Maison Law stands with survivors of sexual abuse at California detention centers, advocating for your legal rights. While a lawsuit can’t completely undo the harm or criminally penalize offenders, we’re dedicated to using all legal avenues to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore all available options to get the maximum financial support available to you under California law.
Time Limits for Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Camp Fred Miller in California
When it comes to survivors of sexual abuse, especially those connected to incidents at Camp Fred Miller in Malibu prior to its shutdown, there are specific timeframes in California for filing claims. These time frames are distinct from regular injury claims. While the standard statute of limitations for injury claims is typically two years, the state acknowledges the profound impact of sexual abuse. Consequently, laws have been put in place to extend the time frame for filing claims related to such abuse.
- Assembly Bill 218 – Also known as the Child Victims Act, allows individuals to file claims for childhood sexual abuse or assault until the age of 40 or within 5 years of discovering injury or damage resulting from the abuse, depending on which occurs earlier.
Dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse during your time at Camp Fred Miller can be exceptionally challenging. It’s crucial to recognize that you have legal rights in California, and you don’t have to navigate these difficulties alone. Maison Law and our team are here to provide support at every step of the process.
Claims Process
For many former juvenile inmates at Camp Fred Miller and other facilities, the treatment they experienced is a significant criticism of the juvenile detention system. While the impacts of sexual abuse have been extensively researched, the road to recovery for survivors is undeniably challenging. Yet, as a survivor, you do have legal avenues to explore in California, with the primary option being a civil lawsuit
In cases like these, it’s crucial to ensure that you’ve covered all your bases. Should you decide to take the legal route, you can set up a meeting with our team for a free initial consultation, during which we’ll walk you through the entire process. While each case unfolds differently, there’s a general framework that any claim follows:
- Filing a lawsuit – Our team will put together a formal Complaint that outlines what happened to you and what legal damages you’re seeking. Once filed, this marks the starting point of the legal process.
- Discovery – This involves the formal exchange of requests for evidence, documents, and responses to questions.
- Negotiations – As the case progresses, our team will engage in discussions with the other side. Then, often just prior to trial, there may be mandatory mediation overseen by an impartial third-party mediator. During mediation the case could settle.
- Trial – Presenting your case, evidence, and witnesses, with the court rendering a decision. If the ruling is in your favor, a jury may determine the damages. Throughout this process, our team will be there to offer unwavering support.
Again, every case proceeds differently, so the way yours could play out isn’t necessarily the same as someone else’s. With that said, the ultimate goal of a claim is to recover all-important damages from the people responsible for your abuse.
Damages in a Lawsuit Against Camp Fred Miller for Sexual Abuse
Actually filing a lawsuit against Camp Fred Miller for the sexual abuse and damage you experienced while under the care of the juvenile detention system is a huge step in exercising your rights and holding them accountable.
However, the more practical reason for filing a lawsuit is that it allows you to recover certain “damages” that you suffered. In general terms, the damages in a sexual abuse claim against Camp Fred Miller and anyone else involved in your abuse can include things like:
- Paying for medical treatment and ongoing care resulting from the abuse.
- Covering expenses for therapy and care related to psychological trauma.
- Expenses relating to the emotional distress and the associated costs arising from the abuse.
- Costs dealing with physical pain and mental suffering caused by the abuse.
- Costs related to the impact on relationships and overall quality of life due to loss of enjoyment of life or companionship.
- Additional awards penalizing the Camp and LA County for gross or negligent care, serving as a deterrent against future misconduct in the form of punitive damages.
Determining Liability for Sexual Abuse Cases at Camp Fred Miller
Unfortunately, sexual abuse was a regrettable aspect of the experience for many inmates at Camp Fred Miller. If you’ve been a victim, you have the legal right to pursue a lawsuit for damages. However, before taking that step, it’s crucial to understand who bears responsibility.
In the context of sexual abuse within a juvenile camp, civil liability can extend beyond the abusers themselves. Generally, anyone that was negligent can be held liable. Negligence, in this context, refers to a:
- Failure to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual abuse and allowing an environment that fostered such incidents.
With that established, liability is opened up to a number of potential parties:
- Authorities and governments responsible for running the detention center.
- Staff members, including supervisors and officers.
- Third parties such as contractors or external service providers.
Sometimes, the process of just figuring out liability can be difficult, let alone actually facing everyone in court. But in order to fully pursue your legal options and hold the responsible parties accountable, it’s a necessary step. Once again, Maison Law and our team of dedicated lawyers will be by your side to support you through the entire process.
Contact Maison Law Today for a Free Consultation
As a survivor of sexual abuse, you live with the trauma and impact of your treatment at Camp Fred Miller every day. At Maison Law, we understand how such treatment has impacted and will continue to impact you. We can help you through the legal process and allow you to hold those responsible accountable for their mistreatment. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
