Sexual abuse by coaches is an egregious breach of the sacred coach-athlete relationship. Coaches hold immense power and influence over their athletes, who place their trust in these authority figures to guide and mentor them. When this trust is shattered through sexual exploitation, the emotional and psychological scars can last a lifetime.
At Libra Law Firm, we understand the profound trauma caused by sexual abuse, especially when perpetrated by trusted figures like coaches. We are here to fight for your rights and help you receive justice and compensation for the pain you endured. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys have represented many survivors of sexual abuse in Orange County and throughout California, and we’re eager to support you, too.
Your consultation with us is free and completely confidential. When you’re ready, contact Libra Law Firm at (888) 565-3214.
What Qualifies as Coach Sexual Abuse?
Coach sexual abuse can take many forms, and they don’t always involve sexual contact. Sexual abuse can be in the form of:
- Sexual assault: Any non-consensual sexual act, ranging from unwanted touching to rape
- Sexual harassment: Inappropriate communication, requests for sexual favors, unwelcome sexual advances, or other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature
- Sexual exploitation: Taking advantage of a position of power or trust for sexual purposes, such as by having the victim participate in or witness lewd acts
- Grooming: Slowly building trust and emotional connection with the intent of sexual abuse.
Regardless of the specific form, coach sexual abuse is a severe violation of trust and an abuse of power. It can have devastating consequences for the survivor such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma.
Compensation for Survivors of Abuse by Coaches
Coach sexual abuse can have far-reaching consequences, impacting survivors’ lives in numerous ways. At Libra Law Firm, we fight to secure comprehensive compensation for the following losses and more:
- Medical expenses: Costs associated with therapy, counseling, and treatment for physical and emotional injuries
- Lost income: If the abuse has impacted your ability to work or advance in your career
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress, trauma, and psychological harm caused by the abuse
- Punitive damages: In cases of particularly egregious or malicious conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the perpetrator and deter future abuse.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for sexual abuse survivors, helping them access the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
Holding Abusers and Institutions Accountable
At Libra Law Firm, we understand that coach sexual abuse may be more than just an individual crime and often a systemic issue within institutions. We work to hold accountable not only the abusive coaches but also the organizations that enabled or covered up the abuse through negligence or willful ignorance. Our attorneys have extensive experience in pursuing civil claims against:
- Individual coaches: We will fight to ensure the abusive coach faces legal and financial consequences for their actions.
- Schools and sports organizations: If the institution failed to properly vet coaches, ignored warning signs, or did not have adequate safeguards in place, we can hold them accountable for their negligence. Orange County school districts may also face liability.
- Youth sports leagues: Organizations that oversee youth sports programs have a heightened duty of care to protect vulnerable young athletes from predatory coaches.
By pursuing civil lawsuits, we not only seek justice and compensation for survivors but also aim to enact systemic change within these institutions, promoting accountability and safer environments for athletes.
Compassionate Legal Representation
At the core of our practice is a deep commitment to providing compassionate and trauma-informed legal representation. We know that coming forward about your coach sexual abuse can be an incredibly difficult process, and you deserve to be met with sensitive and genuine care.
Our attorneys will handle your case with the utmost sensitivity, prioritizing your privacy and well-being every step of the way. We will work closely with you, providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can share your story and have your voice heard.
Throughout the legal process, we will keep you informed and empowered, ensuring you understand your rights and options. Our goal is not only to secure the compensation you need but also to help you achieve the closure you deserve.
FAQ: Orange County Sex Abuse by Coaches Lawyer
What should I do if I suspect my child has been sexually abused by their coach?
If you suspect your child has been sexually abused by their coach, it’s crucial to take immediate action. First and foremost, prioritize your child’s safety and well-being. Remove them from the situation and report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or Child Protective Services. Seek medical attention and counseling for your child to address any physical or emotional trauma. Additionally, consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in coach sexual abuse cases to understand your legal options and protect your child’s rights.
Can I file a civil lawsuit against the coach and the organization even if the criminal case was dismissed or resulted in a Not Guilty verdict?
Yes, you can pursue a civil lawsuit against the coach and the organization even if the criminal case was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict. The burden of proof in civil cases is lower than in criminal cases, and the standards for liability are different. In a civil case, you only need to prove the abuse occurred based on a “preponderance of evidence” rather than the higher “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used in criminal cases. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the civil legal process and build a strong case for compensation.
How long do I have to file a civil lawsuit for coach sexual abuse in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit related to coach sexual abuse can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Generally, if the survivor was abused when they were a minor, they have until their 40th birthday or five years from the date they discovered or reasonably should have discovered the abuse, whichever is later.
However, there are exceptions and extensions to these time limits. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you preserve your legal rights and not miss any deadlines.
What kind of evidence is needed to prove coach sexual abuse in a civil case?
In a civil case on coach sexual abuse, various types of evidence can be used to support your claim including:
- Testimony from you (the survivor) and any witnesses
- Medical records documenting physical or emotional injuries
- Emails, text messages, or other communications between you and the coach
- Evidence of grooming behavior or inappropriate conduct by the coach
- Expert testimony from psychologists or other professionals
- Evidence of the organization’s negligence or failure to protect athletes.
An experienced attorney can help gather and present this evidence in a compelling manner to establish liability and support your claim for damages.
Can I remain anonymous or keep my identity confidential in a coach sexual abuse lawsuit?
In many cases, survivors of coach sexual abuse may have the option to remain anonymous or keep their identity confidential during the legal proceedings. This can help protect their privacy and minimize further trauma or stigma. Your attorney can request that court documents and proceedings use pseudonyms or initials instead of your full name. Additionally, certain records and testimony may be sealed or kept confidential to protect your identity.
However, the specific rules and procedures for maintaining anonymity can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case.
Get a Free Consultation with a Trusted Sexual Abuse Lawyer from Libra Law Firm
By providing comprehensive and compassionate legal representation, Libra Law Firm aims to empower survivors of coach sexual abuse in Orange County and throughout California. We are committed to holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable, securing justice and compensation for our clients, and advocating for systemic change to create safer environments for athletes.
If you or a family member has been a victim of coach sexual abuse, reach out to us at (888) 565-3214 for a free and confidential consultation. Our dedicated team is here to listen, support, and fight tirelessly for your rights.
