Baseball is considered an all-American sport, and kids can be enrolled in a baseball team from the time they are in preschools. Many of these kids play baseball all throughout their school years, and some have dreams of being drafted by the Major Leagues. Part of what makes the sport so enjoyable is the baseball coach, who is there to offer guidance and support. And many adults that played baseball as kids still have fond memories of the coaches they learned from.
Unfortunately, some children are victimized by coaches that use children for sexual gratification. As a result, they lose their love of the sport and have a lifelong resentment against authority figures. They also develop mental health disorders that are disruptive to their lives in many ways. This is due to the fact that trauma from sexual assault during childhood is incredibly difficult to talk about. Many victims live with the secret for decades, and this prevents them from getting the help they need and deserve. But even if they do seek therapy, the painful memories of what they endured do not just go away.
Were you sexually abused by a baseball coach while you were a minor? No matter how many years have gone by, you may still have the opportunity to file a lawsuit for sexual abuse. A baseball coach sexual assault attorney can educate you on your rights and help you decide on the best course of action. Contact Normandie Law Firm and schedule a free case review, where you can learn more about suing for sexual abuse by a gym teacher.
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Sexual Abuse of Minors by Sports Coaches
We tend to think of sexual assault as rape or attempted rape, and certainly, these are examples that fall under the category of child sexual abuse. But most of these incidents are subtle, as the abuser takes their time to groom the child and slowly manipulate them into a sexual relationship. In some cases, there is no physical contact between the coach and underage athlete, but the interactions between them are sexual, nonetheless.
Essentially, all forms of sexual activity between adults and those under 18 years old is defined as sexual abuse. Sexual assault is a more specific term that has to do with physical interactions that result in sexual gratification for the adult.
Examples of child sexual abuse that can take place between baseball coaches and child athletes include, but are not limited to:
- Sexually explicit chats via text, messaging apps, emails, and phone calls
- Exchanging nude photos and other sexual content
- Soliciting a minor for sexual favors
- Groping, fondling, and other forms of sexual touching
- Exposing oneself or masturbating in front of a minor
- Oral sex or sexual intercourse
Who can be Sued when a Minor is Sexually Assaulted?
Unlike criminal prosecutions for sexual abuse, a lawsuit can be filed against multiple entities that played a role in the abuse that was inflicted on you. For example, baseball coaches are hired by school districts, private schools, community centers, and sports organizations. In addition, there are governing organizations that are in charge of forming leagues, establishing rules of professional conduct, and setting up baseball games and events.
These and other entities have a duty of care to the athletes on a baseball team So, if they are notified of sexual misconduct by one of their coaches,or signs of an inappropriate relationship between coaches and athletes, they cannot simply ignore these issues. Law enforcement, as well as the minor’s parents, must be contacted right away. The organization should conduct their own investigation and suspend the coach from their job duties in the meantime as a protective measure for the victim.
These are some of the actions that should be taken immediately, but many of the people that are involved in youth sports neglect their duties and either ignore the complaints or focus their energy on how to make the accusations go away. Thus, they are liable when a child is molested or abused in some other way by a baseball coach.
Keep in mind that your case may involve different examples of negligence, which can serve as grounds for a sports coach sexual abuse lawsuit. For a detailed discussion on who can be sued for sexual abuse of an underage athlete, please take a moment to schedule a free consultation.
Is There a Deadline to Sue for Coach Sexual Abuse?
Yes, according to California’s Assembly Bill 218, you have until your 40th birthday to file a claim for sexual abuse while you were under the age of consent. To put it another way, the statute of limitations to sue for sexual assault by a baseball coach is 22 years from when you are 18 years old.
The Bill also makes provisions for those who do not realize the psychological and/or physical injuries they sustained from sexual abuse until they are over 40 years old. This is referred to as the discovery rule, and if you meet the qualifications, you may have the chance to file a sports coach sexual abuse lawsuit no matter how old you are. Starting from the date of discovery, survivors of child sexual assault and exploitation have 5 years to sue the entities that failed to protect them.
The delayed discovery of mental health conditions stemming from sexual abuse is extremely common, and many of our clients are older adults who are finally coming to terms with the harm they suffered. To see if you are eligible for a claim under the discovery rule, contact our office as soon as possible.
Contact Normandie Law Firm
Our law firm has been fighting for the interests of sexual abuse victims for several decades, and we understand that a lawsuit may not be right for everyone. However, making that decision for yourself requires a full understanding of your rights and legal options. That’s why we would like to meet with you for a free, private consultation.
In the event you choose to hire us for a baseball coach sexual assault lawsuit, no money will be requested from you, as we are a contingency based law firm .That means all legal fees are deducted from your settlement at the end of your case. In addition, all clients are protected by the Zero Fee Guarantee from day one, so you pay absolutely nothing if we fail to bring your compensation from the negligent party.
For more information on suing for sexual abuse by a baseball coach, please reach out to us at your earliest convenience.
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