Hi, I’m trying to figure out what kind of lawyer I need — and if I even have a path forward legally — because this situation has been incredibly hard to navigate.
When I was around 8–12 (and again at 14), my older brother physically hurt me in ways that caused serious back pain. A repeated incident involved him grabbing my shoulders while I was laying face-down on the couch and yanking my upper body backward until I screamed and begged him to stop. He was much bigger than me (also athlete), and I was terrified. When I hinted at what happened later, people dismissed it as “just siblings being rough.”
By 15, I started having back pain. I saw doctors, but they mostly said it was due to my weight or growing pains. I was given meds and some PT — but there was no investigation, or specialist referral. At 19, the pain returned severely. I was finally diagnosed with spinal issues — including spinal stenosis and chronic lumbar pain — that are now disabling.
I’ve been getting care at pain management clinic, and have had to have daily pain meds, spinal injections, starting pt, doctor expects future surgery consult, all chronic and ongoing treatment that I have to continue. Transferred to other facilities, so now going to be receive care at 2 facilities for this issue. Doctor says issue in my back is severe, and said my spinal damage resembles that of an advanced gymnast — but I’ve never done any sports, gymnastics, or had falls/accidents. They believe the damage started in childhood and is consistent with the trauma I described.
This affects my ability to walk, my mobility, I am unable work, school — basically every part of life. I was recently granted housing and support because of how severe my disability is.
All of the abuse happened in San Bernardino County, California. I’ve called multiple lawyers — but most say either:
• It’s not sexual abuse, so they can’t help,
• It’s not a typical personal injury case against a company or insured party, or
• It’s too complex due to no formal documentation when I was a kid.
I’m really trying to understand:
• Is there any legal path forward?
• What area of law does this fall under?
• Would a civil rights, personal injury, or child abuse attorney be appropriate?
• Do I even have a case?
I understand the statute of limitations might be an issue, but my formal diagnosis and medical link to the childhood trauma was only made recently — so I believe this may fall under delayed discovery.
If anyone here has legal insight or can help point me in the right direction, I would be extremely grateful. I just want to know my rights and options — if any.
Location: California
Comments
Statute of limitations would be one issue. Providing in court that your brother’s action were the sole cause of your medical issues would be another. And then collecting the money from your brother would be a third major hurdle. The third is likely why personal injury attorneys aren’t as interested, companies or insured parties have someone to cut a check if you win in court.