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Dallas lawyer for child sexual abuse survivors.
If you were abused as a child, or you are a parent who just learned something no parent should have to hear, you decide what happens next. A civil claim is separate from any criminal case. It can hold the abuser, and any church, school, daycare or program that ignored the warning signs, responsible for the harm, and pay for counseling and the years it affected. Texas gives many survivors until age 48 to file. We listen first, keep what you tell us confidential, and move only at your pace.
Right now
First steps, at your pace.
- 01
If a child is in danger, report it now
Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger. To report abuse of a child, call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400. Texas law requires anyone who believes a child is being abused to report it.
- 02
Let trained people talk with the child
If your child told you something, listen, believe them and keep them safe. Do not question them over and over. Child advocacy centers do one careful interview so the child does not have to repeat it.
- 03
Find support for yourself
Counseling helps survivors and parents, whether or not you ever file a claim. Your well-being comes before any case.
- 04
Keep what you have
Messages, letters, photos, school or church records, and anything showing who was told and when. Write down names and places only when you feel ready. Do not confront the abuser or the institution.
- 05
Talk with us privately
The consultation is free and confidential, by phone, video or in person, in English or Spanish. You do not have to share everything at once, and there is no pressure to decide.
Key deadlines and numbers
- Civil deadline for many claims
- 30 years from the survivor's 18th birthday, usually until age 48Source: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 16.0045
- Duty to report abuse of a child
- Everyone in Texas must report right away; professionals within 48 hoursSource: Tex. Fam. Code 261.101
- Texas Abuse Hotline
- 1-800-252-5400, 24 hours a daySource: Texas DFPS
- Criminal case deadline
- None for many sexual offenses against childrenSource: Tex. Code Crim. Proc. 12.01
- Proof needed in a civil case
- More likely than not; no criminal conviction is required
Texas law
How a civil claim works.
A civil claim is filed by the survivor, or by a parent for a child, not by the State. It asks a court to order the people and organizations responsible to pay for the harm. The abuser is responsible for the abuse. An organization can be responsible for its own failures: hiring someone it should not have, ignoring complaints, leaving children alone with an adult against its own rules, or failing to report.
| Who | Why they may answer for it |
|---|---|
| The person who committed the abuse | Directly responsible for the abuse and the harm it caused. |
| Church or religious organization | Hiring, supervision, moving a known offender, ignoring reports. |
| Private school, daycare, camp or youth program | Background checks, supervision rules, warning signs that were missed or ignored. |
| Youth sports and coaching | Leagues and clubs that failed to screen or supervise coaches and volunteers. |
| Public school | State law gives districts broad immunity, but federal law, such as Title IX, may allow a claim when officials knew and did nothing. |
Texas extended the deadline in 2019
For claims arising from listed sexual offenses against a child, Texas allows suit up to 30 years after the survivor turns 18. Whether that longer deadline reaches an older claim, or a claim against an institution rather than the abuser, depends on the facts and the dates. Ask before assuming it is too late.
Source: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 16.0045Institutions are judged by what they knew
Prior complaints, personnel files, policies, board minutes and what staff saw are the heart of a claim against an organization. These records are requested in the lawsuit.
Federal law can apply to schools
Schools that receive federal funds can be liable under Title IX when an official with authority to act knew about the abuse and was deliberately indifferent. These claims have their own rules and deadlines.
Source: 20 U.S.C. 1681The usual cap may not protect the abuser
Texas normally caps exemplary (punitive) damages, but the cap does not apply to a defendant whose conduct is one of several listed felonies, including sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault.
Source: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 41.008(c)How we work
How we handle these cases.
Mr. Estrada reviews each case personally and sets the strategy. A small team works with him, and only the people who need to know your story will hear it.
01
Listen, without pressure
We meet privately, by phone, video or in person. You decide what to share and when. We explain your options and you decide whether to go forward.
02
Investigate the organization
Who was in charge, what rules existed, prior complaints, and the insurance policies in place during the years of the abuse, which can matter decades later.
03
Respect any criminal case
If there is a police investigation or prosecution, we coordinate so the civil case does not get in its way.
04
Protect your privacy in court
When the facts allow, we ask the court to let you file under initials or a pseudonym and to keep sensitive records sealed or protected.
05
Resolve the case on your terms
Many cases resolve through negotiation or mediation. If not, we prepare for trial, and we prepare you for every step, including any deposition.
Who handles it
The lawyer on the sign is the lawyer on your case.
Mr. Estrada has practiced in Texas since 2003, in state court and in the Northern, Eastern and Western federal districts of Texas. He reads the file and sets the strategy, with associates and staff who work the case alongside him. Everything is explained to you in English or Spanish.
What clients say
“This attorney takes his time with every client, I love that he speaks Spanish so it was nice to fully understand him.”Questions survivors and parents ask.
- Will my name be public?
- Not necessarily. Courts can allow initials or a pseudonym and can protect records. We discuss this before anything is filed.
- Who pays for counseling now?
- The Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program can help pay for counseling for victims of crimes, and children's advocacy centers often offer it at no cost. A civil claim can include future counseling.
- I do not have papers. Can I still do this?
- Yes. Survivors can bring a civil claim regardless of status, and victims of certain crimes who help law enforcement may qualify for a U visa. We can connect you with an immigration lawyer.
Dallas and Odessa
Support in Dallas and the Permian Basin.
In Dallas County, the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center works with police and Child Protective Services when a child discloses abuse, and civil cases are filed in the Dallas County district courts. In the Permian Basin, a local children's advocacy center serves families in Ector County, and our Odessa office can meet with you privately. If you would rather not come to an office, we can meet by phone or video.
FAQ
Questions people ask.
How long do I have to file a civil lawsuit for child sexual abuse in Texas?
For many claims, 30 years from your 18th birthday, which usually means until age 48. Older claims and claims against organizations can raise extra questions about which deadline applies. A private review can tell you where you stand.
Can I sue the church, school or program, not just the abuser?
Often, yes, if the organization was careless in hiring, supervising or responding to warning signs. Public schools are harder under state law, but federal law may apply.
Does the abuser have to be convicted first?
No. A civil case uses a lower standard of proof and can go forward with no criminal charges at all. A conviction, if there is one, can help.
Will I have to tell my story in court?
You may be asked questions under oath at some point, but many cases resolve before trial. We prepare you, we are with you, and we ask the court for protections when they are available.
I am a parent and just found out. What do I do first?
Make sure your child is safe, report it to the police or the Texas Abuse Hotline, and get your child medical care and support. Avoid questioning your child repeatedly. A civil claim can wait until your child is safe and cared for.
Is what I tell you confidential?
Yes. What you tell us to get legal advice is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you do not hire us.
How much does it cost to hire you?
The first consultation is free. These cases are handled on a contingency fee, which means the fee comes out of the recovery, not out of your pocket. We explain the exact terms, including case costs, before you sign.
Related situations
Updated October 2026
This page is general information about Texas law, not legal advice for your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney client relationship. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
Two offices
Oak Cliff and Odessa.
Mon to Fri 9 to 5, Sat 9 to 12. Emergencies 24/7 by phone.
Law Office of Olegario Estrada, P.C.
We explain everything.We answer 24/7.Se habla español.
Free consultation by phone, video, or in person. Offices in Dallas and Odessa.