Maison Law stands with survivors of sexual abuse at California foster homes, 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.
Liability in Sexual Abuse Claims Against McClaren Hall
Prior to its closing in 2003, MacLaren Hall was a huge part of LA County’s foster system. Still, you and fellow survivors of sexual abuse there were entitled to a reasonably safe environment. Obviously, any experience of sexual abuse was a breach of this duty and becomes a central factor in determining civil liability.
- The perpetrator of the abuse
- Home authorities
- The overseeing county or relevant government body, which in this case is LA County
- Staff members
- External entities, such as contractors that worked at the foster home
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
No matter who was involved in your abuse, our experienced team at Maison Law are here to guide you through the legal process and make sure everyone is held accountable. We offer assistance in the following ways:
- Legal guidance – Our team provides crucial advice on the legal aspects of filing a sexual abuse claim against MacLaren Hall, explaining your rights, the legal process, and potential outcomes.
- Investigating the abuse – We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence supporting your claim. This may include interviewing witnesses, obtaining documents, and collaborating with experts.
- Building an effective case – Naturally, we strive to build a strong case on your behalf, presenting compelling evidence to support your claims.
- Emotional support – Dealing with sexual abuse claims can be emotionally challenging. Our team understands this and offers support and understanding throughout the legal process, ensuring you feel heard and supported.
Even though it’s not a requirement to have a lawyer, working with our team can make an extremely difficult process easier on you. This is usually enough of a reason to at least talk to our team at the outset of your claim, but even with our help, the process is still challenging.
Legal Process in a Sexual Abuse Claim Against MacLaren Hall
Seeking justice for your sexual abuse while you were at MacLaren Hall involves navigating California’s legal system, a process that, even with the law on your side, requires a great deal of courage. Maison Law and our team are here to provide unwavering support during this challenging journey. While each case is unique, the steps needed for this claim—and the potential damages you can recover—usually include the following:
- Filing a lawsuit – The process is officially started when you file a Complaint in civil court against MacLaren Hall, Los Angeles County, perpetrators, and others involved.
- Discovery – This phase of the case involves formal requests for evidence, documents, and answers to questions, possibly including depositions.
- Negotiating and mediation – Throughout the case, both sides will engage in settlement discussions. Then, prior to trial, there’s usually a mediation overseen by an objective third-party mediator where the case will try to get settled.
- Trial – If the case doesn’t settle, it may proceed to trial, where our team will present your case, evidence, and witnesses, with the jury making a decision and awarding damages. Maison Law will steadfastly stand by your interests throughout this entire process.
It’s crucial to understand that the legal process can vary based on case details. Nevertheless, collaborating with our team ensures the protection of your rights, interests, and essential emotional support as you confront MacLaren Hall and other perpetrators in court. Take advantage of our free consultations to gain insight into expectations before deciding to move forward.
Damages
Part of the process–and indeed a very practical step in your recovery–is trying to recover certain damages. “Damages” is simply the legal term used for your injuries and other harm you suffered because of the sexual abuse. Most of the time, this includes things like:
- Medical expenses – These damages cover the actual medical treatment, ongoing care, and therapy resulting from the abuse.
- Mental anguish – These damages are related to therapy and care for psychological trauma.
- Emotional distress – These damages are meant to address the emotional distress and associated costs stemming from the abuse.
- Pain and suffering – This category of damages takes into account the physical pain and mental suffering resulting from the abuse.
- Loss of companionship or quality of life – These damages are focused on the impact the sexual abuse has had on your relationships and overall quality of life.
- Punitive damages – Although rare, these are additional awards penalizing MacLaren Hall for gross or negligent care, acting as a deterrent against future misconduct.
What’s the Statute of Limitations on Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim Against MacLaren Hall?
While the outcome of your case against MacLaren Hall will depend on a variety of factors, one of the most crucial deadlines you have to meet is filing your claim on time. Legally, this is known as a “statute of limitations.” Fortunately, as a survivor of sexual abuse, California law provides a generous timeframe for meeting this deadline:
- Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218) – Child Victims Act – Commonly known as the Child Victims Act, AB 218 allows individuals to pursue claims until either reaching the age of 40, or discovering the injury resulting from the abuse within 5 years. This depends on which comes first.
Even with the support of the law, filing a sexual abuse claim, especially against a formidable entity like the MacLaren Hall and LA County requires considerable experience and dedication. Maison Law and our team can leverage our experience and approach to guide you through this challenging process.
How Did Sexual Abuse Happen at MacLaren Hall?
Sexual abuse is broadly defined and can cover a wide variety of different acts and types of mistreatment, especially in a foster home environment like the one that existed at MacLaren Hall. Still, many of these incidents had underlying causes like:
- Environment within foster homes
- Power dynamics and imbalances
- Absence of supervision
- Inadequate training for staff
- Culture of sexual abuse
- Youth vulnerability
- Systems for reporting
- Levels of staffing
- Educational gaps
- Social stigma
Instances of sexual abuse at MacLaren Hall covered various types, including:
- Physical abuse – The most common type involved non-consensual physical contact, such as touching, groping, rape, or assault.
- Verbal abuse – This occurred when someone said unwanted sexual things, like comments, jokes, or behavior that makes individuals feel uncomfortable or scared.
- Emotional abuse – Involved the misuse of power by someone in authority to manipulate or pressure individuals into sexual acts or threaten them if they don’t comply.
- Harassment – Non-contact sexual abuse included actions like showing explicit material, watching without permission, or engaging in other harassing behaviors.
- Exploitation – When those in charge misused their power to coerce those within the home into performing sexual acts in exchange for favors or by using threats.
Regardless of the type of abuse you experienced, California law is supportive of you and other survivors in terms of your rights and options. However, navigating the legal process may present challenges. With our team by your side, you can overcome these challenges and have a chance at holding those responsible for your abuse accountable.
Experienced California Foster Home Sexual Abuse Lawyers
At Maison Law, our experienced team of California foster home sexual abuse lawyers is ready to support you if you suffered sexual abuse while being housed at MacLaren Hall. Being in the foster care system is difficult enough, but when you add in the dread of sexual abuse, it makes the situation much worse. That’s where we can help you. We’ll support you in your pursuit of justice. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
