Maryland Sexual Abuse in School Lawyer
Individuals in positions of power such as school leadership, administrators, and staff are bound by a distinct legal duty of care to those under their authority to take reasonable measures to prevent abuse and report suspected sexual misconduct. When a school is derelict in their legal duty, whether by negligent hiring practices, failing to report instances of sexual abuse, or other acts of negligence, they may be held civilly liable for the damages suffered by sexual abuse victims. If you believe that your child was sexually assaulted or abused while in the care of their school, you should get in touch immediately with an experienced sexual abuse attorney.
Victims of sexual abuse may be entitled to a multitude of damages for the physical and emotional harm they have suffered. A dedicated Maryland sexual abuse in school lawyer could investigate your claim to determine which party could be held liable and fight for a maximum award of damages.
Types of Cases Involving Sexual Abuse in Schools
A seasoned Maryland attorney could assist clients with filing numerous types of civil claims concerning sexual abuse in a school, including rape, assault, groping, child pornography, and unwanted sexual overtures. Other common kinds of cases involving sexual abuse in a school include sodomy, molestation, and sexual harassment.
Emotional indicators that someone may have been a victim of sexual assault or abuse include the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tendency to avoid social situations at school or reluctance to go to school at all
- Suicidal thoughts
- Extreme adverse responses to any type of physical interaction
- Shifts in personal sanitation
Parents should also be aware of the physical signs that may warn of abuse. These may include unexplained urinary tract or genital infections, contusions, and soiled, ripped, or bloody underclothes.
Identifying the Liable Parties
There may be numerous parties who could be held liable in a sexual abuse in school case. Besides the alleged offender who perpetrated the sexual abuse, school staff, teachers, administrators, or other faculty whose negligence may have created a situation ripe for abuse could also be held legally responsible.
For example, if the school failed to apply the proper procedures to respond to a claim of sexual abuse or maintained insufficient security that left a student vulnerable to assault, the school could be liable in a civil lawsuit for damages. A knowledgeable Maryland sexual abuse in school attorney would work tirelessly to identify all parties whose failure to fulfill their legal duty contributed to the claimant’s physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Damages for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Maryland
It is important to distinguish between civil sexual abuse cases vs. criminal sexual abuse cases when discussing what damages may be available to victims. In a criminal case, the state would be responsible for filing charges against the alleged perpetrator and sentencing them for the underlying crime. In some cases, the adjudicating court may compel the accused to compensate the victim for their monetary damages suffered due to the crime committed.
However, a civil sexual abuse lawsuit is one filed directly by the victim claiming damages resulting from the defendant’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. An abuse in school attorney in Maryland would fight zealously for any and all civil damages which could be owed to the victim, which may include compensation for mental anguish, emotional distress, personal injuries, medical expenses, and more.
Contact a Maryland Sexual Abuse in School Attorney Today
If you or a family member is a survivor of sexual assault or abuse, do not hesitate to contact a Maryland sexual abuse in school lawyer. A compassionate attorney would help you understand your legal rights and discuss what recourse may be available. The law establishes time requirements for filing a civil sexual abuse claim, so it is important to seek qualified legal representation without delay.
Call now to schedule your confidential case consultation.
