California School Sex Abuse Attorneys

School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

As parents, we depend on our schools and teachers to keep our kids safe. Teachers occupy a position of trust in our society and we hope they will educate and inspire our loved ones. Unfortunately, some teachers abuse this trust and take advantage of children sexually.

HOLDING SCHOOLS ACCOUNTABLE

Schools have to utmost responsibility to protect our children from harm, and when they fail to do so, they and the teacher must be held responsible. Every school has a duty to properly screen all teachers and employees prior to hiring. They have an ongoing duty to supervise classrooms to ensure our kids enjoy a safe environment. They have a duty to investigate any claims of sexual misconduct and they have a duty to immediately inform parents of any suspected sexual abuse.

If California educators fail in their duties, they must be held accountable for their failure to prevent harm to a child.

COMPENSATION FOR SCHOOL SEX ABUSE In California

If found liable for facilitating sex abuse, California schools must compensate the sexually abused for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Past medical expenses
  • Past mental health expenses
  • Future medical expenses
  • Future mental health expenses
  • And punitive damages if a cover up or failure to inform is proven

WARNING SIGNS FOR PARENTS

When a child’s trust is forsaken, the effects can be devastating. Sexual abuse by a schoolteacher can lead to depression, substance abuse, withdrawal from friends and family, and even suicide. As a parent, it is important to recognize signs of potential sex abuse and get your child help as soon as possible. Important warning signs to watch for include:

  • Unexplained anger or rage
  • Inappropriate language
  • Sexual acting out
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sudden changes in sleep patterns
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Isolation
  • Sudden use of drugs or alcohol
  • Poor academic performance

Although these warning signs don’t always point to sex abuse, it is vital to quiz children when a parent notices sudden and unexplained changes.

TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY

If a parent suspects or confirms sex abuse by an educator, it is important to notify school administration and California law enforcement as soon as possible. In California, the school is under a mandatory duty to inform police of any suspected sex abuse. The next step is to hire an experienced sex abuse lawyer to understand your rights in filing a civil suit.

HIRING AN EXPERIENCED CALIFORNIA SCHOOL SEX ABUSE ATTORNEY

School sex abuse litigation in California is a complex area of the law that requires an attorney with great skill and competence. A sexually abused victim deserves not only the best lawyer possible, but also an attorney who will fight the school system aggressively.

California school systems have a higher-than-average rate of suspected sex abuse as compared to the national average. In Los Angeles alone, several high-profile cases over the past decades highlight the prevalence of sex abuse in the education system. But despite sweeping reforms instituted as the result of these lawsuits, sexual abuse unfortunately continues.

It is important to understand that, even with strong evidence of sex abuse, California schools vigorously fight to avoid compensating sex abuse victims. It is vital that sex abuse victims hire and experienced attorney who is knowledgeable and who will go to bat for the sex abuse victim. Craig Charles Law has the skill and compassion to fight for victims of school sexual abuse in California.

TIMELINE TO FILE A CIVIL LAWSUIT IN CALIFORNIA

Even if the sex abuse occurred years ago, new California laws have greatly expanded the time period in which a sex abuse victim can sue:

For underage sex abuse occurring years ago, many victims will still be eligible to file suit. A newly enacted law, known as California AB-218, increases the prior maximum age to file a claim from 26 to 40. If over the age of 40, the California law also allows for a five-year time period from the date any adult discovers the underage sexual abuse, whether through psychological therapy or medical treatment.

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED CALIFORNIA SCHOOL SEX ABUSE LAWYER

No matter when the sexual abuse occurred, it is important to speak with a skilled sex abuse attorney immediately in order to preserve your legal claim. School sex abuse cases are highly complicated and technical. No two cases are the same. Victims of underage sex abuse deserve the best lawyer possible. Place your trust in us and allow us to achieve justice on your behalf. We are a gay friendly, LGBTQIA affirming law practice. Call Craig Charles Law today at 424-343-0660.

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