IRVINE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEY
MICHAEL REHM - (800) 978-0754
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Providing representation to victims of School/Teacher/Counselor/Coach sexual assault, Clergy/Pastor/Priest childhood sexual abuse, Boy Scouts sexual abuse, and other institutional abuse matters in Irvine, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Laguna Hills and all of Orange County.
While the vast majority of teachers are dedicated and trustworthy professionals, there are always a few bad apples that slip through the cracks. Unfortunately, when these bad apples are allowed to continue working in the school system, it can often lead to tragic results—such as when a teacher sexually abuses a student. Thankfully, though, California law provides clear guidance on how these situations should be handled and what sort of recourse is available to the victims. Additionally, The California Child Victims Act has re-opened a possibility of justice for thousands of survivors across the state. If you have questions or would like to get started with a claim, contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm today at (800) 978-0754 .
How a California School Can Be Held Liable for Teacher Sexual Abuse
To bring a claim against a California school for teacher sexual abuse, the victim must first show that the school was aware of or should have been aware of the teacher's misconduct. This can be accomplished by showing that the school received complaints about the teacher's behavior in the past or that the teacher was previously disciplined for similar misconduct. In some cases, it may also be possible to show that the school should have been aware of the teacher's misconduct by looking at patterns of behavior that were present (but may not have been reported). For example, if a teacher was frequently alone with students or regularly sent students inappropriate text messages, this could be indicative of more serious misconduct.
Once it has been shown that the school was aware of or should have been aware of the teacher's misconduct, the victim must then demonstrate that the school failed to take appropriate action in response. In many cases, this will involve showing that the school did not investigate complaints properly or that it failed to take steps to prevent future misconduct (such as by continuing to allow the teacher to have one-on-one interactions with students).
If the victim can successfully demonstrate both things, then he or she will likely be able to recover compensation from the school. This compensation can include damages for things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost earnings. In some cases, treble damages may also be available.
Benefits of California Child Victims Act
The California Child Victims Act was passed in 2019 with the goal of providing justice to child victims of sexual abuse. The most helpful part of The Act is that it temporarily suspends the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, allowing survivors to bring forward claims that would otherwise be barred by time. This is crucial because many survivors do not come forward until they are adults, often due to shame, fear, or trauma. The suspension of the statute of limitations gives survivors a chance to seek justice and hold their abusers accountable, regardless of how much time has passed. In addition, The Act also requires public and private institutions to provide information about past sexual abuse incidents, which can help raise awareness and prevent future abuse from happening. Overall, it is a vital piece of legislation that will help countless survivors of child sexual abuse get the justice they deserve.
Contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm
Sexual abuse by teachers is a serious problem in California—one that can have lifelong consequences for victims. Thankfully, though, our state law provides clear guidance on how these situations should be handled and what sort of recourse is available to victims. If you or someone you know has been a victim of teacher sexual abuse, you may be entitled to compensation. An Irvine Personal Injury Lawyer can help you understand your rights and options under California law. For a free and confidential consultation, contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm today at (800) 978-0754.
Orange County School/Teacher Sexual Abuse Attorney - Irvine Priest/Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Free, Confidential Consultations - Confidential Voicemail - (800) 978-0754.
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