For decades, guards, counselors, and other staff members in California juvenile detention facilities perpetrated an epidemic of sexual abuse. The abuse was brazen and routine – survivors were incarcerated minors and completely at the mercy of these staff members. In recent years, an overhaul of California law has opened new doors to justice for these brave survivors. Those who were minors at the time that they were abused may now be able to pursue legal action even if the abuse occurred decades ago. Many survivor accounts have explained that some guards would threaten their victims, telling them that they would be disbelieved or punished if they spoke up. Our team of Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyers is proud to be working on behalf of several brave survivors to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Survivors of sexual abuse in California juvenile detention centers must contend with life-long emotional and psychological consequences. It is a deep injustice that those incarcerated as minors, often for low-level offenses, were taken advantage of in a setting that was intended to give them a second chance. The scale of this epidemic of abuse was staggering – our team wants to hear your story. There has never been a better time to pursue justice – contact us today.
What is the new “Age 40 Rule” or AB 218?
AB 218 was signed into law in 2019 and revolutionized civil law surrounding sexual assault claims in California. AB 218 institutes:
- Age 40 Rule. Survivors who were minors when they suffered sexual abuse can now file a lawsuit any time before their 40th birthday.
- Discovery Clause. AB 218 allows for lawsuits to be filed after a survivor’s 40th birthday if they discover harm or new information. This portion of AB 218 acknowledges the reality that recovering from sexual abuse is a complex process and can take several decades to process.
Due to AB 218, new instances of sexual abuse in California juvenile detention facilities are coming to light every day. Guards, counselors, and other staff members regularly preyed on the most vulnerable members of the incarcerated minor population of these facilities. Many took advantage of access to privileged files to identify potential targets and proceeded to isolate them with special attention, favors, and threats. In many documented cases, administrators scheduled off-site abortions for minors who were impregnated in the course of their abuse. These minors were kept in solitary confinement until the procedure was completed.
Our team of Los Angeles sexual abuse attorneys is determined to bring justice to the survivors of these horrific actions. Contact us today to learn more about filing a claim.
Who can I sue for sexual abuse in California juvenile detention facilities?
Our team of Los Angeles sexual abuse attorneys has pursued lawsuits against a wide variety of defendants in these cases. Most commonly, the liable parties in instances of sexual abuse in California juvenile detention facilities include:
- The California Youth Authority (CYA). CYA is liable for the actions of its staff. CYA had countless opportunities to address this epidemic of abuse. Its negligence has incurred massive liability – likely nearly $3,000,000,000 in Los Angeles County alone.
- The Individual Guards, Counselors, and Staff. The individual who took advantage of the minor in question is likely liable.
- Other Government Entities. Several government entities can be liable for abuse in juvenile detention facilities. This notably includes the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
A wave of justice is already underway in these cases, with survivors pursuing justice and deserving financial compensation. These actions are long overdue and our team of Los Angeles sexual abuse attorneys is proud to be fighting for the many brave survivors. Contact us today to tell us your story.
Los Angeles Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Facilities Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
How much money is my sexual assault or abuse claim worth?
A wide variety of factors can affect the specifics of how much financial compensation survivors of sexual abuse in California juvenile detention facilities can expect. Our team of Los Angeles sexual abuse attorneys has seen, however, the life-changing effect that positive outcomes in these cases can have for survivors. Financial compensation in cases like these can include money for:
- Therapy/Counseling.
- Psychological Damage/Harm to Quality of Life.
- Medical Expenses.
- Lost Wages.
For many survivors of sexual abuse in California juvenile detention facilities, day-to-day financial hardship can mean that they cannot afford the treatment that they might need. Our team of Los Angeles sexual assault attorneys believes that everyone deserves top-class representation whether or not they can afford it. Our team works on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t take any payment from our clients until we have secured them financial compensation.
Until a positive verdict or settlement is reached, working with Arias Sanguinetti is completely free. Contact our team today to take the courageous first step toward justice.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form