Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse at MacLaren Hall in Los Angeles

MacLaren Hall was a residential facility for children and adolescents in the Los Angeles County system. The facility closed after numerous allegations of physical and sexual abuse came to light. In November of 2003, an investigation by the Los Angeles Times uncovered patterns of both physical and sexual abuse against residents by members of the MacLaren Hall staff.

Psychological Impact of Child Sexual Abuse

The psychological impact of child sexual abuse is a complex issue. Some people suffer from it for the rest of their lives, others never recover completely. The most common symptoms are:

• depression and anxiety;
• problems with relationships and self-esteem;
• eating disorders, alcohol and drug addiction;
• suicidal thoughts or attempts.

The long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse can last into adulthood. Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse experience a wide range of emotional reactions, including anger, guilt and shame. They may also have difficulty maintaining personal relationships or trust other people after they’ve been abused.

Who Can be Liable for Sexual Abuse at MacLaren Hall?

Sexual abuse by staff members has been the subject of much debate in recent years, with many victims claiming that the schools or organizations they attended are liable for their injuries.

The court may consider Los Angeles County was partly to blame. They were responsible for running and staffing MacLaren Hall when it failed to provide adequate supervision or security measures to prevent sexual predators from gaining access to vulnerable children.

How Much Settlement Can I Get if I was Sexually Assaulted at MacLaren Hall?

If you were sexually abused as a child in Los Angeles, you may have a legal claim against the abuser and/or the organization that placed you with the abuser. 

The damages recoverable in these types of cases can include;

• financial compensation for medical expenses,
• pain and suffering, 
• and lost wages.

Victims can also recover money for punitive damages — which are designed to punish the defendant rather than compensate the victim — if it can be proven that there was recklessness or intentional wrongdoing on their part.

The first step in seeking compensation is to contact an experienced child abuse lawyer who can evaluate your case and help determine whether or not you have a strong case against those responsible for allowing children to be abused at MacLaren Hall. If the allegations are proven true, an attorney may be able to pursue compensation claims against individuals who were responsible for overseeing foster care programs as well as those who were directly responsible for abusing children while they were in their care.

California Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

In California, the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits is based on several factors, including:

• The age of the victim at the time of the incident;
• Whether there was a reported crime;
• If there was criminal prosecution; and
• The date when the victim discovered that he or she experienced physical injury or emotional distress as a result of childhood sexual abuse.

California has one of the most progressive statutes that allow victims to file suits against their abusers. AB 218 provides the victims who were sexually abused as children to have an extended statute of limitations. This new law allows victims:

• a three-year window to bring legal action against their abuser and other responsible parties.
• 22 years after they reach the age of majority, or five years from the date of discovering the abuse to file a lawsuit against the abuser.

How Can Prestige Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Help?

If you were sexually abused in foster care, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator, as well as against the state or county that failed to protect you.

Sexual abuse is an egregious violation of a person’s rights. Victims of sex abuse suffer psychologically and physically, and their lives are often put on hold or even ended.

If you have been sexually abused as a minor or have had your rights violated as an adult by an institution or individual, you may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit. Prestige Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers provides free consultation services so that you can learn more about your legal options before proceeding with your case. Our experienced attorneys will ensure that your rights are protected throughout every step of litigation and will work tirelessly on your behalf until we achieve the justice you deserve.

Fill out a form online today and let us see if we can help you!