Sexual Abuse at Desert Sands Unified School District

Being exposed to sexual abuse, assault or harassment at school can do much more than disrupt a victim’s education. It can inflict lasting mental and psychological trauma that stays with a survivor for life. At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, our lawyers are dedicated to bringing sexual abusers and the institutions that protect them to justice. This includes school districts in Southern California. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse at Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), contact us to request a free case consultation. We can help you move forward.

Why Clients Choose Us

  • We are always compassionate and respectful toward our clients. We know the amount of courage that it takes to confront perpetrators. Our lawyers will be by your side through every step of the legal process.
  • Our lawyers are exceptional at their craft. We are America’s leading sexual abuse and assault law firm, with over $2 billion won for clients – including over $340 million collectively obtained from the Los Angeles Unified School District in multiple lawsuits.
  • We accept school district sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis for all clients. This means you will only owe us attorney’s fees if we succeed in collecting financial compensation for your losses. You pay $0 upfront.

Examples of Sexual Abuse at Desert Sands Unified School District

Sexual abuse in a school setting can refer to any unwanted and unwelcome behavior against a student that is sexual in nature. It can refer to an illegal relationship between a teacher and a student, for example, as well as any type of intimate or sexual activity involving a minor under the age of 18. It can also describe child sexual abuse committed by force, threats or coercion. Examples include:

  • Sex discrimination or harassment
  • Written and spoken sexually harassing behaviors
  • Sexualized jokes, gestures or comments
  • Requests for sexual favors (quid pro quo harassment)
  • Touching, grabbing, groping or pinching in a sexual way
  • Exposing one’s genitals to a student
  • Showing a student sexually explicit images or content
  • Sexual assault or rape

Sexual abuse at DSUSD may come from a teacher, guidance counselor, sports coach, administrator or adolescent at the school. A victim of this crime may have the right to file a lawsuit not only against the individual perpetrator but the school district, as well. School districts can be held vicariously liable for crimes committed by their staff members, as well as directly responsible for acts of negligence, such as failing to conduct background checks on new teachers or concealing complaints of sexual abuse.

How to Bring a Lawsuit Against a School District in Palm Desert

If you wish to bring a claim against DSUSD, start by consulting with a lawyer for advice and assistance. A lawsuit against a school district has a unique process compared to cases against nongovernment entities. Under the California Tort Claims Act, a notice of intent to file a lawsuit must be sent to the school district before the actual claim is filed. The deadline to submit this notice is six months, but it is generally extended in cases involving sexual abuse.

A lawyer can help you obtain, fill out and submit the required forms to initiate your claim against a school district. If you wish, we can leave your identity anonymous throughout the claims process. Then, we can preserve, subpoena and collect evidence supporting your sexual abuse case. When it comes time to demand justice, our lawyers will aggressively negotiate for the highest possible settlement value. We are fully prepared to go to trial in Palm Desert, if necessary.

Request Your Free, Private Case Review in Palm Desert, CA Today

If you or a loved one is a victim of sexual abuse at Desert Sands Unified School District, get the legal assistance and counsel you deserve at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi. Our lawyers know exactly how to handle these cases for the best odds of success. For exceptional legal advocacy from proven sexual abuse attorneys, contact us at (800) 700-8450 for a free initial consultation.