*Matters in which of-counsel attorney Guinness Costello served as counsel, with co-counsel. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
California law holds schools responsible when they fail to protect students from predators or fail to act on warning signs.
Our attorneys focus on representing survivors of school sexual abuse and their families. We know the laws that apply to public and private schools, the duties administrators and teachers owe, and how to file claims against powerful institutions.
Districts are responsible when administrators hire carelessly, ignore warning signs, or fail to supervise.
Read morePrivate, parochial, boarding, and charter schools must protect students just as carefully.
Read morePartner programs, athletics, and coaches on campus: both the district and the organization can be liable.
Read moreCounties answer for abuse in juvenile halls, probation camps, foster homes, and group homes.
Read moreWhen staff fail to report suspected abuse, students stay at risk and the school is liable.
Read moreMost survivors who file are adults. Until age 40, five years from discovery, or no deadline at all for abuse on or after Jan. 1, 2024.
Read moreEvery case is handled by a California-licensed attorney. Steve Costello practices from Chula Vista; of-counsel attorney Guinness Costello is in Los Angeles. Cases against counties and large institutions are handled jointly.
Meet our attorneysAbuse on or after January 1, 2024 now has no filing deadline. For earlier abuse, survivors can file until age 40, or within five years of discovering the harm. If you were told years ago that it was too late, it may not be. See if your claim is still open →
Learn about survivor rights in California
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Teachers, coaches, and school staff must report suspected abuse to law enforcement or child welfare, not just a principal.
Survivors can sue until age 40 or five years after discovery. Abuse on or after Jan. 1, 2024 has no deadline.
Gov. Code § 905(m): childhood sexual abuse claims against public schools and counties go straight to court.