Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse Lawyer in San Francisco

Nurse-Led Intake for Complex Civil Sexual-Abuse Claims

A civil sexual abuse claim is separate from a criminal investigation or prosecution. It may address physical injuries, psychological harm, treatment costs, lost income, and effects on a survivor’s relationships and daily life. A claim may proceed even when criminal charges aren’t filed or don’t result in a conviction.

We handle serious personal injury and medical malpractice litigation throughout California. A Registered Nurse leads our intake process, helping us review medical issues, psychological treatment, and other injury-related information from the beginning. We explain the legal questions in plain language without expecting you to identify every possible defendant or legal theory.

Call (415) 630-2913 or reach out online to discuss whether you may have a civil claim with our San Francisco sexual abuse attorneys.

How Civil Claims Differ From Criminal Cases

A civil case seeks accountability and financial compensation for the survivor’s harm. A criminal prosecution is brought by the government to determine whether a crime occurred. The two proceedings have different parties, procedures, and standards of proof, so the absence of a criminal conviction doesn’t automatically prevent a civil claim.

Depending on the facts, responsibility may extend beyond the alleged perpetrator to another person or organization. This analysis may examine authority, prior notice, reporting practices, supervision, institutional policies, and failures to protect.

Potential legal grounds are fact-specific and may include:

Intentional misconduct by the alleged perpetrator
Negligence by a person or organization with a duty of care
Negligent supervision, meaning a failure to use reasonable care when overseeing another person
Institutional liability based on an organization’s conduct or failure to act

How the Circumstances Shape a Civil Claim

Childhood sexual assault, adult sexual assault, abuse by someone in a position of trust, and misconduct in healthcare or educational settings can raise different legal questions. The survivor’s age, the parties’ relationship, the setting, potential defendants, and resulting injuries can all affect the analysis.

Healthcare-related allegations may require a separate review of medical records, informed consent, treatment decisions, psychological injuries, and institutional responsibility. That review doesn’t make every allegation involving a healthcare setting a medical malpractice claim.

More Than $200 Million Recovered in Injury Litigation

We have recovered more than $200 million for personal injury and medical malpractice clients. Our published results include a $17 million birth-injury settlement identified as the largest medical malpractice recovery in California history. These firm-wide results don’t represent outcomes from sexual-abuse cases.

Erik L. Peterson has been selected to Super Lawyers every year since 2006. He has also been included in The Best Lawyers in America, recognized by The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, and selected as a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
$17 Million Birth Injury Settlement

See More Wins

I can’t say enough about Erik Peterson
“
I can’t say enough about Erik Peterson of Peterson Injury Law. He represented my brother and me in a wrongful death case involving my Mom, and we couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate and professional attorney. Losing my Mom was incredibly difficult, and going through a lengthy legal process made it even harder. Erik kept us informed every step of the way, explained everything in detail, and always gave us choices. We had endless questions, and he never once made us feel like we were bothering him. He understood that this wasn’t just a case to us – it was our Mom, and he genuinely seemed to care about what our family was going through.
One thing that made the whole process easier was that we never had to travel to an office. Everything was handled through Zoom, which was incredibly convenient, and we always felt connected and informed. His paralegal, Kate, was also wonderful – helpful, responsive, and always so pleasant to work with.

Other attorneys had turned us down, so we feel incredibly fortunate that Erik took our case. He worked on a contingency basis, and even reduced his fee, which meant a great deal to us. We ultimately settled out of court for more than I expected.

While no amount of money can bring my Mom back, I will always be grateful for the way Erik handled our case and treated our family. My brother and I are truly thankful for everything he did for us. I would wholeheartedly recommend Erik Peterson to anyone looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, professional, compassionate, and genuinely cares about his clients.
”

- M.C.
Erik and his team were incredibly helpful.
“Erik and his team were incredibly helpful. They consistently helped me through the unfamiliar and uncertain legal processes, which were all new to me. I trusted Erik always had my best interests in mind and was fighting on my behalf. I deeply appreciate all they did for me and my family.”

- Peter M.
I truly appreciate everything they did for us.
“Erik and his paralegal, Kate, were incredible throughout our case. Erik is an amazing attorney, he was open with us from the very beginning, attentive, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. His honesty and professionalism gave us so”

- Joyce D.
We cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.
“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”

- Jennifer B.
I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik
“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”

- Quia K.
He was always truthful and honest but also caring.
“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”

- Adrian B.
Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
Thank you Erik for winning our case!
“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”

- Margaret C.
Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.

What We Examine During an Initial Evaluation

We may consider what happened, when and where it occurred, who was involved, what was reported, and how the harm has affected the survivor’s health and life. Relevant evidence can include medical and mental-health records, communications, institutional documents, photographs, and witness information.

Our nurse-led intake process supports the review of medically complex injuries. We also consider causation, available evidence, potential defendants, damages, and any filing deadline that may apply. A survivor doesn’t need to reconstruct every detail before requesting an evaluation.

Clear Guidance Throughout the Civil Case Process

When applicable, we guide clients through discovery, depositions, mediation, settlement discussions, and litigation. We explain what each stage involves, set expectations early, and remain candid about risks and developments.

The pace of a case depends on the evidence, injuries, defendants, and procedural issues involved. We return calls and messages promptly while clients manage treatment, trauma, grief, uncertainty, or financial pressure.

California Filing Deadlines for Sexual-Assault Claims

California filing deadlines may depend on the survivor’s age when the conduct occurred, when an injury was connected to the assault, the type of defendant, and the date of the conduct. Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 340.16, qualifying adult claims generally use the later of two periods: 10 years after the last act or three years after discovering an injury or illness resulting from the assault.

Section 340.16 also currently provides a revival period through December 31, 2027, for certain adult claims that were otherwise barred before January 1, 2026. Statutory restrictions and exclusions may apply.

For specified childhood sexual-assault actions involving conduct on or after January 1, 2024, section 340.1 states that there is no time limit. Section 340.11 governs many claims involving earlier conduct. Government-defendant rules, revival provisions, certificates of merit, and claim-specific exceptions require individual legal review. Survivors shouldn’t assume that a deadline has passed without discussing the facts with an attorney.

Damages in a Civil Sexual-Assault Case

Compensation can’t erase the abuse, but a civil claim may address documented economic and noneconomic harm. The damages available depend on the legal claims, defendants, injuries, applicable law, and supporting evidence.

Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:

Past and future medical or mental-health treatment
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Emotional distress and pain and suffering
Future care, support, and quality-of-life needs

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Information to Preserve Before a Consultation

You don’t need a complete file or detailed chronology before contacting an attorney. If available, preserving original materials can assist with a later factual review.

Potentially relevant information may include:

Approximate dates, locations, and names
Original messages, emails, photographs, or reports
Medical and mental health treatment information
Employment, school, or organizational records
Names of possible witnesses or people who received a report

Seek medical or mental health care when needed. Considering legal options shouldn’t delay urgent treatment or support.

Understand Your Options Before Deciding What Comes Next

We bring more than 30 years of complex injury litigation experience, nurse-led intake, and direct, plain-language communication to every evaluation. A consultation can help clarify whether a civil claim may be available, what information matters, and which deadlines require attention.

We provide a candid assessment of the potential claim, its risks, the expected timeline, and possible next steps. Our team serves clients throughout California, including survivors and families in San Francisco.

Call (415) 630-2913 to request a consultation with a San Francisco sexual abuse attorney at Peterson Injury Law.

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