Los Angeles Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Los Angeles Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Attorney

When institutions fail to protect children from sexual abuse, the consequences can be devastating for the child, their family, and the entire community. Headlines across Los Angeles often highlight the systemic failures of schools, religious institutions, and youth organizations to protect youths. If you were harmed due to the failure of an institution, you can rely on a Los Angeles institutional child sexual abuse lawyer to hold your abuser accountable.

More than Just a Law Firm

At DeMarco Law Firm, our dedicated team of advocates for survivors of sexual abuse is committed to exposing the truth about what happened to you or your child. Our legal team is small, which is the way we like it. Led by an esteemed attorney and a senior associate attorney, we understand how devastating it can be to learn that an institution failed to protect your child from harm.

We have been at the forefront of holding abusers and the groups that protect them accountable since 2002. Since then, we have earned a reputation for being compassionate to our clients and relentless in our pursuit of justice. Trust our legal team to hold the large institution that failed you and your family to account

Understanding Institutional Child Sexual Abuse in Los Angeles

Institutional child sexual abuse has scarred many Los Angeles communities. More than 5,000 adults allege they were sexually abused while in county custody, foster homes, or juvenile facilities over the past several decades.

In 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services reported 14,735 sexual abuse referrals, accounting for nearly 11% of all child welfare cases. In April 2025, Los Angeles County agreed to a $4 billion settlement to resolve nearly 7,000 sexual abuse claims tied to juvenile detention centers and foster care facilities dating back to 1959.

Survivors across neighborhoods such as Boyle Heights, Koreatown, and Woodland Hills have the right to pursue compensation with the help of a Los Angeles institutional child sexual abuse attorney who understands how to leverage the justice system to hold predators accountable.

Establishing Liability After a Sexual Abuse

Proving that a sexual predator committed heinous acts can be crucial for helping victims find the accountability and justice they deserve. Often, the institution they worked under shares liability. With help from an attorney, you can gather the evidence needed to hold all parties accountable for the harm they caused or allowed. This often requires evidence that the institution ignored warning signs, failed to properly vet employees, or covered up reports of abuse.

Compensation You May Be Owed

When you work with an experienced attorney, justice can come in the form of compensation. Sexual abuse can lead to trauma that requires medical treatment and counseling. Victims who age into adulthood may experience career setbacks due to the harm they suffered. These and other losses can be accounted for through a settlement.

Non-economic damages for the pain and suffering you endured may also be included. If your case goes to trial, the courts may add punitive damages. These are intended to punish the abuser and large institutions for their actions.

Why You Should Hire an Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Going up against a large institution takes courage and strong legal support. Your first priority should be to hire an institutional child sexual abuse lawyer who understands complex institutional child sexual abuse laws and how to hold powerful groups to account.

Navigating institutional child sexual abuse cases requires strong evidence backed by compelling legal arguments that hold up in court. Beyond providing legal services, an attorney can provide critical support and encouragement that can see you through a challenging time.

FAQs

What Is Considered Institutional Child Sexual Abuse?

Institutional child sexual abuse occurs when groups like schools, churches, juvenile facilities, and foster care organizations fail to protect the youths they are entrusted to watch. This often occurs when employees are not properly screened. Administrators may ignore or even try to cover up incidents of abuse. When entire institutions fail children, the consequences for victims can be catastrophic.

Can Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse File a Claim in California?

Yes. Survivors of institutional child sexual abuse can file a claim in California. Before doing so, it is crucial to understand the process. A civil claim in court must be based on strong evidence. Filings must also be made in time so the case is not dismissed. The defendant may fight the charges, so survivors should be prepared to prove their case in court.

What Types of Compensation Are Available in Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Cases?

Compensation can take many forms in court. Financial compensation is the most common form. It can come through a settlement or court verdict. Your attorney can ensure that the final figure accounts for the financial losses you suffered and the emotional trauma you endured. While no figure can undo the harm you went through, finding justice through the courts can help you in your recovery journey.

Why Should I Hire a Los Angeles Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer?

You should hire a Los Angeles institutional child sexual abuse lawyer due to their experience. Not all attorneys have years of experience handling these types of cases. An attorney can assess your case before finding the right strategy. Legal representation takes you out of the middle of the conflict. Lawyers also understand how to maximize the compensation you are owed.

Have You Been Abused by a Sexual Predator? Our Compassionate Team Is Here to Help

Survivors of institutional child sexual abuse deserve justice, accountability, and a path toward healing. At DeMarco Law Firm, we are committed to standing with those who were harmed in schools, foster care, churches, and other organizations that failed to protect them.

Our attorneys have the experience and determination to hold powerful institutions accountable for decades of negligence and abuse. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation. Together, we can take meaningful steps toward securing the justice you deserve.