failed to conduct thorough background checks for Polinsky’s employees and neglected to ensure adequate staffing and supervision at the facility. Reports indicate that numerous instances of abuse were brought to the attention of supervisors but were not properly addressed, contributing to what has been described as an “institutional failure” to protect the children in its care.
One complaint, filed on August 27, includes six named plaintiffs who allege they were victims of sexual abuse at Polinsky between 2009 and 2013. In addition to San Diego County, the lawsuit names 50 unnamed defendants who were employed at the facility during that period. According to the complaint, 20 of these individuals allegedly perpetrated the abuse, though their identities remain unknown at this time. The plaintiffs bring claims of negligence, negligent supervision of minors, and violations of the Bane Act, a California law that protects individuals from threats, intimidation, and coercion.
As the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of sexual abuse, Herman Law is committed to ensuring that survivors have a voice in the legal system. With over 25 years of experience handling foster care abuse cases, our attorneys work tirelessly to help victims seek justice and hold accountable the entities responsible for their suffering. If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse at the San Diego Polinsky Center, you may have the opportunity to pursue legal action. Contact Herman Law at (866) 545-4812 or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
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.
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