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.
Can You File a Lawsuit Against Camp Joseph Paige For Sexual Abuse?
While suffering sexual abuse at Camp Paige is certainly terrible, California law is clear: as a survivor of abuse, you have the option of filing a lawsuit against those responsible, even if it’s a government agency. Even with this legal right, the process can be extremely challenging.
Still, once you decide to proceed, we will begin the process by filing your Complaint in civil court. The Complaint will outline your claims and the damages you’re asking for. While every case is unique, they usually include the following stages:
- Discovery – This phase involves the formal exchange of requests for evidence, documents, and responses to questions.
- Mediation – Our team engages in discussions with the opposing side. Mandatory mediation overseen by an impartial third-party mediator may occur before trial, presenting opportunities for settlement.
- Trial – If the case doesn’t settle at mediation or before the trial date, it proceeds to an actual jury trial. This stage involves presenting your case, evidence, and witnesses, with the jury rendering a decision.
Although the case process is indeed challenging, our team is here to support and guide you every step of the way. Here’s how we can help you during this process:
- Thorough investigation – We will carefully investigate instances of abuse to build a robust case.
- Compelling evidence – Our team will collect and present compelling evidence to strengthen your case.
- Defending your rights – We will advocate for your rights during negotiations to make sure of a fair resolution.
What Damages are Available in a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Camp Paige?
When it comes to damages, which is the ultimate goal of a lawsuit, they can differ from case to case. In terms of what damages are available in your particular case, it depends on several factors:
- Your injuries from the abuse
- The emotional toll the abuse has had and will continue to have on you
- The level of liability the perpetrator or Camp Paige shares in the abuse
- The strength and nature of your evidence and testimony
Again, our team can make sure that you present the strongest possible case for damages. While they differ from case to case, the following damages are generally available in these types of claims:
- Medical expenses and bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or quality of life
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
- Punitive damages, in some cases
It’s worth repeating that filing a sexual abuse claim in California requires significant courage, and with our experience and support, we’re committed to standing with you throughout the entire process, offering the help and validation you need to see your claim through to the end.
What’s the Statute of Limitations For a Sexual Abuse Claim in California?
One of the most important elements of a sexual abuse claim is that, legally speaking, there is a certain deadline by which you have to file your claim. This is known as a “statute of limitations”, and in sexual abuse cases, this is set by two important legislative acts:
- Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218) Child Victims Act – Allows claims to be filed until you turn 40 or within 5 years of discovering injury from the abuse. This Act is designed to give survivors enough time to file a claim.
- Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452) Justice For Survivors Act – AB 452 eliminates the statute of limitations for sexual abuse incidents that happen after January 1, 2024. If you’re an inmate in California, including at Camp Paige, and face sexual abuse, there’s no deadline to file your claim. If the abuse happened prior to January 1, 2024, AB 218’s statute of limitations is still in effect.
Understanding Sexual Abuse Within Camp Paige
Sexual abuse in places like Camp Paige and similar juvenile detention camps is an ongoing concern, influenced by both the camp’s environment and the broader issue itself. While instances of sexual abuse at Camp Paige aren’t unique, they took various forms:
- Physical sexual abuse – This is one of the most common forms of sexual abuse within Camp Paige, involving any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact, like groping, rape, fondling, or sexual assault.
- Verbal sexual abuse – Includes unwarranted or non-consensual sexual comments, jokes, innuendos, or any verbal behavior that creates a hostile atmosphere for young detainees.
- Emotional sexual abuse – This refers to unwanted emotional manipulation or grooming behavior, where authority figures misuse power to coerce juveniles into sexual acts or threaten consequences for refusing advances.
- Non-contact sexual abuse – This type of abuse involves any unwanted sexual behavior without physical contact, such as exposure to explicit material, voyeurism, or sexual harassment.
- Exploitation – Involves the misuse of power within the juvenile detention camp to exploit young detainees for sexual purposes, like soliciting favors for privileges or using threats to control those in detention.
Surviving sexual abuse as a former inmate at Camp Paige comes with significant challenges. However, it’s important to know that you have legal rights in California. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Maison Law and our team will be there to help you.
Experienced California Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help You
The problem of sexual abuse is one of the biggest and most troubling aspects of life for juvenile detainees at Camp Paige. Even if you’re a former detainee and experienced sexual abuse during your time there, Maison Law and our experienced California sexual abuse lawyers can help you through the difficult process of filing a lawsuit and getting justice. Don’t hesitate–contact us today to set up a free consultation to learn how.
