The Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility is a former juvenile hall located in Whittier, California. It was originally known as the Whittier State School and served as a reform school for boys and girls, starting in 1891. While we use the term juvenile hall, Fred C. Nelles is best described as a youth prison for the most serious youth offenders. In spite of their crimes, these inmates are children by the time they enter the system. That’s why special focus is needed on rehabilitation and compassionate treatment, but we know that youth prisons often subject inmates to physical abuse and sexual exploitation.
Were you sexually abused while you were incarcerated at the Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility? Though Fred C. Nelles was closed in 2004, there are many victims who are still struggling from the damage caused by sexual abuse during their childhood. If you are one of these individuals, please allow us the opportunity to advise you of your rights and legal options.
We are aware that a lawsuit can’t take away all the pain and suffering that you have lived with for all these years. However, obtaining compensation from the people that failed in their duty of care to you is a powerful step in the journey toward recovery. For more information on suing for sexual abuse at Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility, contact us today.
Can I Sue Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility for Sexual Abuse?
Yes, you can sue the Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility for sexual abuse by one of their staff members while you were a juvenile inmate. The rate of sexual assault, along with grooming and other forms of exploitation are astoundingly common at places that are meant to house and protect children.
Granted, it’s easy to understand why sexual predators want to work at these places, but there are cautionary measures that can be taken by state and county administrators to weed out such people during the hiring and training process. But even with those measures, it’s possible that someone with criminal intent will slip through the cracks. This is why adequate supervision is so important, along with immediate consequences when there are allegations of sexual misconduct.
Sadly, there is a long history of not holding employees accountable, even when there is irrefutable evidence of sexual abuse against an inmate. If anything, the evidence is concealed or destroyed, so that the abuser gets away with their crime and continues to abuse minors at the facility. Alternatively, a “problematic” probation officer, counselor, etc. is transferred to another detention center, where they become someone else’s problem.
Ineffective leadership, lack of supervision, and many other problems contribute to the rate of children being sexually abused at places like Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility. Negligence and misconduct by government officials can never be tolerated, and thankfully, more and more victims are becoming aware of their rights and demanding justice through the civil court system.
Filing a Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility Sexual Abuse Class Action Lawsuit
As a juvenile inmate who was subjected to sexual abuse, you are aware that many others were victimized and left with similar injuries of a physical or emotional nature. Considering there may be hundreds, if not thousands of victims out there, filing a class action lawsuit is a sensible solution. This is a legal action where many plaintiffs file a single lawsuit against the same entity, whether it be an individual or the California Youth Authority.
To learn more about joining a class action lawsuit for sexual abuse at a juvenile detention center, call us to schedule a free case review.
Average Lawsuits Value of a Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility Sex Abuse Claim
The vast majority of juvenile hall sexual abuse lawsuits settle for anywhere between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000. If you were sexually assaulted at Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility, your case will probably settle for $2,000,000 or more. As a victim of sexual harassment and exploitation, the amount of compensation may be around $450,000 to $1,000,000.
Please be aware that child sexual abuse lawsuit values will vary significantly from one case to another. A variety of factors are used to calculate how much a victim is entitled to, which is why you should talk to a juvenile inmate abuse attorney as soon as possible.
How Long Does it Take to Reach a Settlement?
Cases involving child abuse, particularly sexual assault and exploitation, normally take 1 to 3 years to settle. Sometimes, a sex abuse lawsuit may be settled within a few months, but this is highly unlikely when you are suing for sexual abuse at a government institution. Due to the requirements of suing the government at the state, county, or city level, a Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility inmate abuse claim usually takes at least 1 year. If we have to take your case to trial, the legal process can take over 3 years. However, most lawsuits do not get to this point, so it’s more than likely that your case will be settled through private means.
Statute of Limitations to Sue the Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility
As a minor who was incarcerated at the Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility, your time limit for a lawsuit is up until your 40th birthday. That gives you 22 years starting from the age of adulthood to file a compensation claim against the State of California.
In some cases, a victim may not realize an injury or illness that resulted from child sexual abuse until they are older than 40. Many victims, for example, may not realize that there is a connection between a mental health disorder and being sexually assaulted or abused at a youth prison many years ago. That’s why there is a discovery rule that gives victims of child sexual abuse 5 years to sue, starting from when they learn how they were physically or emotionally harmed from sexual abuse at the Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility.
If you are confused by this information and don’t know how long you have for a juvenile hall sexual abuse lawsuit, we don’t blame you. Unlike the average personal injury claim, the laws governing lawsuits for child abuse are extremely complicated. Our legal experts can help you figure out the deadline to sue Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Free Legal Services from a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Places that are meant to rehabilitate troubled kids should be free of harsh and abusive treatment, but these incidents happen far too often at juvenile halls throughout California. It’s a good thing that notorious youth prisons like Fred C. Nelles were shut down permanently, but we cannot forget about the countless victims who are still living with the trauma of sexual abuse.
Our sole motivation is to bring you justice and ensure that the people who failed to protect you are held accountable. We also want to protect your finances throughout the legal process, which is why we never charge upfront if you decide to hire us. We ask the State of California to pay the costs associated with your case, which will be included in your settlement check. And if we don’t win your case, we provide all clients with a Zero Fee Guarantee, so you will not be responsible for any legal fees.
Our law firm is ready to fight for you and the compensation you deserve. Please contact us and schedule a free case evaluation if you would like to discuss the option of suing Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility for sexual abuse.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Preston Youth Correctional Facility Sexual Abuse and Assault Lawsuit Attorney
Eastlake Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Camp David Gonzales – Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Lawyer