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.
Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Sexual Abuse Claim in California?
Being a survivor of sexual abuse as a former or current inmate at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey is an incredibly difficult prospect. That said, you do have legal rights in California, among the most important of which is being able to file a civil lawsuit against whoever is responsible.
There’s nothing in the law books in California that says you need to have a lawyer represent you, but having our team on your side can be very important to your overall success. We do this in the following ways for our clients:
- Legal help – Drawing on our knowledge as lawyers who know the ins and outs of cases involving sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers, we can look into your situation and give you and your family practical advice. Whether it’s dealing with legal matters or bringing the abuse to light, we’ll help you figure out the best way forward.
- Gathering evidence – We understand how important evidence is in these cases. Our legal team is dedicated to helping you gather relevant information to make your case stronger. We diligently collect witness statements and documentation, building a strong foundation to support your claims for a comprehensive presentation in court.
- Representing you in court – Our skilled team of lawyers also has a lot of experience representing survivors of juvenile sexual abuse in civil court. With a proven track record, we present cases using evidence and strong legal arguments to prove both the occurrence of abuse and the responsibility of the detention center and others.
- Defending your rights – Dealing with the legal system in these situations can be tricky, but our lawyers are here to assist you at every stage. We make certain that your rights are looked after and advocated for throughout the legal process.
Filing a Claim For Sexual Abuse Suffered at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
Navigating the legal process for filing a sexual abuse claim in California, especially against facilities like Los Padrinos, requires considerable courage despite legal protections and support. At Maison Law, our commitment is to assist and stand by you throughout the entire process. While each case is unique, the general steps in these types of claims involve:
- Filing a civil lawsuit in court – Initiating legal proceedings in civil court against entities such as Los Padrinos, Los Angeles County, the perpetrators and any other involved parties.
Successful claims may allow you to potentially recover various damages, including:
- Medical expenses – Covering the costs of treatment, ongoing care, and therapy necessitated by the endured sexual abuse.
- Mental anguish – Addressing expenses related to therapy and care dealing with the psychological trauma inflicted.
- Emotional distress – Designed to address the emotional distress and associated costs stemming from the abuse.
- Pain and suffering – Covering the physical pain and mental suffering experienced as a result of the abuse.
- Loss of companionship or quality of life – Relating for 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 aimed at penalizing institutions for gross or negligent care, serving as a deterrent against future misconduct.
Evidence and the Claims Process
Before delving into the claims process, it’s crucial to be prepared. During your free initial consultation, our team will provide information on what to expect. Here are some essentials you should have:
- Medical records – Documenting the medical and emotional aspects related to the abuse, including treatment, ongoing care, and therapy.
- Incident reports – Gathering reports detailing the specific incidents of abuse.
- Other pertinent documents – Collecting any additional documents related to the abuse.
- Witness statements – Providing statements from individuals who witnessed the abuse.
With the initial evidence, our team assists you in gathering more information and documentation as your case progresses. Once you decide to proceed, we will file your Complaint in court. From there, your case will usually involve the following:
- Exchanging discovery, which is formal requests for evidence, documents, and written answers to questions. It also involves sitting for and taking depositions of key witnesses and parties.
- Many times, both sides will engage in negotiations as the case progresses. Usually right before trial, mediation will be held that is overseen by an objective third-party mediator with the idea of settling the case before reaching trial. Our team will stand for your interests during these talks.
- If an agreement isn’t possible, the matter proceeds to trial. We’ll lay out your case, presenting evidence and witnesses, and the court will make a decision.
- If the court sides with you, you might receive a verdict for damages, covering medical costs, the distress you’ve endured, and possibly punitive damages against Los Padrinos and wrongdoer.
What’s the Timeframe for Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim in California?
Even if you were once an inmate at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, you retain the legal right in California to pursue a claim against those accountable for subjecting you or any fellow inmate to sexual abuse.
Regarding the timeframe, legally termed the “statute of limitations,” there are currently three laws in place that set this deadline:
- Assembly Bill 218 – Child Victims Act – You can file a claim for childhood sexual abuse or assault either until you reach 40 years of age or within 5 years of discovering injury or damage resulting from the abuse, whichever comes first
- Assembly Bill 452 – Justice For Survivors Act – This is the most recent law passed relating to sexual abuse. For instances where the abuse happens after January 1, 2024, there will be no statute of limitations in which you can file a claim for damages.
These statutes aim to provide you and other survivors with the necessary time to file a claim. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to consult with our team first. This ensures a better understanding of your case’s strength and any potential legal hurdles you might encounter.
Trustworthy Support from Maison Law
At Maison Law, we’re here for you if you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse while at Los Padrinos or any other California juvenile detention center. We offer personalized support and are dedicated to taking decisive action to hold those accountable. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
