Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Survivors of sexual abuse often endure profound emotional, psychological, and physical harm. Gary Partamian is committed to standing with survivors, providing a strong legal voice, and holding perpetrators and responsible parties accountable. With compassion, discretion, and determined advocacy, Gary helps survivors pursue justice and regain control over their lives.
Legal Approach & Representation:
Gary has represented survivors in cases involving sexual abuse by individuals in setting involving schools, workplaces, and other institutions. He works diligently to uncover the truth, navigate complex legal frameworks, and pursue accountability through strategic litigation while prioritizing the survivor’s well-being throughout the process.
Gary’s Experience in This Area:
Institutions We Hold Accountable:
Abuse inside an institution rarely happens without warning signs. Schools, churches, and agencies often had complaints, red flags, or policies they did not follow. California law allows survivors to hold these organizations responsible when they knew or should have known about the danger and failed to act. Gary represents survivors of abuse in:
How Institutions Fail Survivors:
A civil case can hold the abuser accountable, and it can also hold the organization accountable for what it did, or failed to do. Common failures include:
Time Limits for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit:
California has extended the time survivors have to file. For childhood sexual assault that happened on or after January 1, 2024, there is no deadline (Code of Civil Procedure 340.1). For earlier childhood abuse, a survivor generally has until age 40, or 5 years from discovering the injury the abuse caused, whichever is later. Claims against public school districts and counties follow special rules, and in many childhood abuse cases the usual six-month government claim deadline does not apply.
Abuse that happened in adulthood has different deadlines. See our sexual assault page for adult survivors. Every case is different, so talk to a lawyer confidentially about the rules that apply to you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I sue a school district for sexual abuse?
Yes. Public and private schools can be held responsible when they knew or should have known about the danger and failed to protect a student. Claims against public districts follow special procedures.
Can I sue a church for abuse by a priest or youth minister?
Yes. A church or religious organization can be liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or concealing abuse, in addition to claims against the abuser.
I was abused in a juvenile hall or foster care. Do I have a case?
You may. Los Angeles County and private agencies have faced many claims from survivors of abuse in juvenile halls, probation camps, and foster placements.
The abuse happened years ago. Is it too late?
Often it is not. California has extended deadlines for childhood sexual abuse, and for abuse on or after January 1, 2024 there is no deadline at all.
Will my name be made public?
Protecting your privacy is a priority. In appropriate cases, survivors can proceed under a pseudonym such as John or Jane Doe.
Related practice areas: Childhood sexual abuse, Sexual assault (adult survivors), Sexual harassment.