California Youth Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawyer 

Sexual abuse cases in youth detention centers are more common than experts previously thought. Since sexual abuse happens in secret, it is no surprise that inmates of a juvenile detention facility may be targeted by predators. 

However, those who come forward have a better chance than ever of being able to take legal action against their abusers, thanks to legal help from law firms like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.

Our experienced lawyers work with victims who have been sexually abused in juvenile detention facilities. Many of the people coming forward are victims of childhood sexual abuse in juvenile detention facilities, and we know how to handle these cases so that you get the representation that you deserve.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

When you choose a law firm, there are several factors that you should consider before making a final decision. In this case, one of the most important factors to consider is the amount of compensation we have secured representing survivors of sexual assaults in juvenile facilities, which exceeds $450 million in settlements for similar cases to date. 

Credible cases are likely to settle out of court to help minimize the impact on victims and because facilities want to minimize the impact on their reputation. A good lawyer can make a big difference in the amount that you can negotiate in that settlement.

History of Large Settlements

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a strong track record of recovering very large, multi-million dollar settlements and jury awards for our clients. To date, we have helped secure more than $450 million. We’re confident that we will help you recover financial compensation for your case. 

High Success Rate

Hiring a lawyer with a high success rate for similar cases is also important. You want to ensure that you give your case the best chance by choosing the best lawyer for your case. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have a 98% case success rate handling sexual abuse claims on behalf of victims.

National Resources

We file claims on behalf of our clients across the United States. We have resources in place to help us successfully recover compensation in many jurisdictions. Our team is up to date on the changing laws regarding civil sexual abuse lawsuits across the nation and well-prepared to represent your case. 

Compassion and Empathy

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our law firm has compassion and empathy for clients who have suffered sexual abuse and will work diligently to pursue justice on their behalf. 

Dedicated to Confidentiality and Sensitivity

Our California sexual abuse lawyers understand the fear, humiliation, and discomfort that victims suffer from and experience when it comes to filing sexual abuse lawsuits. We approach each case individually, creating a personalized strategy based on the needs of each case. 

Understanding Juvenile Detention Facility Sexual Abuse

Juvenile detention facilities house people compelled into the justice system, which places them at risk for sexual assault and abuse. Since they depend on the staff daily, those staff members have a level of control over their lives. This is often used as leverage to coerce victims into participating in sexual acts against their will. 

In other cases, the fact that the staff has ultimate control and victims are isolated from outside authorities means that they are at risk of being sexually abused since they don’t have the means to report it outside of the system. Abusers or facility leadership can cover up incidents as long as they keep victims isolated, which is often a contributing factor to the situation. 

Notable Cases in California

There have been more than 5,000 sexual abuse cases reported by youth inmates in the Los Angeles area, in foster care, juvenile detention centers, and a juvenile hall. The allegations show that the victims were sexually assaulted, abused, raped, or coerced into sexual acts. [1]

The recent loosening of the statute of limitations with the California Child Victims Act has allowed more victims to come forward now and seek compensation for the sexual abuse they suffered. 

Common Forms of Juvenile Detention Center Abuse

Different forms of sexual abuse take place in California’s juvenile detention facilities, including:

• Staff sexual misconduct – When staff perform inappropriate sexual acts toward or on inmates. 
• Sexual assault – Performing sexual acts on victims against their will.
• Child sexual abuse – Performing sexual acts on minors.
• Inappropriate touching – Touching of victims in a sexual, unwanted, or inappropriate way.
• Rape – Forced sexual intercourse or other actions on victims against their will or on victims that cannot consent (i.e. minors, etc.). 

Eligibility to File a Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Claim

In California, survivors of sexual abuse that occurred in a juvenile detention center may be eligible to file a claim under several conditions. Both minors and adults who experienced abuse while incarcerated as juveniles have specific rights under the law to seek justice. 

