Q: Who can help me to file a domestic violence lawsuit? The abuse caused several chronic mental disorders as a result.
I am the victim of domestic violence by my ex-girlfriend and mother of my two children (age 2 and 5). She resides with full custody of the children in southern California. The incidents occurred at least several times a week in Adelanto, CA and Cabazon, CA from 2008 through 2013.
Evidence includes diagnosis of panic attacks, major depression from 3/14 until now and recently PTSD, a photograph of an injury, multiple calls by me to the police and dozens of emails she wrote to me admitting she initiated the violence.
Examples of her abuse include assault and battery, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Hitting with and without objects, shoving, slapping, throwing objects, destruction of property, intimidation, domination, stalking, grabbing and personally blocking the exit from a room.
The statute of limitations has not run out as the latest incident occurred in September 2013.
I've had no luck getting a lawyer to take the case.
A:
First, understand that if the person you want to sue has no significant amount of money, suing them means you spend money and get a piece of paper saying they owe you that you will never collect on. Second if you want to sue her you will have to pay an attorney by the hour to do so. This usually isn't a good way to spend money after you've already been hurt.
Finally, did you file complaints with the police?You left out medical evidence. Did you go to the ER?
Without that chances are the police may not charge or if you told them you wouldn't press charges they won't reopen.
A: Most lawyers in CA do not know that domestic violence is also a civil tort under Civil Code section 1708.6. That could be the reason you can't find a lawyer. The merits of your case could also be poor or problematic in some way that discourages a lawyer from taking your case.
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