In a recent lawsuit filed the L.A. County Superior Court, MacLaren Hall, also known as MacLaren Children’s Center, was described as a “house of horrors,” where staff members sexually assaulted children on a regular basis. This foster care group home closed down in 2003, but it’s clear that the abuse of children was rampant during the 40 plus years that the facility was in operation.
Sadly, MacLaren Hall is only one of many such residential homes throughout the country. In many cases, insufficient background checks lead to the hiring of sexual predators, whose only interest it to find easy access to vulnerable children. But even when these workers are reported to the county or state agency, little to nothing is done to protect the kids in these facilities. If anything is done at all, abusive staff members are moved to another group home within the system, where they can inflict their abuse on a new group of victims.
If you were sexually abused during your stay at MacLaren Hall, you may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit against your attackers and the agencies responsible for your placement. Perhaps you’ve considered this option already, which can help you recover the losses you’ve suffered through no fault of your own. But maybe you’re in a tough spot financially, and know that a lawsuit won’t resolve itself overnight. In that case, you may be wondering if you can ask for a loan against the settlement you’ll be receiving from your MacLaren Hall sexual assault lawsuit.
Can I get a Cash Advance on my Case from my Attorney?
Yes, at our law firm, we offer early settlement loans to clients who are eligible for a foster care sexual abuse lawsuit. A lot of people are confused on this issue, and are under the impression that loans between lawyers and their clients are illegal. This is true in some states, but in California, this practice is allowed under the State Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct, which says that “after a lawyer is retained by a client,” they can “agree to lend money to the client based on the client’s written promise to repay the loan.”
If an early settlement loan is of interest to you, please give us a call right away to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss the details of your case and advise you on the terms of our MacLaren Hall lawsuit loans. That way, you can make an informed choice that’s in the best interest of you and your loved ones.
How much of a Loan can I get on a MacLaren Hall Sexual Abuse Case?
The amount we can advance on a MacLaren Hall lawsuit is based on the client’s unique circumstances, including the projected value of their settlement. A case value is comprised of various damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and costs associated with mental health issues like depression and PTSD. Calculating these damages cannot be done without meeting you in person, so please take some time to speak with one of our attorneys. To get started on the lawsuit process and apply for the funds you need, contact our law firm as soon as possible.
Should I apply for a Loan with a Lawsuit Funding Company?
There’s no shortage of companies out there that will give you a cash advance while you’re in the middle of a lawsuit. Here at Normandie, we’ve had many clients come to us with contracts from these companies to ask if this is a good idea. We can see the appeal of these loans from the client’s point of view. They get a large sum of money at once, which they don’t have to pay back until they win their lawsuit. But private lenders often charge high interest rates, and that’s certainly the case with pre-settlement funding companies. Over the period of one year, these rates can run between 30 to 60%, due to the fact that interest is compounded monthly on most of these loans.
To protect your finances in the long run, it’s clear that a cash advance from your attorney is the best option. This is a service we have provided for many years at our law firm, and we are happy to assist you in any way we can. But what if you have an active claim or lawsuit, and your lawyer will not give you a cash advance?
Can I Switch my Lawyer if they won’t give me a Pre-settlement Loan?
This is a difficult position to be in, as you’ve already invested a certain amount of time and energy into your case. Is it best to stay with your current lawyer and wait for your case to settle, or is it better to start over with a law firm that will provide you with a MacLaren Hall cash advance?
A second opinion with the lawyers of Normandie can help you with these issues. Switching your lawyer is not something you should do lightly, but there are legitimate reasons for why this is necessary. For example, staying with a lawyer that’s incompetent or lacks the commitment you deserve as an injury victim is not helpful to your case. Our lawyers will provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options and take care of the transfer process free of charge if you are interested in continuing your case with our law firm.
Frequently Asked Questions about MacLaren Hall Sexual Assault Lawsuits
During our conversations with former residents of MacLaren Hall, there are certain questions that come up time and time again. Below is a list of these questions, which will help you get a sense of your rights and legal options. As we can only provide general information, please schedule a free case evaluation by contacting our office.
