Woodland Hills Failure to Report Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Woodland Hills Failure to Report Child Sexual Abuse Attorney

In Woodland Hills, when a child suffers sexual abuse, the act of abuse is horrific enough. It leaves these children and their families with lasting emotional and psychological trauma, and they can feel vulnerable and unsure of where to turn to for support. Imagine how further betrayed they feel when someone knows about the abuse and does nothing to report it. If this is present in your case, a Woodland Hills failure to report child sexual abuse lawyer can help.

DeMarco Law Firm: Protecting Your Family After a Case of Child Sexual Abuse

At DeMarco Law Firm, we are the only law firm in Southern California that focuses solely on the survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their loved ones. As a Loyola Law School graduate and proud Los Angeles native, our lead attorney has represented more than 400 individuals who seek justice for the child sexual abuse they have suffered. We are here to review your case and advocate for your rights to secure the compensation and justice you and your family deserve.

Failure to Report Child Sexual Abuse in Woodland Hills

In Woodland Hills and across Los Angeles County, the law requires designated individuals, known as mandated reporters, to file reports of any suspected sexual abuse. These individuals maintain a responsibility to immediately, or as soon as is reasonably possible, notify child protective services or law enforcement regarding possible abuse. Nearly 12% of the population of Woodland Hills is aged 0-9, and cases of child sexual abuse go unreported nearly every day.

In Woodland Hills, mandated reporters tend to be individuals who have trusted and regular interaction with children. This can include members of the clergy, therapists, doctors, and teachers. When these individuals fail to report known or suspected child sexual abuse, they are often trying to protect another party. This is actually charged as a misdemeanor in the state, and parties found guilty can face jail time and fines.

When a mandated reporter fails in their duty, the family and victim of child sexual abuse can bring forward a legal claim to seek compensation, and the team at DeMarco Law Firm is here to help do just that.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Case of Child Sexual Abuse?

In Woodland Hills, child sexual abuse can take place just about anywhere, and when a mandated reporter seeks to protect the perpetrator, families deserve justice. At DeMarco Law Firm, we have worked with hundreds of families to seek compensation and justice when their child is sexually abused. Common parties who are held liable in these cases include:

• Youth organizations. These organizations might include after-school programs, youth sports, daycare and childcare facilities, and even entities like Boy or Girl Scouts of America. Mandated reporters may fail in their duty in order to protect staff, leaders, and volunteers, which could lead to your ability to file a claim against the corporation or organization.
• School districts. When schools do not correctly address situations to protect their students against sexual abuse, they can be held liable. When a school district fails to report in order to protect a teacher, coach, administrator, or other member of the facility, the entire school district could be held liable.
• Religious institutions. Over the last two decades, child sexual abuse in religious institutions, especially in the Catholic Church, has become a topic of increasing public concern. When churches and dioceses place priests and other members of the clergy or church staff over the rights of abused children, the team at DeMarco Law Firm is here to protect you and advocate for the justice you deserve.

FAQs

What Are the Most Common Kinds of Child Sexual Abuse in Woodland Hills?

In Woodland Hills, it is possible for a child to face a range of different acts of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is any kind of sexual activity that takes place between a child and an adult or older adolescent whom that child trusts. In fact, 90% of these cases are perpetrated by someone the child knows. Child sexual abuse can include sexual assault, grooming, exploitation, inappropriate touching, and exhibitionism.

What Compensation Is My Family Entitled to After Child Sexual Abuse?

When your child suffers sexual abuse, you and your family may be entitled to recover certain forms of compensation. While no amount of money has the ability to undo the damage your child has endured, it can help ease some of the associated financial burdens. Common forms of compensation can include medical and therapy costs, pain and suffering, and possible punitive damages.

How Do You File a Claim for Failure to Report in California?

In California, filing a claim for failure to report can involve several steps. These steps include consulting with an attorney who understands and has experience with these cases, working to identify all liable parties who either perpetrated the abuse, failed to report, or worked to cover it up, collecting all necessary forms of evidence, including doctor reports and witness statements, and filing the official claim paperwork with the appropriate court system.

What Are the Typical Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse?

There are many signs and behaviors a child can exhibit that might point toward possible sexual abuse. These warning signs include nightmares, wetting the bed, and sleep disturbances, sudden changes in their mood or behavior, displaying unexplained injuries or discomfort, and showing an unexplained fear of certain parties, such as a teacher or a daycare worker.

Hire a Failure to Report Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

If someone in authority who was aware of your or your child’s sexual abuse failed to report that abuse and instead did nothing, then they are guilty of contributing to your or your loved one’s pain and suffering. During this difficult time, it is essential for you to hire a failure to report child sexual abuse lawyer you can trust. At DeMarco Law Firm, we are here to stand beside you. Contact our offices today and request your free and confidential consultation.