Los Angeles School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Were You or Your Child Sexually Abused at School?

Sexual abuse in schools is a horrific crime that affects victims for the rest of their lives. When a trusted educator or staff member commits this type of abuse, the impact is even more devastating. This is a crime that should never be tolerated, and if you or your child is a survivor, you have rights and options.

At KMD Law, our team is committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse in schools fight for justice. We have the experience and resources to take on large educational institutions such as the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), and we know how to win.

We are here to help you through this difficult time and will do everything we can to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

To learn more about your legal options, contact us online or call our offices at (833) 456-3529 today. We offer free, confidential consultations.

Examples of Sexual Abuse in Schools

Sexual abuse in schools refers to any type of sexual misconduct that takes place in an educational setting. This includes public and private schools, preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges/universities.

Sexual abuse in schools may involve:

• Unwanted touching
• Forced or coerced sexual acts
• Exposure to pornography
• Production of child pornography
• Sexual harassment or sexual assault
• Groping, fondling, kissing, or hugging
• Requests for sexual favors
• Sexual grooming

Sexual abuse in schools is perpetrated by teachers, administrators, staff members, and even other students. In some cases, schools may also be held liable for sexual abuse committed by third parties if they fail to take reasonable measures to prevent it.

How Common Is Sexual Abuse in Schools?

It is difficult to know the true prevalence of sexual abuse in schools due to underreporting and the fact that many victims do not come forward for years or even decades. However, according to the U.S. Department of Education, there were nearly 15,000 reports of sexual abuse in K-12 schools between 2017 and 2018.

Many experts believe that these numbers are only a fraction of the true number of sexual abuse incidents that take place in schools each year. Some studies have found that one in every ten children will experience sexual abuse at some point before they graduate from high school.

Long-Term Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in schools can have devastating long-term effects on victims. Many survivors suffer from severe emotional trauma and may develop mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse also often experience problems at school and/or work. They may struggle with concentration and memory and may be unable to perform at their full potential. Many survivors also experience eating disorders, sleep disturbances, and other physical health problems.

Additionally, victims of school sexual abuse often have difficulty forming healthy relationships and may struggle with intimacy. They may experience sexual dysfunction, including sexual aversion or hypersexuality, and may be unable to trust others.

These are just a few of the many ways in which sexual abuse can impact victims. If you are a survivor, it is important to know that help is available. You have the right to take legal action against the abuser and the institution that allowed the abuse to occur.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice

Filing a lawsuit against a school for sexual abuse is not easy. Large educational institutions have teams of attorneys and insurance companies that will do everything they can to avoid liability. They will try to convince you that the abuse was your fault or that you are not entitled to compensation. They will try to intimidate you into dropping your case.

When you are up against this type of opposition, you need a Los Angeles school sexual abuse attorney on your side. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case, including medical records, school records, witness statements, and more.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse in schools, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. A lawyer can help you accurately calculate the value of your claim and will fight to help you recover the maximum compensation you are owed.

At KMD Law, our school sexual abuse lawyer has extensive experience handling these types of cases. We know the unique challenges they present and have a proven track record of success. When you choose us to represent you, we will be your fierce advocates every step of the way. We will take care of all the details of your case so that you can focus on healing.

Do I Still Have Time to File a Lawsuit?

In California, the statute of limitations for school sexual abuse claims is complicated. According to CA Assembly Bill 218, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until the age of 40 to file a lawsuit, or five years from the date of discovery.

If the victim was over 18 at the time of the abuse, they will have 10 years from the date of the last act of sexual abuse or three years from the date of discovery to file a lawsuit in California.

The statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims is complex, which is why it is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is not barred by the statute of limitations.

What to Do If You Were Sexually Abused at School

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, it is important to know that you are not alone. Help is available, and there are resources out there that can help you begin the healing process.

If you have been sexually abused, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure that the abuser is held accountable:

• Call the police: If you have been sexually assaulted, call the police right away. A police report will document the assault and can be used as evidence in your case. Even if you are not sure if you want to file a lawsuit, it is important to call the police. You can decide whether or not to move forward with a lawsuit later.
• Report the abuse to the school: If you are a student, it is important to report the abuse to the school right away. Schools have a legal obligation to investigate reports of sexual abuse and take appropriate action. If the school fails to do so, they may be held liable for any further abuse that occurs. If you are an adult survivor, it is still a good idea to report the abuse to the school.
• Get medical attention: Even if you do not have any visible injuries, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after the assault. A doctor can examine you and look for any signs of sexual assault. They can also provide you with important information about your health and safety.
• Speak to a school sexual abuse attorney: A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. They can also help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case. At KMD Law, we offer free, confidential consultations, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call.

Call KMD Law for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been sexually abused in a school setting, KMD Law is here to help. Our sexual abuse attorney in Los Angeles has extensive experience handling these types of cases and knows what it takes to win. We are committed to helping survivors fight for justice and will do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation with our team or to learn more about how we can help you, contact us online or call our offices at (833) 456-3529 today.