Should I join a class action lawsuit or file a lawsuit on my own?
Both of these legal actions have their pros and cons, which you should discuss with one of our attorneys. Class actions, for example, operate on the “strength in numbers” premise, meaning it makes a powerful statement when so many victims come together for one purpose. However, these lawsuits take longer to settle than individual claims, as there are special requirements that must be met when numerous claimants are involved. On the other hand, these cases are highly successful, as it’s hard to dispute liability when there are so many victims.
There are plenty of other pros and cons you must consider before choosing the best course of action for your case. One of our attorneys will be happy to go over each of these options with you.
What is the average value for a MacLaren Hall sexual assault case?
Based on recent settlements on behalf of sexually abused foster children, a settlement of $1 million or more is absolutely possible in these cases. However, your case value is based on many factors, such as the extent of your injuries (physical and mental), the parties you are suing, and the level of negligence by these parties. For some claimants, the total impact of the abuse on their lives may be worth up to several million dollars.
You may also qualify for “treble damages,” meaning triple the amount of compensation you would normally receive from a successful lawsuit. This condition applies in situations where an organization or individual engages in “a concerted effort to hide evidence relating to childhood sexual assault.” Such efforts may include: not reporting incidents of sexual assault to the authorities, destroying records of sexual abuse, and silencing those who speak out against an abuser. As you can imagine, this will significantly increase the payment that can be recovered on behalf of a former foster care resident.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Under California’s Assembly Bill 218, you have up until the age of 40 to pursue damages if you were sexually abused as a foster child. If the knowledge or memory of your sexual assault is not discovered until a later time, you have 5 years from the date of discovery to file a lawsuit for child sexual abuse. The statute of limitations, by the way, is based on whichever date comes later. Additionally, there is a 3-year look back window that lasts until December 31, 2022. This window allows victims who had previously exceeded the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for sexual abuse they endured as a minor.
We understand if these terms are confusing to you, and you need more information on your eligibility for a MacLaren Hall sexual abuse lawsuit. Just give us a call, and we will assist you with any questions you have.
How long does it take to get paid on these cases?
Some of these cases may be settled within a few months, but others can take up to several years. Certain issues are beyond our control, like how long the other side takes to respond to our demands, and whether they are willing to admit fault for their actions. As we said before, class action lawsuits can take longer to resolve, but even individual lawsuits, especially those involving child sexual assault, can take 12 to 18 months to settle. If you are unable to agree on a settlement with the foster care home, agency, etc., we may need to rely on a jury’s verdict. If that happens, several years may be needed in order to recover your payment.
Speak to a Foster Care Sexual Abuse Lawyer
As of 2020, it’s estimated that there are 407,000 kids in the foster care system throughout the United States. Many of these children are placed in group homes, where they are subjected to sexual abuse from the very people who are supposed to care for them. Even when these children are brave enough to report their abusers, county and state agencies fail to take any action, or choose to cover up allegations of abuse in order to protect their image.
If you are an adult survivor of child sexual abuse at MacLaren Hall, you have the right to sue the responsible parties for your harm and suffering. However, this is easier said than done, considering the extremes these entities will go to in order to deny liability. An experienced lawyer is the key to succeeding in a foster care sexual assault case, but many victims worry about the cost of hiring an attorney.
Here at Normandie, we offer a Zero fee guarantee, meaning you pay us absolutely nothing for our services. We will file your paperwork, fight for your rights, and provide you with advice and guidance any time you need it. All our fees are paid by the defendant along with your settlement award, so the only time we get paid is when you get paid. Our free services include cash advances if you are struggling to make ends meet while you wait for your settlement.
Our attorneys are waiting to speak with you during a free, private consultation, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Foster Care Failure to Report Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Attorney
Islamic Private School Sexual Assault Attorney – Madrassa
Sexual Assault of 10 Girls by Van Nuys High School Trainer – Lawsuit Attorneys
