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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.
At Herman Law, survivors of sexual abuse in Sacramento deserve more than just legal representation; they deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered to seek justice on their terms. Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, a Sacramento sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights and explore options for civil accountability.
Our firm focuses exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse, including children who were harmed in places where they should have been safe. We understand the emotional weight these cases carry and approach each one with care. From filing claims to navigating civil actions, we make sure your story is treated with dignity, and your experience is never minimized.
If you’re considering speaking out, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to offer clarity and support.
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.
Legal support means having someone by your side who listens, respects your boundaries, and helps you move forward at your own pace.
When you contact Herman Law, we begin by learning what you’re comfortable sharing. There’s no rush or pressure. We’ll discuss your experience, help you understand your rights, and outline options for pursuing accountability—whether from a school, religious institution, or another organization that failed to protect you.
Sexual abuse continues to affect children across Sacramento in places where safety and trust should be guaranteed: schools, religious institutions, foster care systems, youth programs, sports organizations, and residential treatment centers. These environments often fail to act on warning signs, allowing abuse to continue.
Unfortunately, many survivors carry the weight of their abuse in silence. Some may feel too afraid to come forward, while others may be unsure if what happened to them was abuse, especially when manipulation, compliance or emotional coercion was involved instead of physical force.
Civil litigation can reveal how institutional failures—like ignoring complaints or enabling repeat offenders—played a role in the harm. At Herman Law, we focus on holding institutions accountable for their negligence. This isn’t just about legal action—it’s about helping survivors reclaim their voices and contributing to a safer future.
Sexual Sexual violence is a persistent issue in the Sacramento area. According to City of Sacramento data, there were 94 reported rapes from January through September 2023 —a decrease from previous years, but still significant:
Even one instance is too many. And these numbers only reflect reported incidents. Many go unreported, especially those involving children or institutional settings where disclosure is discouraged.
Children often lack the tools or safe environments to come forward. They may fear not being believed or may have been manipulated into thinking the abuse was their fault. That’s why it’s critical to create pathways for civil accountability that center the survivor’s voice without requiring immediate disclosure or public testimony.
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Under California law, civil claims for childhood sexual abuse are guided by California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, which allows survivors to file civil lawsuits against both perpetrators and any institution that allowed the abuse to occur or continue. This statute provides an extended timeline for bringing a case, recognizing that many survivors may not come forward until years later.
Sexual abuse that may lead to civil liability includes:
In civil cases, the focus is not solely on the abuser’s conduct but also on the inaction of the institutions that failed to protect the child. These organizations can include schools, churches, youth organizations, and residential facilities where minors are placed in the care of adults.
It’s important to note that civil definitions of sexual abuse differ from criminal definitions. While force, threat, or incapacity may be part of criminal charges, civil cases under California law focus on the age of the victim and whether the abuse occurred during childhood. The use of force or violence is not required to pursue a civil claim.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of child sexual abuse is that not all abuse involves physical violence. Emotional manipulation, grooming, and coercive behaviors can cause deep and lasting harm.
Examples include:
These tactics are often subtle, but they work to silence survivors and make them question their own experiences. At Herman Law, we recognize these patterns and treat every survivor’s account with the seriousness it deserves, whether or not there was physical evidence.
Understanding what qualifies as abuse is often the first step in a survivor’s healing journey. Many people don’t realize what they experienced was abuse until they’re older. Shame, confusion, or fear of not being believed can delay disclosure by years.
That delay doesn’t disqualify someone from taking legal action.
California’s laws recognize the long-term effects of trauma and provide extended timelines to file civil claims. In many cases, survivors can come forward even decades after the abuse occurred, especially if new laws or civil statutes, such as the Child Victims Act, extend filing opportunities.
We understand how difficult it is to come forward. If you’re considering speaking with a lawyer, here are some things you may wish to consider—only if and when you feel ready:
Many survivors worry that they don’t have enough evidence. The truth is, your story matters. Our team can help assess your experience and identify possible ways to support a civil case.
Talking to our team doesn’t commit you to filing a claim. It’s simply a way to explore your options in a safe, private space.
We never pressure survivors to share more than they’re comfortable with. Whether you’re ready to take legal action or just want information, we’ll respect your pace.
Sexual abuse is never the survivor’s fault. Institutions and individuals who had a duty to protect you may be legally accountable for what you experienced.
What sets Herman Law apart? We exclusively represent survivors of sexual abuse. It’s not one area of practice—it’s our entire purpose.
For over 25 years, we’ve held institutions accountable in complex cases involving churches, schools, youth organizations, and other entities that failed to protect vulnerable people. Our team uncovers evidence, engages expert witnesses when needed, and handles institutional resistance with care and precision.
When you choose Herman Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a dedicated team of advocates. Together, we will:
Our mission is to help survivors heal by giving them a voice through civil litigation. With unwavering compassion and seasoned legal insight, we’ll be with you at every stage of the process.
Client Reviews
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 agencies cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable.
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If you or someone you love was sexually abused as a child in Sacramento or elsewhere in California, we’re here to listen. Every conversation is confidential. You decide what you share and when. We understand the strength it takes to reach out. Whether you’re seeking justice, clarity, or someone to walk beside you, we’re here.
Contact Herman Law today 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.
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