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Abuse by a therapist is one of the most profound violations of trust a person can experience. Sexual abuse can have lasting emotional, psychological, and physical consequences. If you or somebody you love was harmed, abused, or assaulted by a therapist in Los Angeles, a dedicated sexual abuse attorney can help you be heard.
Legal professionals who work in the field of sexual violence and abuse fight to hold all involved parties accountable for their actions as they guide survivors through the civil legal system. A Los Angeles therapist sexual abuse lawyer, like the attorney at Boren Law, can be your advocate to help you through your next brave steps.
Therapist sexual abuse occurs when a mental health professional—such as a psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist—exploits the power imbalance between themselves and a client to engage in inappropriate and/or nonconsensual sexual behavior. In California, this conduct is not only unethical but may also be grounds for civil liability and even criminal charges.
California law, known as the California Business and Professions Code, prohibits sexual contact between a therapist and a patient during treatment and in the two years following therapy. Similarly, such inappropriate relationships are not allowed within an inpatient setting or rehabilitation center. A skilled sexual abuse attorney in Los Angeles can help you better understand these regulations and your rights as a survivor to seek justice and compensation.
Survivors of therapist sexual abuse in Los Angeles may pursue civil legal action with the help of an attorney. A civil lawsuit allows survivors to seek financial compensation for the physical and/or mental harm they have experienced. This may include:
In some cases, survivors can also pursue accountability from institutions that oversee or employ the therapist, including clinics and group practices.
California has expanded its statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.16, adult survivors of sexual abuse generally have 10 years from the date of the final abusive act (or three years from the date they discovered, or should have discovered, the connection between the abuse and their illness or injury) to file a civil lawsuit. You should speak with a knowledgeable therapist abuse lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights and ensure you meet specific deadlines.
A therapist sexual abuse attorney in LA can provide critical support during a difficult time. Their responsibilities include investigating the facts of the abuse, gathering evidence, identifying all liable parties, and filing/litigating a civil lawsuit as a representative of the survivor in court.
Often, lawyers will also negotiate settlements on your behalf. They also help protect your privacy and well-being as a survivor from the beginning of the process to the end. No matter who you are, your Los Angeles abuse lawyer will provide as much confidentiality during the process as allowable under the law. Your safety and well-being are paramount.
Some people try to pursue their abuse claims without a skilled, compassionate attorney on their side. While they may be able to express themselves well in the courtroom, the logistics and stress of the legal process can become complicated quickly. Our legal team has an in-depth understanding of how the courtroom works and can guide your next steps.
If you were sexually abused by a therapist, you deserve justice and support. A skilled Los Angeles therapist sexual abuse lawyer can help you pursue compensation. Reach out to Boren Law, P.C., today for a confidential consultation and contingency services, meaning no fees unless we win your case or reach a settlement on your behalf.