Checklist · for adult survivorsBefore you callNothing happens until you say so.
This list is for adults considering a call about abuse at a school, whether it was years ago or recent. You can read it without contacting anyone. If you do call, you can give any name, and nothing happens until you say so. None of it has to be complete. What you remember is enough to start.
★★★★★Five star average on Google · Award-winning · Millions recovered · Josh Kohanim, Esq., California Bar No. 328609
Written and reviewed by Josh Kohanim, Esq., California Bar No. 328609 · Published · Reviewed
Noted
0 of 17
Facts you already hold
Records that may exist
Steps to avoid
People safe to tell
You decide each step
You can read this without contacting anyone. You can contact us without giving your name. Nothing happens, no letter, no call to the school, no filing, until you say so, and you can stop at any point.
General information, not legal advice for your situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship, which is formed only by a signed written fee agreement. If you want to talk with someone now, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is 800-656-4673, free and confidential.
This page is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only by a signed written fee agreement.
Questions about this tool
Is there still time if it happened years ago?
Often, yes. Code of Civil Procedure 340.1 sets no time limit for childhood sexual assault that occurred on or after January 1, 2024. For earlier abuse, the rules in effect before that date generally allow a claim until age 40, and in some situations later, tied to when the harm was discovered. The Legislature has changed those rules more than once, so tell us the rough dates and we check the rule that applies now.
Do I have to file a government claim against the school district first?
No. Government Code 905(m) exempts claims under Code of Civil Procedure 340.1 for childhood sexual assault from the claim presentation requirement that applies to most lawsuits against public entities, and the California Department of Education has posted a Legislative Counsel opinion that a district may not adopt its own claim procedure for them. Some websites still list a six month government claim as the first step. For these claims it is not.
What happens when I call?
A person listens. We ask how to reach you, whether it is safe to call and when, and whether you already have a lawyer on this matter. You can give any name, and you do not have to describe what happened. An attorney tells you what the law allows and what a case would involve, and nothing happens until you say so. No fee unless we recover. If there is no recovery, you owe no fee and no case costs.
Have a question about your case?
Speak with an attorney. The review is free and you will get a direct answer.
Tell us what happened, and we will tell you where you stand. A licensed attorney reads every message. Someone is available 24 hours a day, and we usually respond right away.
Written and reviewed by Josh Kohanim, Esq., California Bar No. 328609 · Published · Reviewed