Kids Weight Loss Camp Sexual Assault Lawyer

Weight loss camps are programs designed to help people lose weight through fun activities, exercise, lifestyle changes, and support from professionals and others struggling with obesity. There are programs for adults, but many of these “camps” are for children, as childhood obesity has become an epidemic all over the world. There are many ways to help kids in this situation, including removing them from their normal environment and instilling lessons that will help them manage their weight for the rest of their lives.

These programs are commonly known as fat camps, but “weight loss camps” is the preferred terminology nowadays. Regardless of the name, the idea is to provide an enriching and educational experience that doesn’t make weight loss seem like a punishment. Unfortunately, some of these camps have run into problems over the years due to mismanagement, lack of evidence-based programs, and acts of physical and sexual abuse.

Were you or your loved one subjected to sexual abuse at a weight loss camp in California? As a victim of childhood sexual assault, you have the right to take legal action against your attacker. You may also be eligible for a lawsuit against the camp owners and directors if they failed to take actions that could have protected you from sexual abuse. For more information on your legal rights, contact the fat camp sexual assault lawyers of Normandie.

Sexual Assault at Weight Loss Camps in California

First, it’s important to understand that weight loss camps play an important role in the lives of children and their family members. Many people who go to these programs enjoy their experience and walk away with an improved self-image and better control of their health. However, we have to face the reality that any program focused on children is likely to attract predators that take advantage of them in the worst possible way.

With fat camps, for example, you have children who are extremely vulnerable for a number of reasons. They have dealt with bullying at school, and maybe even from family members. In many cases, they are made to feel that they are “less than” due to their weight, even though they have limited control over their body as children. By the time they arrive at a weight loss program, far from their loved ones, they may be scared and confused – maybe even angry, but they are ultimately looking for love and acceptance.

Pedophiles take advantage of this weakness in order to groom the child, meaning they use the guise of a safe and loving relationship to exploit the victim for sexual gratification. This is very easy to do in weight loss camps, where counselors, camp directors, and medical staff are supposed to have close relationships with the kids. The children are also away from their parents and other trusted adults, so they are more likely to depend on the one adult who is giving them extra time and attention.

Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements

The Impact of Sexual Abuse on a Child

When we talk about injuries, we normally think of bruises, cuts, broken bones, and visible trauma to our body. But injuries from a sexual assault are not always physical. In fact, many victims have little to no visible injuries, and as a result, determining the level of harm from sexual assault is a challenging process.

However, there is no denying that sexual abuse has a devastating effect on children, which they will have to deal with for the rest of their lives. Mental health issues associated with child sexual abuse include:

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Dissociative disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Acts of self-harm, such as cutting, pulling out hair, and burning yourself
• Suicide attempts
• Eating disorders 
• Sleep disorders, like insomnia

California’s Mandatory Reporting Laws

We mentioned before that lawsuits for sex abuse at a fat camp may be filed against the program, and not just the person that abused you. You may also have the right to seek criminal prosecution against employees at the camp under California’s mandatory reporter laws.

Under these laws, individuals in certain professions are required to report incidents of sexual abuse. They must also contact the authorities if they suspect that a child is being sexually abused. That’s because any act of sexual contact with a minor is a crime in California. Thus, anyone that has direct interactions with children as a part of their job – like teachers and camp counselors – must contact the police or California’s Child Protective Services if they are told about, witness, or suspect an incident of sexual abuse against a child.

Statute of Limitations to File a Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

The passing of Assembly Bill 218 by the California Legislature greatly enhanced the rights of child sexual assault victims. The most significant change is that victims of sex abuse during childhood now have until the age of 40, or 22 years after turning the age of majority, to sue for monetary damages. Alternatively, they have 5 years from the date of discovering the effects (physical or psychological) of sexual abuse to file a lawsuit against the liable parties.

This is of huge significance to adult survivors of child sexual abuse at a fat camp. That’s why we encourage you to contact us, even if the abuse you suffered took place many years ago. You may still have time to pursue a legal action and obtain justice from the people that failed you.

Sex Abuse of a Minor Settlement Values

Cases involving sexual contact with a minor typically result in high settlements, as long as the victim is working with an experienced sexual assault lawsuit attorney. The highest case values are associated with lawsuits against businesses and public entities, like summer camps, public schools, and after-school programs. This is due to the fact that such organizations have the highest degree of duty to protect children from sexual assault and other acts of abuse. Thus, failure to report sex abuse and other forms of negligence are likely to result in settlements of $1,000,000 and above. Depending on the specific acts of sexual contact and how long the victim suffered, case values may exceed $3,000,000.

How Long will it Take to Settle My Case?

Due to the complexities that are involved – especially with cases that occurred many years ago – it can take up to several years to resolve a case of child sexual assault. There is, of course, the possibility that the defendant will offer a settlement early on in and your case may be settled in just a few months. But these are rare instances, considering that child abuse allegations are not something any business wants to admit to. This is why it’s important to work with an experienced attorney that can provide you with skilled and aggressive representation.

Our goal is to provide you with adequate compensation, based on the harm you’ve suffered. Ultimately, accepting a settlement or taking your case to trial is up to you, but we are here to guide you through the process every step of the way.

Free Legal Services from Lawyers with Experience in Sexual Assault Cases

Coming forward as a victim of sexual assault takes incredible strength and courage. Some victims speak out after living with their secret for many years. Others are angry and disillusioned after they were misinformed or ignored by the authorities that were supposed to help them. No matter what happened in the past, we hope you’ll take the chance of reaching out to us and learnings about your rights and legal options.

Our job is to provide you with hope and legal advice, which is why we offer free consultations with no pressure to initiate a lawsuit. That includes free second opinions, which is a consultation for those with active sex abuse claims in the state of California. If you are ready to pursue a kids’ weight loss camp sexual abuse claim, we will represent you for free under the Zero Fee Guarantee. The settlement we demand on your behalf includes legal fees, which means our payment is conditional upon winning your case.

To schedule a private, confidential meeting with one of our attorneys, contact our law firm.

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