Child Abuse

Protecting Arizona's Children: Legal Help for Victims of Child Abuse. AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys is a Voice for the Vulnerable.

Child abuse is a horrific betrayal of trust that inflicts profound physical, emotional, and developmental harm on its young victims. Arizona law provides strong protections for children, and those who perpetrate abuse, as well as institutions that fail to protect children in their care, can be held accountable. AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys is fiercely committed to advocating for child abuse survivors, helping them and their families seek justice and the resources needed for healing through civil litigation.
Every child deserves to grow up safe and free from harm. We fight for those
whose innocence has been violated.

Understanding Child Abuse in Arizona

Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 8-201, § 13-3623), child abuse encompasses a range of harmful acts and omissions against a person under 18 years of age. It generally includes:

Physical Abuse: Inflicting non-accidental physical injury (hitting, burning, shaking, etc.).
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: Any sexual act with a minor, including molestation, rape, incest, child pornography, or trafficking.
Emotional Abuse: A pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth (e.g., constant criticism, threats, rejection, isolation, terrorizing).
Neglect: Failure to provide a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, or supervision, resulting in harm or risk of harm. This includes:
Physical Neglect: Failure to provide basic necessities.
Medical Neglect: Failure to provide necessary medical or mental health treatment.
Educational Neglect: Failure to ensure a child receives required schooling.
Supervisory Neglect: Leaving a child in unsafe situations or without adequate supervision for their age.

Practice Areas

Our Team

Let's Connect

715 Monroe Ave Buckeye, AZ 85326

(602) 654-0202

mycase@azlawnow.com

Why Choose Us

Recognizing Signs of Child Abuse (Signs are varied and not always obvious):

Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, welts, fractures), injuries in various stages of healing, frequent “accidents,” reluctance to change clothes in front of others.

Behavioral/Emotional Signs:

Sudden changes in behavior (aggression, withdrawal, depression, anxiety).
Fear of a particular adult or going home/to certain places.
Developmental delays or regression.
Nightmares or difficulty sleeping.
Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior for their age.
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts/attempts.
Poor hygiene or signs of malnourishment (in neglect cases).
School problems (poor attendance, declining grades).
Running away.

Signs of Neglect: Consistently poor hygiene, being underweight, untreated medical or dental issues, lack of appropriate clothing for the weather, stating there is no one at home.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse in Arizona (A.R.S. § 13-3620)

Arizona law requires everyone who has a reasonable belief that a minor is or has been the victim of abuse or neglect to immediately report their concerns to the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) at 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445) or to a local law enforcement agency. Certain professionals (doctors, teachers, social workers, clergy, etc.) have specific enhanced duties as mandatory reporters.

Civil Lawsuits for Child Abuse

In addition to criminal investigations and DCS involvement, child abuse survivors can file civil lawsuits to obtain compensation for the harm they have suffered. These lawsuits can be filed against:

The Abuser(s) Directly.
Negligent Third Parties/Institutions: Entities that had a duty to protect the child but failed to do so, such as:
Schools, daycare centers, or youth organizations that failed to supervise, had negligent hiring practices, or failed to report known abuse.
Foster care agencies or group homes.
Churches or religious organizations.
Individuals who knew of the abuse and had a duty to act but failed to do so, leading to further harm.

Compensation in a civil suit can cover:

Medical and therapy expenses (past and future).
Pain and suffering (physical and emotional).
Lost future earning capacity.
Costs of special education or developmental support.
Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct).

What to Do If You Suspect Child Abuse

Report It Immediately:

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the DCS hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD or local law enforcement. Your report can be anonymous. This is your legal duty in
Arizona.

Prioritize the Child's Safety:

Do what you can to ensure the child is not in immediate danger. DCS or law enforcement will take steps to protect the child.

Document Your Concerns:

Note dates, times, specific observations, statements made by the child, and any physical signs.

Support the Child (If Appropriate):

Listen without judgment, reassure them they are not to blame, and that they are brave for telling someone (if they disclosed to you).

Cooperate with Investigations:

Be truthful and cooperative with DCS and law enforcement.

Contact AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys:

If you are a parent, guardian, or concerned adult seeking to pursue a civil claim on behalf of an abused child, or if you are an adult survivor of past child abuse, our attorneys can explain your legal options.

AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys: A Voice for Abused Children

At AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys, we believe that every child deserves justice and the chance to heal. Our dedicated child abuse attorneys:

Provide a Free, Sensitive, and Confidential Consultation.
Work with Child Advocacy Experts: We collaborate with therapists, medical professionals, and child welfare experts to build strong cases.
Navigate Complex Legal Terrain: We understand the nuances of
child abuse litigation, including statutes of limitations and
institutional liability.
Fight for Maximum Compensation: We strive to secure the
financial resources necessary for the child’s long-term recovery,
therapy, education, and future well-being.
Handle Cases with Utmost Discretion and Care: We prioritize the child’s emotional well-being throughout the legal process.

Statute of Limitations for Civil Child Abuse Claims in Arizona

For minors, Arizona law typically tolls (pauses) the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including child abuse, until they reach the age of 18. This means the survivor generally has until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
The “discovery rule” is also important: the clock may not start until the abuse or the connection between the abuse and the resulting harm is reasonably discovered. This can be critical for adult survivors of childhood abuse whose trauma may have suppressed memories or understanding for many years.
If a government entity (e.g., public school, DCS itself if its negligence caused further harm) is a defendant, the 180-day Notice of Claim/1-year to sue rules may apply, though complexities exist when a minor is the victim. Legal consultation is vital.

If a Child Has Been Harmed, We Are Here to Help. Contact AZ Law Now

Take a stand against child abuse. Contact AZ Law Now today to learn how
we can help fight for justice for a child survivor.