Sexual Abuse Lawyer Serving San Mateo

If you’re searching for help after sexual abuse, you may be feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to turn, and worried about what comes next. You deserve clear information, steady advocacy, and a plan that protects you.

As a sexual abuse lawyer serving San Mateo, Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys focuses on helping survivors pursue accountability and compensation through civil claims while respecting your privacy and goals.

In this guide, you’ll learn how civil sexual abuse cases work in San Mateo, who may be legally responsible, how reporting and filing deadlines operate, what compensation may be available, and how we build cases with trauma-informed care. For more information, speak with our personal injury lawyers serving San Mateo.

Compassionate Legal Help From a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Serving San Mateo

You’re not just a case file. You’re a person who has experienced harm. We take time to listen, explain options in plain language, and design a legal strategy that aligns with your wishes. Some clients want a private settlement; others want a public lawsuit to drive change. We respect your direction.

From the first consultation, we discuss safety, confidentiality, and next steps. We can also coordinate with therapists, victim advocates, and support networks in San Mateo County so you have both legal and emotional resources while your case progresses.

Your Rights Under California and San Mateo Law

California law allows survivors of sexual assault or abuse to bring civil claims for damages against individuals and institutions that allowed or enabled the harm. This is separate from criminal prosecution and has a different burden of proof. Civil claims can address:

• Physical and emotional harm
• Medical and therapy costs
• Lost income or educational opportunities
• Security and privacy needs

California statutes cover adult sexual assault and childhood sexual assault differently. For many adult claims, timelines may run from the date of the assault or the date you discovered related injuries.

For childhood sexual assault, extended timelines may apply depending on your age and when you connected your injuries to the abuse. Because deadlines can change, it’s wise to speak with a sexual abuse attorney serving San Mateo promptly about the specifics of your situation.

Who May Be Liable in a Sexual Abuse Case

Civil claims look not only at the abuser but also at anyone who failed to protect you when they had a duty to act. Potential defendants may include:

• Schools, colleges, and youth programs that ignored complaints or warning signs
• Religious organizations and dioceses that concealed misconduct or reassigned offenders
• Employers that failed to supervise or respond to sexual harassment and assault reports
• Landlords, hotels, rideshare companies, or property owners who skipped basic safety measures
• Hospitals, clinics, or care facilities that allowed abuse by staff or contractors

Proving institutional responsibility often involves showing negligence in hiring, retention, or supervision, as well as inadequate security. We gather evidence to connect policies, training, past incident reports, and decision-making to the conditions that allowed the abuse to occur.

Reporting Paths and Filing Deadlines in San Mateo

Some survivors want to report to law enforcement; others prefer a civil case, a confidential demand, or both. In San Mateo County, you can report to the local police department or sheriff’s office, and if a minor is involved, to Child Protective Services. Schools must follow Title IX procedures, and employers must follow California’s workplace harassment laws.

Civil filing deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, are strict. For adult sexual assault, California law provides specific timeframes that may run from the assault or from the discovery of related injuries.

For childhood sexual assault, extended periods apply and can depend on the survivor’s age and when the connection to harm was discovered. There have been legislative changes over the past few years, so timelines can vary based on when the abuse occurred and other factors. A prompt review can help protect your claim.

What Compensation May Be Available in San Mateo Sexual Abuse Claims

Civil cases are about accountability and financial recovery to help you move forward. Depending on your case, you may seek:

• Therapy and mental health treatment
• Medical care and medication
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Residential security or relocation costs
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct

We support your claim for damages with medical records, evaluations from experts, and testimony that explains how the abuse affected your life. This helps set a fair value when negotiating or presenting your case in court.

Choosing a San Mateo Sexual Abuse Attorney

Selecting a lawyer is a personal decision. You want a team that listens, communicates clearly, and respects your boundaries. Ask about their approach to survivor privacy, their experience with institution-based claims, and how they handle negotiations versus trial. You should feel comfortable with the plan, the timeline, and the budget.

We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay attorneys’ fees only if we recover compensation for you. During your consultation, we can explain fee percentages, case costs, and how decisions about settlement offers are made. Transparency builds trust, and trust helps the case.

How We Support You Beyond the Lawsuit

Legal recovery is only part of healing. We connect clients with local and statewide survivor services, therapists who use trauma-informed methods, and community organizations that offer support groups and crisis assistance. If safety is a concern, we can discuss protective measures and referrals for housing or workplace accommodations.

We also advocate for policy changes with schools, youth programs, and employers when a case reveals patterns that put others at risk. Many survivors tell us they want their case to spark change; we take that seriously and pursue reforms where possible.

What to Expect During the Legal Process in San Mateo

Your case typically follows these steps: consultation, investigation, claim notice or demand letter, filing the complaint, discovery, mediation or settlement talks, and trial if needed. At each stage, we prepare you for what may happen, who will be involved, and what choices you have.

Settlement is common in civil sexual abuse cases. If a settlement offer is made, we break down the terms in plain language, outline tax considerations, discuss confidentiality provisions, and get your input. If trial is the right path, we assemble a team, prepare witnesses, and present your story with clarity and respect.

Talk With a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Serving San Mateo

You deserve to be heard, to be safe, and to pursue justice on your terms. If you’re considering a civil claim in San Mateo, founding partner Robin Saghian and the rest of our team are here to listen, explain your options, and build a path forward that reflects your goals.

Contact our sexual abuse attorneys serving San Mateo today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you move ahead.