Woodland Hills Summer Camp Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Woodland Hills Summer Camp Sexual Abuse Attorney

The last thing anyone expects when they send their child to summer camp is for their child to be sexually abused. If this happened to your family, your child deserves competent legal representation to advocate on their behalf. You need a Woodland Hills summer camp sexual abuse lawyer who knows what it takes to win a summer camp sexual abuse case.

Hire a Summer Camp Sexual Abuse Lawyer Who Has Successfully Represented Over 400 Survivors

The DeMarco Law Firm is among the top California sexual abuse law firms in the state. Our practice is devoted solely to focusing on abuse cases. When you hire a summer camp sexual abuse lawyer from the DeMarco Law Firm, you are getting the experience of over 20 years of legal practice. If you have a summer camp sexual abuse case, we can help you navigate the Los Angeles County court system.

Summer Camp Sexual Abuse Laws

Updates to the California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1 have made it possible for more survivors of sexual abuse, including those who were abused at a previous time, like at summer camp, to file a claim. The law establishes that there are no time limits that prevent a survivor from filing a claim for damages suffered as a result of past sexual abuse. Survivors can seek compensation for pain and suffering, psychological medical expenses, loss of quality of life, and other damages.

The law acknowledges that sexual abuse that occurred years ago in an environment like summer camp can take time for survivors to process and eventually report. A reputable Woodland Hills summer camp sexual abuse lawyer can advise you on how to proceed if you or your child were abused at summer camp.

Mandatory Reporting

California mandates that individuals in certain roles must report any suspicion of abuse towards children, whether sexual in nature or otherwise, to child protective services or law enforcement right away. Camp counselors and camp staff fall under the category of mandatory reporters. These are individuals who are expected to protect the children in their care. When a camp worker doesn’t report abuse, they can then be partially responsible.

Who Is Liable for Summer Camp Sexual Abuse?

When a camp doesn’t run the proper background screening on employees, properly train camp counselors and staff members, and provide the necessary supervision to protect campers, they can be held liable. Failure to follow the proper policies surrounding these essential responsibilities can leave the camp subject to paying civil damages. Claims can be made against any of the following parties:

• The abuser or abusers, whether it is a counselor, another camper, a volunteer, or another camp worker
• The owner of the camp
• Administrators in charge of hiring, training, and supervising staff and camp workers
• Any organization or sponsor of the camp that failed to provide a safe environment for minors
• The insurance company that holds the camp’s insurance policy

What Constitutes Summer Camp Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse isn’t always obvious. It can take on many forms and pass through many stages. Many abusers act slowly in order to gain the trust of their victims. Summer camp presents an environment and timeframe that can facilitate this type of relationship. Sexual abuse involves inappropriate, non-consensual sexual behavior that a camp staff member, counselor, or another camper inflicts on one or more campers.

Sexual abuse at summer camp often occurs in low-supervised areas, like bathrooms or cabins, and during unstructured time, like on bus rides or at night. The CDC reports that 90% of childhood sexual abuse is inflicted by a family member or someone the victim knows and trusts. A camp counselor would easily fit the description of someone whom a child would trust.

If you believe your child may have been sexually abused at summer camp or at a day camp like any of those listed below, contact a Woodland Hills summer camp sexual abuse attorney. Some California camps where sexual abuse allegations have been made are listed below:

• Bruin Woods UCLA Camp
• Waldon West Science Camp
• Let’s Play LA
• YMCA Paradise Valley Elementary Child Care Center

FAQs

What Legal Options Are Available if a Child Is Sexually Abused at a Summer Camp in Woodland Hills?

If a child is sexually abused at a summer camp in Woodland Hills, the legal options they have may include filing criminal charges and/or a civil claim. They may be able to file multiple civil claims depending on how many liable parties are identified. Survivors of these crimes may be able to collect monetary compensation for the damages they suffered as a result of this abuse.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse Occurring at a Summer Camp in California?

Liability for abuse at a summer camp in California typically is held by the abuser. However, in a situation like a summer camp, other parties may be held responsible for acts of sexual abuse if it was part of their duty to protect and report. The camp itself, the camp owners, camp administrators, and other staff members involved could all be held liable.

How Long Do Survivors and Families Have to File a Civil Lawsuit for Summer Camp Sexual Abuse?

Survivors and their families have an indefinite amount of time to file a civil lawsuit for summer camp sexual abuse in California. Recent updates to summer camp sexual abuse laws lifted the statutes of limitations for reporting sexual abusers. Criminal reporting and civil lawsuits may be brought up at any time.

How Can a Woodland Hills Summer Camp Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help Families Pursue Accountability and Compensation?

A Woodland Hills summer camp sexual abuse lawyer can help families pursue accountability and compensation by ensuring the laws are upheld in their case, gathering evidence, investigating various aspects of the case, and working to get them compensation for the damages they suffered. They can also offer distinct legal advice on their case and help identify all liable parties.

Partner With a Woodland Hills Summer Camp Sexual Abuse Attorney Whom You Can Trust

Regardless of the circumstances of your summer camp sexual abuse case, your family deserves an optimal chance at justice and restitution for the damages suffered by the survivor. The DeMarco Law Firm can provide what is necessary for your case to be successful. Contact our office to discuss the details of your case.