California Teacher Arrested for Sexting and Sexual Abuse of a Student – Child Sex Abuse Lawyers

Unfortunately, many teachers abuse their proximity to students to begin inappropriate relationships. The first thing to remember is that, under California law, a minor can never consent to any sexual contact. Teachers are supposed to be trusted adults, so students often have their guard down. When the sexual misconduct starts, the student might wrongfully believe that there is a mutual relationship.

Any sexual contact with a minor is considered child sex abuse. Child sex abuse can result in significant harm to victims and their families. Although every case is different, victims may suffer the following:

• Sexually transmitted infections
• Injuries to genitals and reproductive organs
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Panic disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Increased risk of self-harm
• Increased risk of substance abuse

Although some victims of child sex abuse may suffer from suppressed memories and may not actually realize that they are experiencing harm caused by abuse, they may still experience certain damages. For example, they might have mental health issues stemming from suppressed abuse. They might also have trouble with authority, so they may be unable to hold down a job, for example. They might also have problems forming normal relationships with friends and family.

Yes – if you were sexually abused by a teacher, you could have the right to file a lawsuit. Although you could pursue criminal charges directly against the teacher, you could pursue a civil lawsuit against the school district. Sexual abuse at schools or at the hands of teachers is a reflection of the failures of the school district. School districts have a duty to keep their students safe. Negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent policies, etc. can all contribute to sexual abuse that students suffer at the hands of teachers and other staff. When school districts fail to identify and address abuse – or cover up abuse – they can be found liable and could be sued by victims and their families.

For more information about your right to file a lawsuit for the sexual abuse that you suffered at school or at the hands of a teacher (even if it was off-campus), contact us today.

Yes – you could be entitled to compensation for school-related sexual abuse. Although every claim is different, claimants could be eligible to recover compensation for some of the following:

• All medical expenses
• Lost earnings (including earning capacity)
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Treble damages
• Legal fees

Punitive damages, specifically, are awarded when there is gross negligence. Treble damages are awarded when there was a cover up of the abuse; treble damages can triple the total damages. Both punitive damages and treble damages can significantly increase the value of a claim. In general, these claims can be worth anywhere from $500,000 to $3 million, and sometimes even more. Here at our law firm, our experts are fully committed to getting our legal team the maximum recovery available for their claims. For more information about the compensation that you could be awarded, contact us today.

All claims are subject to a statute of limitations which determine the total length of time that claimants have to file their claims. Child sex abuse claims are subject to a twenty-two-year statute of limitations which starts when the victim turns eighteen. In other words, victims of child sex abuse will have until the age of forty to file their lawsuits. There is also a five-year discovery rule that applies, which states that victims can file a lawsuit within five years of discovering the harm caused by the abuse – even if they are past the age of forty.

For more information about the total length of time that you have to file your claim, contact us as soon as possible.

Here at our law firm, our legal team is fully committed to getting our clients justice. We are not afraid to take on any school district to fight for the rights of our clients and recover the highest settlement available. Child sex abuse occurs far too often in schools and at the hands of teachers. Our lawyers are ready to help you hold all liable parties and entities accountable. Our law firm offers free legal services, which include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our lawyers will be available to answer all your questions, address all your concerns, and provide you with all the information that you need to begin or continue your claim. We offer a Zero-Fee Guarantee, which ensures that our clients will never be required to pay any upfront legal costs for our legal services. In addition, we work on contingency, so you will not be required to pay anything if your claim is unsuccessful. If you are ready to speak with our school child sex abuse lawyers, contact us today. Our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.