Unfortunately, abuse is very common in juvenile halls throughout California. Detained youth suffer physical abuse as well as sexual abuse at the hands of staff and even other detained minors. If you are a survivor of abuse at a juvenile hall, it is important that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Based on the details surrounding the incident and the resulting harm, you could have the right to file a lawsuit. In fact, you may even be eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit along with other victims.
If you are ready to discuss your legal options with our class action lawyers, contact us today. Here at the Normandie Law Firm, our team has decades of experience and is fully committed to providing you with the guidance that you need to fight for your rights and hold all negligent parties/entities accountable for the harm that you suffered. For more information about the legal options available to you, contact us today!
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Abuse at Juvenile Halls
Although every situation is different, minors detained at juvenile halls could suffer extensive physical and psychological harm as a result. Physical abuse can include being pushed to the ground, being pushed against walls, being punched, being kicked, being thrown against walls, being choked, being slapped, and more. Sexual abuse can include rape, attempted rape, any penetration with objects, fondling, and more.
Victims could potentially suffer some of the following harm:
- Broken nose
- Broken jaw
- Broken teeth
- Head injuries (including concussions and traumatic brain injuries)
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Broken ribs
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Unwanted pregnancies and related complications
- Injuries to genitals
- Injuries to reproductive organs
- Psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder
- Increased risk of substance abuse
- Increased risk of self-harm
- And more
Whether you suffered physical abuse, sexual abuse, or both during the time that you were detained at a juvenile hall anywhere in California, it is important that you know that the juvenile hall – and the entities that operate these facilities – could be liable for the harm that you suffered.
Liability for Abuse at Juvenile Halls
Who is liable for the abuse that occurs at juvenile halls? Who is responsible for the physical abuse and sexual abuse that occurs at juvenile halls? This is a very important question. First and foremost, it is important to highlight that the entities that operate these facilities (whether they are city, county, or state entities) have the responsibility to keep all detained youth safe – safe from harm at the hands of other detained youth as well as facility staff.
When these entities fail to keep detained youth safe – or actively contribute to the harm that youth suffers – they can be held accountable and can be sued by victims and their families. In summary, juvenile halls and the entities that operate them could be liable and could be sued for any harm that youth suffer. This is based on the concept of negligence.
Can I File a Lawsuit? – Yes, you could have grounds to file a lawsuit. As mentioned above, juvenile hall facilities are responsible for keeping detained youth safe. Therefore, when they fail to keep youth safe, they can be sued.
Can I File a Class Action Lawsuit? – Yes, you could have grounds to participate in a class action lawsuit. In fact, there have been many class action lawsuits in the past for abuse that occurred at different juvenile hall facilities. As more victims come forward to seek legal help, these class action lawsuits are more likely.
Can I File a Lawsuit for Civil Rights Violation? – Yes, because physical abuse and sexual abuse in juvenile halls may be considered “cruel and unusual punishment.” This means that the abuse that occurs in juvenile halls may be considered a violation of the Eighth Amendment. For more information about your right to file a lawsuit for civil rights violations in addition to your personal injury claim, contact us today!
What Compensation is Available for Recovery?
Although every claim is different, victims of abuse at juvenile halls could be eligible to recover compensation for some of the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Treble damages
- Legal costs
- And more
How much can I recover? In general, juvenile hall abuse claims are high value claims; however, there are many factors that determine the value of these claims. These claims can be worth anywhere from $150,000 to $3 million, or even more. Class action claims have been associated with $20 million settlements in the past. Of course, every juvenile hall abuse claim is different, so it is important for victims to seek legal help to get a case evaluation and get a more case-specific estimate of the possible value of their claims.
Here at our law firm, our team is fully committed to helping the victims of abuse in juvenile halls to secure the maximum payout available for their claims. Whether our team has to negotiate a settlement or take your claim to trial to reach a verdict, you can trust that our team will do everything necessary to secure the highest recovery available for your claim. For more information about what you could be eligible to receive if your claim is successful, contact us today!
Should I Pursue a Class Action Claim?
Ultimately, this is up to you. No one can force you to file a claim for the harm that you or a loved one suffered. However, in many instances, participating in a class action lawsuit is the only way to get justice and hold the responsible parties/entities accountable. We understand how difficult it can be for victims to come forward and seek help. Because of this, we are committed to making the legal process as simple as possible for victims and their families. Our team is committed to taking care of absolutely everything from start to finish.
Contact the Normandie Law Firm Today – Speak with Our Juvenile Hall Abuse Class Action Lawyers
If you are ready to seek legal help, please do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm as soon as possible. Our team has decades of experience in juvenile hall abuse cases. We are not afraid to fight for the rights of our clients and help them get justice. If you are ready to fight for your rights after being subject to physical abuse, sexual abuse, or both at any California juvenile hall, please do not hesitate to reach out to the experts here at the Normandie Law Firm. Our team is fully committed to providing you with the guidance that you need to begin or continue your juvenile hall abuse claim.
Free Case Review: we believe in remaining as accessible as possible; therefore, we offer free legal services. These include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our team will be available to answer all your questions and address all your concerns, ensuring that you have access to absolutely all the information that you need to start or continue your juvenile hall abuse lawsuit. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact us today.
Zero-Fee Guarantee – you will never be required to pay any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. In addition, our law firm works on a strict contingency structure, so you will not have to worry about paying anything if your lawsuit is not successful. If you do not win, you simply will not pay.
If you are ready to discuss your legal options with our team, contact us today!
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Youth Detention Facility Sex Abuse Juvenile Hall Lawsuit Lawyer
Cavity Search While Incarcerated at a Juvenile Hall or Camp
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