Survivors of Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse

Any individual who was sexually abused while in a juvenile detention center in California, whether by staff members, fellow inmates, or others associated with the facility, may file a claim. This includes both minors currently in detention and adults who were victimized as children but have not yet filed a claim.

Minors Currently in Juvenile Detention Centers

Minors who have experienced sexual abuse while currently incarcerated in a juvenile detention facility have the right to seek legal action through a parent or legal guardian acting on their behalf. 

California laws allow for immediate action to ensure the protection and well-being of the child, including removal from the abusive environment and the initiation of legal claims against responsible parties.

Adults Who Were Abused as Minors in Juvenile Detention Centers

Adults who were abused in a juvenile detention facility during their time as minors may still file a claim under California’s expanded statute of limitations.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in California

The statute of limitations is the amount of time that you have to file civil claims against the responsible parties to hold them accountable. As of 2024, there is no longer a statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims [2]. 

This means that victims who have been sexually abused can file a civil lawsuit when they are ready. However, this only applies to sexual abuse that occurs in 2024 or later. Otherwise, sexual abuse survivors have until age 40.

It is a good idea to discuss what happened to you with our California juvenile detention facility sexual abuse lawyers to see what your legal options are, even if you’re not ready to move forward now with a lawsuit. 

How Our California Youth Detention Facility Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

There is a proven process that we use to file sexual abuse lawsuits in civil court that can help you successfully recover financial compensation. 

Case Evaluation

All of our cases start with a free consultation and case evaluation. We’ll discuss what happened during your sexual assault at a juvenile detention center and provide more information about the possible next steps. 

Not all childhood sexual abuse victims are eligible or interested in filing claims in civil court, and that’s okay. We want to make sure that victims have all of the information they need to make an informed decision. 

Investigation

Should you decide that you want to move forward and file claims against the parties responsible for your sexual abuse, we will begin the process of investigating your case. This simply means that we will gather all relevant evidence and prepare the documents associated with your case.

We will need your victim testimony, as well as any physical evidence, video surveillance, and witness testimonies. If another case at the same facility has already been filed and tried in court, we can also use that information in your case.

Filing a Claim

The next step in the process is to actually file claims with the appropriate court. This can vary based on whether the case is a state or federal case, where you live, and where the California juvenile detention facility was, all of which we will handle on your behalf. 

Potential Outcomes

No experienced sexual abuse attorney can guarantee a specific outcome in the civil lawsuits they try. Most cases are able to reach a settlement through legal negotiations. In many cases, this is the best outcome, as it doesn’t require the child or adult survivors to make a public testimony. 

It can cost less overall since there aren’t specific court fees to pay for. It also takes less time, as you don’t need to wait to get on the court’s schedule. However, it isn’t always possible to reach a fair settlement, and we will not encourage you to take a settlement that’s less than what your case is worth. 

In such cases, we will continue defending your rights in court.  

Compensation for California Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Victims

There are different types of damages that your lawyer may request in your sexual abuse claim depending on the nature of your case and who was involved, as well as the long-term impacts. 

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

Most of your settlement will be based on economic and non-economic damages. Your lawyer will file claims for those tangible expenses (economic damages), such as medical bills, therapy costs, and property damages. We will also file claims for non-economic damages such as psychological injuries, emotional distress, trauma, and pain and suffering. 

Punitive Damages

In cases where the sexual abuse was particularly egregious, a judge may also award punitive damages. Though rarely awarded, they are meant to punish the responsible party and prevent abuse from happening in the future. 

Factors to Consider

It can be challenging to predict just how much a California sexual abuse case will recover in compensation. Two very similar cases could have fairly different outcomes. However, there are some known factors that can impact the size of your settlement, including the severity of the abuse, how it impacted your life, and the long-term effects.

Contact Our California Youth Detention Center Abuse Attorneys Today!

You can request a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757. A member of our legal team is available 24 hours a day to take your call.

Resources: [1] The Imprint, [2] Nancy Skinner