One of the most disturbing child abuse scandals in California history is unfolding at the Polinsky Children’s Center in San Diego County. Dozens of survivors have come forward with reports of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse that occurred over decades inside the county-run shelter.
With nearly three decades of combined experience, your San Diego Polinsky Children’s Center sexual abuse lawyer at Ryan Law Group is here to help you understand your options. If you are ready to speak with a San Diego sexual abuse lawyer, we are here to listen and support you.
What Happened at Polinsky Children’s Center
San Diego County is now facing a growing number of lawsuits tied to the Polinsky Children’s Center, a facility created to provide temporary shelter for children removed from unsafe homes. Dozens of survivors have come forward with reports of abuse that span decades.
Your San Diego Polinsky Children’s Center sexual abuse attorney with Ryan Law Group is here to help survivors understand what went wrong.
A Systemic Pattern of Abuse
More than 100 lawsuits have been filed against the County, describing widespread sexual, physical, and emotional abuse that occurred inside the facility. Survivors report being harmed by staff, other residents, or both, with little to no intervention.
Some were ignored after reporting abuse. Others say they were threatened into silence. For many, the trauma they experienced at Polinsky began after they were already removed from harmful situations at home.
The facility is publicly operated, so claims may involve institutional liability, which allows survivors to hold government agencies accountable when staff members acting in their official capacity cause harm. We help survivors like you build cases that document what happened and explain how these failures violated the trust and safety the center was supposed to provide.
Why This Case Is Different From Other Facility Lawsuits
Facility abuse lawsuits often involve one person or a short period of time. Polinsky is different. The abuse being reported happened across decades and involved a wide range of staff and children. The pattern described in public complaints suggests an ongoing failure to protect vulnerable kids, even when warning signs were present.
Survivors have also reported that concerns were ignored, reports were buried, or staff were moved instead of removed. Many of the children who lived at Polinsky already had traumatic backgrounds. When those children were harmed again under the care of the county, it added to the emotional and psychological injuries they still carry.
For a Free Legal Consultation With a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Serving San Diego, Call (310) 321-4800
What Survivors Need to Know About Filing a Claim
Recent changes in California law have made it possible for many survivors to pursue justice through a civil claim, even if the abuse happened years ago. If you spent time at Polinsky Children’s Center and are unsure whether you still have time to file, a San Diego personal injury lawyer from our firm can help you understand your legal rights.
The Impact of AB 218 and Extended Deadlines
The California Child Victims Act (AB 218) was created to give more survivors access to the civil justice system. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, survivors who were under 18 at the time of the abuse may file a claim until age 40 or within five years of discovering how the abuse affected them.
These expanded deadlines recognize that many people need time before they are ready to speak out or take legal action. This law has opened the door for many survivors who previously believed their window to file had closed. Filing a claim may feel unfamiliar or difficult at first, but it starts with a conversation about what happened and how it affected your life.
Understanding Compensation and Pain and Suffering
Survivors may be eligible to receive compensation for medical care, mental health support, missed work, and emotional harm. These financial damages are one part of the civil justice process. You should also know how to calculate pain and suffering in California, because the court may consider how your ability to function, work, or build relationships has been impacted by the abuse.
Every case is different, and the amount awarded depends on many factors, including the severity of the harm and how it has shaped your daily life. Many survivors are unsure how pain and suffering compensation works in California, especially when they are not sure how their experience translates into legal terms.
San Diego Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me (310) 321-4800
What to Expect From the Legal Process
You do not need to have documentation, reports, or a complete memory of what happened in order to reach out. Many survivors carry uncertainty, especially if the abuse was never formally reported or acknowledged. Our team can explain what civil claims involve and help you understand how the legal process might apply to your experience.
What Happens After You Reach Out
When you contact Ryan Law Group, the first step is a private conversation with someone who is here to listen. We ask a few basic questions to understand your situation and explain the process in clear, simple terms. There is no pressure to decide anything immediately, and your information stays completely confidential.
If you choose to move forward, we will begin by reviewing your eligibility to file, based on the timeline, facts, and legal requirements. From there, we can start preparing your claim, requesting records, and identifying responsible individuals or institutions. Each step is taken with care, and we move only when you are ready.
How We Help Survivors Take Control
We help survivors pursue civil claims by documenting what occurred, gathering supporting evidence, and identifying entities that may share legal responsibility. That includes reviewing institutional policies, previous complaints, and employee histories where appropriate.
Throughout the process, we maintain communication, answer your questions, and keep you informed without overwhelming you. Every decision is made together, and our team supports you with the structure and legal knowledge needed to move forward with care.
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Speak With Your Polinsky Children’s Center Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
If you have questions or just want to talk through what happened, we are here to listen with compassion, respect, and empathy.
Your Polinsky Children’s Center sexual abuse lawyer in San Diego from Ryan Law Group can help you understand where things stand and what options may be available. Contact us anytime to set up a private, no-cost consultation.
Call or Text (310) 321-4800, or Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form
