Werner “Vern” Meissner has been helping victims of sexual abuse since the 1980’s. Mr. Meissner’s extensive line of work has been instrumental helping countless other attorneys with their own cases. Decades later, Mr. Meissner and his two sons, Eric and Michael, are still representing and fighting for victims of sexual assault, holding the perpetrators accountable and achieving justice for their clients.
We’re here to help sexual abuse survivors obtain justice. At Meissner Law Firm, our California sexual abuse lawyers understand how complicated these situations can be. Survivors and their families often face emotional, legal, and financial challenges in the aftermath of abuse. We’re ready to help. Reach out to us for a free and confidential consultation so we can explore your options together.
Why Choose Us at Meissner Law Firm?
- Our firm is committed to helping survivors pursue justice with compassion, dignity, and respect.
- We have decades of experience representing individuals against powerful institutions, corporations, and other defendants.
- Every case receives personal attention from attorneys who understand the importance of being heard and supported throughout the legal process.
What To Do If You’ve Been Sexually Abused in California
If you have experienced sexual abuse, your safety and well-being should be the priority. Many survivors face feelings of fear, shame, confusion, anger, or self-blame after abuse occurs. These reactions are common, but it is important to remember that responsibility for the abuse rests entirely with the person who committed it.
Seeking support from trusted friends, family members, counselors, therapists, or support organizations can be an important part of the healing process. Some survivors also choose to report the abuse to law enforcement or other authorities, although every individual’s circumstances are different.
If you are considering pursuing legal action, preserving any available evidence may be helpful. This can include communications, photographs, medical records, counseling records, journals, witness information, or other documentation related to the abuse. Even if little evidence is immediately available, an attorney may be able to help investigate the circumstances and identify additional sources of information.
Many survivors wait years before discussing what happened. Delayed reporting is common and does not diminish the seriousness of the abuse. A confidential consultation can help you better understand your legal options and determine what steps may be available.
How Long Do I Have To File a Sexual Abuse Claim in California?
California has significantly expanded civil filing rights for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault in recent years, but the applicable deadline depends on several factors, including the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse, when the abuse occurred, the type of conduct involved, and whether any revival or delayed-discovery provisions apply.
For adult sexual assault claims, California law also provides an extended filing period, including delayed-discovery rules for injuries or illnesses that may not have been immediately understood to be connected to the assault.
For childhood sexual abuse claims, California law generally provides extended time to file suit, and in some circumstances removes the statute of limitations entirely. The applicable rule depends heavily on when the abuse occurred and which version of the statute applies.
California has also enacted revival provisions that may allow certain previously time-barred claims to proceed, particularly where institutional misconduct, concealment, or related conduct is alleged. Because these rules contain important limitations and exceptions, each claim should be evaluated based on the specific facts, dates, defendants, and applicable statutory provisions.
Because these laws have changed multiple times and may continue to evolve, survivors should avoid assuming they no longer have legal options. Speaking with an attorney is often the best way to determine which specific deadlines apply and whether a claim may still be pursued.
Call Our California Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
If you are considering taking legal action, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Our California sexual abuse lawyers are committed to helping survivors pursue justice with compassion, respect, and discretion. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact us online or call (310) 833-2335 today.