Victims of sexual abuse in California can file a personal injury claim against the person responsible. Often, this person (the defendant) is the perpetrator.

Regardless of the presence of a criminal case, victims can pursue a personal injury claim against the perpetrator of sexual abuse. Victims may be eligible for compensation, such as:

• Medical Expenses – Any medical treatment related to the sexual abuse. Also, any psychological treatment or counseling required.
• Lost Income – If sexual abuse results in the victim’s inability to work or results in job loss, the victim may be able to seek compensation for lost income.
  
• Pain and Suffering – Sexual abuse is traumatic, and the pain and suffering may never truly go away. California law allows victims to sue for damages related to long-term psychological difficulties, physical pain, emotional stress, and mental anguish.
• Punitive Damages – Separate from any criminal sanctions, punitive damages are designed to punish the perpetrator through the civil court system. The court often dictates punitive damages to defendants who intentionally caused harm to the victim.