Los Angeles, California
Dordulian Law Group (DLG), a California sexual abuse law firm headquartered in Glendale and serving survivors throughout Los Angeles County and the state, today announced two recent settlements recovered on behalf of survivors of institutional sexual abuse:
- A $1 million settlement in a case arising from abuse at a church youth ministry program, and
- A $1.2 million settlement in a case arising from abuse at a public school.
Both recoveries were obtained by DLG's Sexual Assault Justice Experts (SAJE) Team, the firm's in-house, survivor-focused unit led by founder and president Sam Dordulian, a former sex crimes prosecutor and Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney. The settlements reflect a legal reality many survivors often overlook: the institution that enabled the abuse, not just the individual abuser, can be held financially accountable in a civil case.
Survivors and family members who want to understand their legal options can speak with a Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer at DLG at no cost and with no obligation by calling (866) GO-SEE-SAM or by requesting a free consultation online.
$1 Million Church and Youth Ministry Sexual Abuse Settlement
The first matter involved a minor who was sexually abused approximately six years ago by an adult affiliated with a church youth ministry program.
DLG pursued the claim on the theory that the religious organization itself bore responsibility, including for negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention, and the failure to implement and enforce basic child-protection safeguards such as two-adult rules, screening, and mandated reporter training. The matter resolved for $1 million.
Abuse inside faith communities is uniquely difficult to report. Survivors are often told to forgive, to stay quiet, or to keep the matter inside the congregation. DLG's clergy and church sexual abuse attorneys handle these cases with discretion and with a clear focus on institutional accountability.
$1.2 Million Public School Sexual Abuse Settlement
The second matter involved a student sexually abused over 20 years ago by an employee of a public school.
DLG built the case around what the district knew and when it knew it, including prior complaints, warning signs that went unreported, and failures by mandated reporters to escalate concerns. The case settled for $1.2 million.
Claims against public school districts carry procedural requirements and deadlines that do not apply to private defendants, and those requirements can bar an otherwise strong case if they are missed. DLG's school sexual abuse lawyers evaluate these issues at no cost during an initial consultation.
Statement From Attorney Sam Dordulian Following $1 Million and $1.2 Million Sexual Abuse Settlements
"Parents send their children to schools and church groups believing that the adults in charge can be trusted with the sacred responsibility of oversight. When that trust is betrayed, unimaginable trauma is inflicted upon innocent children - trauma that will last a lifetime. Those institutions must be held accountable," said attorney Sam Dordulian, founder and president of Dordulian Law Group. "I spent years as a sex crimes prosecutor putting predators behind bars. It is equally gratifying when organizations that turned a blind eye to sexual abuse pay for what they allowed to happen. No survivor should ever believe it is too late to get the justice they deserve, or that nobody will listen."
What These Settlements Mean for Other Survivors
Both cases share a pattern DLG sees repeatedly across California: an organization that had the authority and the opportunity to stop the abuse and failed to act. In a civil case, survivors may be able to recover compensation from the institution for harms including:
- Past and future therapy, counseling, and mental health treatment
- Medical expenses connected to the abuse
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
In qualifying cases, punitive damages and, under California law, additional treble damages where a cover-up is proven
A sexual abuse civil case is separate from any criminal prosecution. A survivor does not need a criminal conviction, and does not need the perpetrator to be charged, in order to bring a civil claim. The burden of proof in a civil case is also lower than in a criminal case. See DLG's recent case results for additional examples.
California Filing Deadlines: Why Survivors Should Not Wait
California gives survivors more time than most states, but the deadlines depend on the survivor's age at the time of the abuse, when the harm was discovered, and what type of institution is involved. In general:
- Childhood sexual abuse (Code of Civil Procedure section 340.1): for incidents occurring before January 1, 2024, claims must generally be brought before the survivor's 40th birthday, or within five years of discovering that a psychological injury was caused by the abuse, whichever is later.
- California AB 452 (Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act follow-on legislation): for childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, there is no time limit. AB 452 is not retroactive and does not apply to adult survivors.
- Adult survivors: separate rules apply under California AB 250 (Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations Extension Act) and AB 2777, the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act. Some windows created by these laws are time limited.
- Claims against public entities, including public school districts, may involve additional notice requirements and significantly shorter deadlines depending on the claim.
Because a missed deadline can end a case before it starts, DLG encourages survivors and families to have their timeline reviewed as early as possible. Consultations are free and confidential. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM at any hour.
Why Survivors Choose Dordulian Law Group
DLG is a unique California law firm that built an entire in-house infrastructure around sexual abuse survivors. The DLG legal team and SAJE Team include:
- Sam Dordulian, former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney and sex crimes prosecutor, with more than 100 jury trial victories and a 98% winning record
- Chief Investigator Moses Castillo, a retired LAPD sex crimes unit leader with 30 years of experience
- Two certified, nationally accredited full-time victim advocates
- An in-house licensed clinical therapist with 18 years of experience
The firm has recovered more than $150 million for clients and has more than 25 years of experience serving Los Angeles and surrounding communities. DLG handles all sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning survivors pay nothing unless the firm recovers compensation. Client experiences are available on the firm's testimonials page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a church or school for sexual abuse in California?
Yes. California law allows survivors to bring civil claims against institutions, including churches, youth ministries, private schools, and public school districts, when the organization's negligence enabled the abuse. Common theories include negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention, and failure to report.
Do I need the abuser to be criminally convicted first?
Will my name become public?
Survivors can often proceed anonymously, and settlements are frequently confidential. DLG discusses privacy protections with every client before any filing is made.
How much does it cost to hire a sexual abuse lawyer?
Nothing upfront. DLG works on contingency, so survivors pay no fee unless the firm recovers compensation.
How long do I have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in California?
It depends on your age at the time of the abuse and the type of institution involved. Childhood sexual assault claims are generally subject to an age-40 or five-year discovery deadline, while abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024 has no time limit. Adult survivors are governed by separate statutes. A free consultation is the fastest way to confirm your deadline.
What areas does Dordulian Law Group serve?
DLG serves survivors throughout California, with offices in Glendale.
Free, Confidential Consultations Available 24/7
Survivors of sexual abuse or sexual assault, and the families of survivors, can speak with a DLG attorney at no cost. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM, visit dlawgroup.com, or request a free case review. Se habla espanol.
About Dordulian Law Group
Dordulian Law Group is a California law firm representing survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and child abuse, as well as victims of personal injury and employment violations. Founded by former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney and sex crimes prosecutor Sam Dordulian, the firm has recovered more than $150 million for clients and operates its in-house SAJE Team of compassionate attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and a licensed therapist. DLG is headquartered at 550 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 1990, Glendale, CA 91203, and serves all of California. Learn more at dlawgroup.com.
Disclaimer: This release is attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different and results depend on the specific and unique facts. Settlement figures represent gross recovery before attorney fees, costs, and liens. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this release. All survivor-identifying details have been omitted to protect client privacy.
Media Contact Details
Jason Kitchen
Dordulian Law Group Sexual Abuse Lawyers
8187884919
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