Woodland Hills Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Woodland Hills Therapist Sexual Abuse Attorney

No victim should feel isolated and alone after suffering physical, psychological, and emotional harm. A therapist who uses their authority to hurt others will continue to do so until they are stopped. If your child suffered abuse by a trusted therapist, you may need to retain a Woodland Hills therapist sexual abuse lawyer.

The attorneys at the DeMarco Law Firm have years of experience representing clients who have suffered sexual abuse. We treat our clients with compassion, dignity, and respect. Our team will analyze the facts of your case, research relevant laws, and inform you of the most effective methods available to you under the law for seeking compensation for all injuries.

The Diverse Range of Therapist Abuse

Therapists use their power, authority, and trust to exploit others. Victims may be adults or children. Individuals who experience this form of abuse often suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The following are some of the most common types of abuse victims experience:

• Sexual abuse
• Emotional manipulation
• Boundary violations
• Fraud
• Medical malpractice

Patients often expose their insecurities and fears during their interactions with therapists. Oftentimes, an individual may not realize they suffered sexual abuse or emotional manipulation until weeks or months after the incident. Cognitive dissonance, confusion, and self-blame often cause victims to remain silent and not seek out legal counsel.

Children are especially vulnerable to the abusive tactics therapists may use to cause harm to others. If your child was sexually abused by a therapist, it may be necessary to assemble all documentary evidence related to the abuse and schedule an initial consultation with an attorney.

The Types of Damages Victims May Seek in Therapist Abuse Cases

Individuals who suffer sexual abuse often experience physical ailments, psychological distress, and overwhelming emotional agony. The damages you may seek in a therapist abuse case include the following:

• Punitive damages
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Past and future medical expenses

Courts will assess the costs of therapy, psychiatric care, and medical treatment associated with the abuse. Filing a civil lawsuit will be the first step toward seeking compensation for these losses that can cause financial insecurity and unnecessary stress.

Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter the same misconduct from occurring in the future. Also, pain and suffering are classified as general damages, and these are non-quantifiable elements related to the emotional and psychological suffering the victim suffers due to being abused.

Hire a Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you are seeking guidance regarding how you can seek legal recourse, then you should hire a sexual abuse lawyer. Understanding your legal rights and how you can benefit from legal representation will help you assess your options. You do not have to suffer in silence or feel ashamed to seek accountability for the abuse your child endured.

Woodland Hills is home to many different types of mental health professionals. LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and psychologists may all treat individuals who suffer from relationship issues, anxiety, and depression.

About Us

Attorney Anthony M. DeMarco earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University–Los Angeles and his law degree from Loyola Law School. He represents sexual abuse survivors across Southern California. Adrian Ramirez works as a Victims Advocate and provides daily support to our clients.

Attorney Joanna Robles earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She earned her law degree from Loyola Law School. She has represented childhood sexual abuse survivors for more than ten years.

Sexual Abuse Statistics

The average sentence for individuals sentenced for sexual abuse was 221 months. Approximately eighty-one percent of women and forty-three percent of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment or sexual assault in their lifetime.

FAQs

What Legal Rights Do Survivors of Therapist Sexual Abuse Have in Woodland Hills?

The legal rights available to survivors of therapist sexual abuse include the right to assert a civil lawsuit against the therapist and their employer to seek financial compensation for their injuries. Also, the state may bring criminal charges against the therapist who abused a client. An attorney may also initiate a complaint with licensing boards to seek revocation of the therapist’s professional license.

Can a Therapist Be Held Civilly and Criminally Liable for Sexual Misconduct Under California Law?

Yes, a therapist can be held civilly and criminally liable for sexual misconduct under California law. Any sexual interaction between a client and a therapist is illegal in California. Victims may seek financial compensation for their injuries. The state may assert criminal charges against the therapist, and the therapist may have their professional license revoked. Also, therapists are required to report known or suspected abuse.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in California?

The statute of limitations for filing a therapist sexual abuse lawsuit in California is ten years from the last date of actual abuse or three years from the date the injured party discovered they suffered harm, whichever is later. For claims involving childhood sexual abuse, victims may file a civil lawsuit until they turn forty, or within five years of discovery they suffered harm, whichever is later.

How Can a Woodland Hills Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help Survivors Pursue Accountability and Compensation?

A Woodland Hills therapist sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors pursue accountability and compensation by analyzing statutes of limitations, filing a civil lawsuit, and performing investigations. An attorney can seek financial compensation for emotional distress, the costs of therapy, and punitive damages. Also, your legal representative can file licensing board complaints if you were abused by a therapist in Woodland Hills.

Reach out to a Woodland Hills Therapist Sexual Abuse Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

Sexual abuse often causes victims to feel responsible for the pain and suffering they experience. A therapist who abuses a child or other individual should be held accountable for their actions. If you are interested in seeking financial compensation for your injuries, then you should seek out a sexual abuse attorney in Woodland Hills.

One of the most effective things you can do is contact us today to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case. It is often difficult for victims to empower themselves and stand up for their legal rights. Our team has years of experience representing victims of sexual abuse. We will help your family feel comfortable, recognized, and valued throughout your initial consultation.