Merced County Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The last thing any parent wants to hear is that their child has been sexually abused.  However, it is important to speak to a sexual abuse attorney in California if you experienced this terrible crime as a student in one of the 115 schools in Merced County. No matter how long ago a teacher abused you or a loved one, you may have the right to pursue justice and compensation from multiple parties. The individual perpetrator, as well as the larger school district, could be liable, or legally responsible, for your damages.

A lawyer from Manly, Stewart & Finaldi may be able to help you file a claim against a public school district in Merced County for sex-related crimes that affected you as a student or that have impacted your child. Please call (800) 700-8450 today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Manly, Stewart & Finaldi?

• We offer experience and dedication to our craft.
• We treat each client with respect, compassion and understanding.
• We obtain positive case results using proven legal strategies.
• We have a founder who has been included in Super Lawyers and California’s Top 100 Attorneys.
• We have used our skills to recover more than $2 billion in compensation for past clients.

Can a Plaintiff’s Attorney Help You?

It can be against your best interest to handle your sexual abuse claim alone in Merced County. Powerful educational institutions such as public school districts have the resources to refute liability for your damages. Matching these resources with your own by hiring an attorney is the only way to level the playing field and get the defendant to treat your claim with fairness. Hiring an attorney from Manly, Stewart & Finaldi can give you an edge during litigation that may result in better results than you can achieve alone. Your lawyer can also give you peace of mind by taking care of the legwork of your claim.

Why Does School Sexual Abuse Happen?

School districts in California have had to pay millions of dollars to settle lawsuits against teachers and other staff members accused of sexually abusing children under their care. These lawsuits often fall on school districts because they are vicariously liable for what happens at their schools. It is a school district’s responsibility to reasonably prevent physical and nonphysical attacks on students. Failure to do so could result in preventable sex crimes against students in Merced County schools.

Sexual abuse in school occurs largely due to negligence on the school’s part. It is a school’s duty to hire and train safe teachers, for example, through practices such as conducting background checks on applicants. It is also the school’s job to respond appropriately and swiftly to allegations against teachers for sexual abuse or misconduct. When a school fails in any of these duties, resulting in student sexual abuse, the school district could be liable for a survivor’s damages.

What Does the New Law Mean if You Suffered Sexual Assault While Attending a Public School?

Historically, childhood sexual abuse survivors had just six months (or up to one year, in some cases) to bring their claims against public school districts, or else lose the right to file forever. Under a new California law, however, this is no longer the case. Assembly Bill 218 changed the rules so survivors of childhood sexual assault at public schools no longer have to abide by the California Tort Claims Act. 

While a previous law had already changed the rule, it only applied to people with abuse that occurred after January 1st, 2009. AB-218 changes the rules for cases before January 1st, 2009. As of January 1st, 2020, the enactment of AB-218 means the short deadline no longer applies to sexual abuse cases against public school districts. It is still important, however, to seek advice from a lawyer at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi as soon as possible.

Speak to a School Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

A consultation with one of our sexual abuse attorneys could help you better understand your rights and the legal options that may be available to you as a survivor of sexual assault at a public school in Merced County. Speak to an attorney today at (800) 700-8450 or request a meeting online.