SAN LUIS OBISPO 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 San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande CA.
Several organizations in San Luis Obispo, including Darkness to Light and Abused Children's Treatment Services, help survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their families cope with the aftermath of molestation. While it is important for survivors to get the help they need, the ongoing expense of therapy may discourage victims from seeking help after they enter adulthood.
When institutions enable abuse, it is only fair that the institutions should pay compensation that will help abuse victims recover. California law makes it possible to hold institutions accountable when children in their care are victimized.
Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in San Luis Obispo
California courts have held that certain institutions have a “special relationship” with children. Schools are an obvious example. Teachers exercise some of the responsibilities of parents when parents place their children in a school's care. That “special relationship” creates a duty to protect children.
Any institution that has care, custody, or control of children has a duty to use reasonable care to protect children from harm. In the context of sexual abuse, that duty requires the institution to screen teachers, coaches, staff members, and volunteers to assure that they do not have a history of sexual abuse. They have a duty to supervise individuals who come into contact with children in their care. They have a duty to investigate reports of suspicious behavior and to be particularly vigilant when they have information that someone in the institution might be placing children at risk.
In addition to schools, institutions that have a duty of care toward children include protecting children from sexual abuse committed by:
- priests and clergy members,
- lay instructors in religious classes,
- coaches in soccer, Little League, and other youth sports programs,
- Scoutmasters, and
- daycare providers.
When negligent supervision makes sexual abuse possible, the institution may be liable for damages.
Compensation for Childhood Sexual Abuse in San Luis Obispo
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse in San Luis Obispo can sue the organization or institution that made the abuse possible. California extended the deadline in which victims can file suit to the end of 2022 — even if an earlier deadline has expired. After 2022, the deadline will depend on the victim's age when the suit is filed. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse will usually be entitled to sue until they reach the age of 40, although individuals who do not realize that they were abuse victims until after they turn 40 may have additional time to sue.
San Luis Obispo Childhood sexual abuse lawyer Michael Rehm can help victims understand the deadline for filing suit that applies in their case. Compensation depends on the facts. It should generally account for emotional distress, including humiliation, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, and other psychological harms that result from the abuse. Compensation also helps victims pay for therapy, counseling, and other mental health treatment.
To speak with Attorney Michael Rehm about the options available on your case, call (800) 978-0754 for a free, confidential consultation.