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.
What are Your Legal Options as a Survivor of Sexual Abuse at Challenger Memorial Youth Center?
Prior to its closing in 2019, Challenger Memorial Youth Center in Lancaster served the following juvenile detention camps:
- Camp Jarvis
- Camp Scobee
- Camp Ellison Onizuka
- Camp McNair
- Camp Resnik
- Camp Smith
If you are a former inmate at one of these Camps and you experienced incidents of sexual abuse or assault, you have certain legal rights under California law. Foremost among these is the ability to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator and any organizations involved, including Los Angeles County itself.
Once you’ve made the decision to move forward, can help you through the claims process that begins with filing a Complaint in civil court. From there, the process can unfold as follows:
- Discovery exchange – This entails formal requests for evidence, documents, and written responses to questions. It also includes the process of taking depositions from key witnesses and parties involved.
- Negotiations – Throughout the case, both parties often engage in negotiations. As the trial date approaches, mediation, facilitated by an impartial third-party mediator, is commonly conducted to explore the possibility of reaching a settlement. Our team will actively advocate for your interests during these negotiation sessions.
- Trial – In the event that an agreement cannot be reached, the matter proceeds to trial. During this phase, we’ll present your case by introducing evidence and calling witnesses, and the court will ultimately render a decision.
Damages
The purpose of any lawsuit is to recover certain “damages” from the responsible parties. In cases of sexual abuse, these damages can obviously be far-reaching. Depending on your specific case, these can include:
- Pain and suffering – This category covers the physical pain and mental suffering endured due to the abuse.
- Emotional distress – Specifically designed to address the emotional distress resulting from the abuse, covering the associated costs.
- Mental anguish – This includes expenses related to therapy and care focused on dealing with the psychological trauma inflicted.
- Medical expenses – This covers the costs of treatment, ongoing care, and therapy necessitated by the endured sexual abuse.
- Loss of quality of life or companionship – Pertaining to the impact the abuse has had and will continue to have on your ability to build relationships with loved ones and the overall quality of life.
- Punitive damages – Additional awards can be aimed at penalizing the facility for its gross or negligent care, meant to discourage future misconduct.
Again, what you’re able to recover in a claim is going to depend on the specifics of your case and the evidence you can present. This is where our team can help. Our experience and approach to these cases will allow us to help you gather important evidence and then make a strong claim against Challenger.
Is There a Statute of Limitations For Sexual Abuse Claims in California?
If you were once housed at Challenger Memorial Youth Center and experienced sexual abuse, you still have the legal right in California to take action against those responsible. In the state, there are three laws determining the time frame for such claims, known as the “statute of limitations.” These provide the deadlines by which you can file a lawsuit:
- Assembly Bill 218 – Child Victims Act – You have the opportunity to file a claim for childhood sexual abuse or assault either until you turn 40 or within 5 years of discovering the injury or damage resulting from the abuse, whichever comes first.
This law isdesigned to offer you and other survivors the necessary time to file a claim. However, it’s essential to consult with our team first to better understand the strength of your case and any potential legal challenges you might face.
Should You Hire a Lawyer If You Want to File a Sexual Abuse Claim in California?
While California law doesn’t explicitly require official legal representation, having our team by your side can significantly impact your overall success. This is especially true in difficult cases like sexual abuse. We strive to do everything we can for our clients. So, in sexual abuse cases against a juvenile detention center, we:
- Help with legal matters – Our experienced lawyers, knowledgeable about sexual abuse cases in juvenile detention centers, assess your situation and provide practical advice to you and your family. Whether dealing with legal complexities or exposing the abuse, we guide you toward the best course of action.
- Gather evidence – Understanding the importance of evidence in such cases, our legal team is dedicated to assisting you in collecting relevant information, strengthening your case. We carefully compile witness statements and documentation like medical records, incident reports, and other things to create a strong foundation for a thorough presentation in court.
- Represent you in court – Our skilled team of lawyers has significant experience representing survivors of juvenile sexual abuse in civil court. With a proven track record, we present cases with compelling evidence and strong legal arguments, establishing both the occurrence of abuse and the responsibility of the detention center and other parties involved.
- Defend your rights – Navigating the legal system in these situations can be complex, but our lawyers are here to help you at every stage. We make sure that your rights are protected and advocated for throughout the legal process.
At Maison Law, our top priority is ensuring your satisfaction. This entails constructing a compelling case on your behalf and relieving you of the legal burdens. Given that many of these incidents may have occurred in your younger years, recalling details and evidence can be challenging. We’ll also ensure you have everything necessary for a strong claim.
Defending Your Rights in California with Maison Law
If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse at Challenger Memorial Youth Center or anywhere else in California, understanding how to stand up and move forward is crucial. Sexual abuse can have a lasting impact regardless of when it occurred. Maison Law recognizes these difficulties. Our committed sexual abuse lawyers are here to guide you through the process, explaining your rights and assisting you in taking appropriate action. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.
