Teacher Sexual Abuse Claims in Los Angeles

Teachers work to build relationships with their students. You want your student to trust their teachers and feel safe at school. What happens when that trust is broken? If you suspect that your child has been sexually abused by a teacher, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney who handles teacher sexual abuse claims in Los Angeles to help guide you through the process of seeking justice for your child.

Definition of Sexual Abuse

Schools and school personnel can be held liable for sexual abuse committed on school grounds. Sexual abuse is defined as the unwanted touching of a person’s intimate parts. There must be sexual intent and a lack of consent.

Teacher sexual abuse in Los Angeles is when unwanted sexual behavior occurs between a student and an adult in the school setting. The sexual abuse may include touching of body parts, kissing, penetration, or other sexual contact. It may also include sexual comments, harassment, or jokes.

Mandatory Reporters

A mandatory reporter is a person who is legally obligated to report child abuse. Teachers, school administrators, and other school personnel are mandatory reporters. School professionals receive training to assist them in identifying and reporting child abuse. A school professional must report if they have knowledge of or observe a child whom they suspect to be the victim of abuse or neglect. This would include if another teacher or staff member has abused a child.

Parties Involved

If your child has been sexually abused, contacting an attorney familiar with teacher sexual abuse cases in Los Angeles is important. An experienced attorney can assist you in determining who the liable party may be. You may be able to sue the teacher, the coach, an administrator, or another student, to name a few potential parties. You may also have a claim against the school where the abuse took place. Understanding all potential defendants can be confusing, but our experienced attorneys could help you determine the correct parties.

Difference Between a Civil Action and a Criminal Action

Your attorney can also help you determine if criminal actions or civil actions can be filed. In a criminal case, the victim would work with law enforcement to help bring criminal charges against the offender. This may ultimately lead to a criminal conviction, and the teacher may serve time behind bars.

In a civil action, the victim would file a lawsuit against the offender and potentially other defendants, such as the school district, for damages due to the abuse. When you want to explore civil charges after teacher sexual abuse, our knowledgeable attorneys in Los Angeles could guide you and your child through the legal process.

Contact an Attorney in Los Angeles for Help with a Teacher Sexual Abuse Claim

Teacher sexual abuse cases can be complex and emotionally challenging for all involved. It is important to seek justice for your student and hold the responsible parties accountable. Your attorney could help you document incidents, preserve evidence, and identify potential witnesses. Reporting the abuse to the school district is often the first step. An attorney with experience handling teacher sexual abuse claims in Los Angeles could guide you on the path to seeking justice.

The consequences of teacher sexual abuse are significant. The student who trusted their teacher now cannot. This betrayal can have lasting effects on the student. Not only is the student and their family affected, but the entire educational system is affected. If you are concerned that your student may have been the victim of sexual assault by a teacher, Levin & Nalbandyan Trial Lawyers could help answer your questions. Call our firm now.