Sexual abuse survivor? You decide what happens next.
Confidential. Your story stays private. We explain your options, and you choose. Free case review, no fee unless we win, and a real person answers 24/7.
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Four things to know
Take them at your own pace.
What you can get paid for
A claim can cover the harm done to you, now and later.
Find out what your case is worthDeadlines vary. Act early.
How long you have depends on the type of case and who is responsible. Some claims, such as those against a government agency, have deadlines measured in months, not years. Call early, and we find the deadline that applies to you.
Questions we get every day
Straight answers. No fine print.
It happened years ago. Is it too late?
Will my name be public?
How much do you charge?
Sexual abuse cases in nine states
Staffed offices in Irvine, Chicago and Las Vegas, and satellite offices by appointment. We also come to you.
More about your options
Read the full guide
Updated October 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case.
Sexual abuse cases: what to know
Sexual abuse can happen anywhere: in a church, a school, a youth program, a doctor's office, a workplace, a care facility or a rideshare car. What happened is not your fault. A civil case does not depend on a criminal case, and it can be brought even if no one was ever arrested.
If you are in danger now, call 911. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 24/7 at 800-656-4673.
Holding institutions responsible
Most of our cases focus on the organization that let the abuse happen. An institution can be responsible when it:
- Hired or kept a person it knew, or should have known, was a danger
- Did not supervise staff, volunteers or members who had access to children or vulnerable adults
- Ignored complaints, moved the abuser, or hid reports
- Did not follow its own safety rules, or did not report abuse as the law required
Rules that shape your case
- More time than before. Many states, including California, have changed their laws in recent years to give survivors of childhood sexual abuse much more time to bring a claim, and in some cases there is no deadline (California School Boards Association summary). Other claims can still have short deadlines, for example some claims against public agencies. Call to find out what applies to you.
- Your privacy. The conversation with us is confidential. In many cases, a survivor can bring a case without their name in public court records. You decide how fast to go and what to share.
Other states where we handle cases have their own rules.
What a case can do
A civil case can pay for therapy and medical care, lost income and the harm to your life. It can also bring out records that show what an institution knew, and it can push it to change how it protects people.
What to do now
- Take care of your safety and health. Medical care and counseling are available, now or later.
- Keep anything you have: messages, emails, photos, journals, letters, and the names of people you told.
- Write down what you remember, when you are ready, including names, places and dates.
- Do not sign anything from the institution or its insurer.
- Call us when you are ready. The call is confidential, and there is no fee or cost unless we recover money for you.
Not sure if you have a case? Call anyway. It's free to ask.
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This is a paid advertisement for TORKLAW, not an offer or guarantee of results. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Some matters may be referred to partner firms as appropriate. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Tracy R. Horn, Esq. is responsible for this advertisement. Main Office: 18650 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612.