Child Abuse and Neglect Lawyer in Los Angeles

Child abuse in all its forms is a heinous crime in California. If you suspect someone has victimized your child, you need a compassionate and knowledgeable Los Angeles child abuse and neglect lawyer by your side. 

Our team at J&Y Law believes that every child deserves dignity and respect, and we fight for the rights of abused children. You can count on a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

Our team can put your family first, drawing on over 80 years of combined experience to build your claim. We’ll offer the compassionate, dedicated support your family needs during this challenging time.

Why Hire a Child Abuse and Neglect Lawyer in Los Angeles?

Hiring an attorney when you suspect child neglect or abuse means you’ll have someone on your side, working tirelessly to protect your child. Our legal team can:

• Explain your legal options
• Answer all the questions that you have
• Provide steadfast legal representation

Our team takes child neglect seriously and wants to provide the assistance you need throughout every stage of the legal process. We offer tailored strategies designed to meet the needs of each client.

Additionally, we work on a contingency-fee basis, so you only pay our legal fees if we resolve your family’s claim.

What is Child Abuse?

Under the California Penal Code, any action that intentionally causes a child to suffer harm qualifies as abuse, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse of a child is the willful infliction of any cruel or inhumane bodily harm or injury, including, but not limited to, hitting, slapping, shaking, or shoving.

Even if the harm is unintentional, however, it may still be considered child abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse of a child often involves bullying, manipulating or humiliating the child, calling the child derogatory names, making threats of violence or abandonment, or routinely demeaning or ignoring the child.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse of a child is any unlawful sexual activity involving a minor child. We can explain how to identify sexual abuse and take legal action in California.

Laws Involving Child Neglect and Abuse in California

Our state has several laws designed to protect children, including:

California Child Neglect and Abandonment Law (California Penal Code § 270-273.75)

In California, it is illegal for any parent to willfully withhold care, food, shelter, medical care, or remedial care from a child without a lawful reason.

In addition, a parent who willfully exposes a child to the likelihood of physical harm, mental suffering, or death may be guilty of a crime. It is also illegal to knowingly endanger a child by placing the child in an unsafe situation.

The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (California Penal Code § 11164-11174.3)

This law requires individuals in a position of authority over children to report known or suspected abuse or neglect.

While every adult has a duty to report child abuse, this law considers many professionals to be mandatory reporters, including

• Educators
• Child care workers
• Medical professionals
• Psychologists
• Day care employees
• Clergy members
• Police
• Firefighters and emergency medical technicians

Mandatory reporters are required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect to local law enforcement or a child welfare department within 36 hours of receiving information about the incident.

California laws regarding child abuse and neglect apply to parents, custodians, and others who care for children, including schools, daycare providers, religious organizations, and other institutions.

We Believe in Protecting Children from Abuse

At the law firm of J&Y, we realize that incidents involving the abuse of a child are very sensitive and can be even more so when the abuse comes at the hands of a parent or another close relative.

In these circumstances, our experienced attorneys can help you obtain a Protective Order from the court to safeguard your child.

In cases where an institution or any of its employees victimizes a child, we can file a lawsuit against the abuser and the institution to obtain compensation through the civil court system, including:

• Past and future costs for medical and psychological treatment
• Expenses for medications
• The child’s pain and suffering

In some cases, the court system may also award punitive damages to your family. Punitive damages serve to punish the party responsible for harming your child. We can help with a civil lawsuit on behalf of your family.

Criminal Charges and Child Neglect and Abuse

Depending on the circumstances, mistreating or abusing a child can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. The civil and criminal court systems operate separately from one another.

The party responsible for abusing your child could face time in state prison, fines, and other penalties for a criminal conviction.

The district attorney handles criminal charges. We can give you more information about these charges while handling your civil case.

Turn to Us for Help with a Child Neglect Claim in Los Angeles

Our staff at J&Y Law focuses on helping families in California, and we will offer you our compassion and knowledge while recognizing the need to maintain your child’s privacy.

If you believe your child has been the victim of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, call our office in confidence today for a free consultation.

You can rely on a Los Angeles child abuse and neglect attorney to provide the dedicated assistance that your family deserves. Call J&Y Law at (877) 596-6061 for a free, confidential consultation.