Famed radio DJ Rodney Bingenheimer has been accused of assaulting 6 teenage girls, including Go-Go’s guitarist Jane Wiedlin. The accusations went public on December 11, 2023, when Rolling Stones magazine published an article featuring Wiedlin and her allegations against Bingenheimer.
Wiedlin, who claimed to be 15 years old at the time, said that she was sexually assaulted by the DJ in 1974 at a club called the English Disco. She told Rolling Stone, “…it never occurred to me that that had been a crime. I didn’t know what to think. It wasn’t until the #MeToo movement started when I realized I was sexually assaulted by [an adult] when I was 15.”
Five other women have come forward to say that they were assaulted by Bingenheimer. One of these women, songwriter Kari Krome, has filed a lawsuit against the DJ, who she has accused of sexually assaulting her while she was in her teens.
Were you sexually assaulted by Rodney Bingenheimer while you were under 18 years old? This is defined as child sexual abuse under California law, which gives you the right to sue for monetary damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and medical expenses. Our legal team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the lawsuit process. Please give us a call and ask to speak with a lawyer who is experienced in cases of sexual abuse against minors.
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Who can I Sue if I was Sexually Assaulted by DJ Rodney Bingenheimer?
The answer to this question may seem obvious at first; the perpetrator of the assault is the one who should be sued. But cases involving famous DJs are complicated, due to the fact that many of these incidents occur at nightclubs, concerts, and parties. Thus, you may have grounds to sue the venue where you were assaulted, and perhaps the organizers of the event.
Jane Wiedlin, for example, said that she was assaulted by Bingenheimer at the English Disco nightclub. This is one of many locations that hired Bingenheimer, who had a successful career that spanned several decades.
Were the club owners aware of sexual abuse allegations against the DJ? Did they receive complaints of assault from multiple girls and women, but failed to contact the authorities? Did they conceal evidence of sexual assault in order to protect Rodney Bingenheimer and their public image?
These questions are related to the duty of care that a business has to their guests and visitors, which includes protecting them from acts of sexual abuse. Of course, there is no way to prevent these incidents altogether, but venue owners and event organizers can take security measures to minimize the possibility of sexual assault. They must also report any allegations of sexual assault to the police and prohibit accused individuals from their premises / events.
Sadly, covering up for an abuser or ignoring accusations of abuse is very common when it comes to the music industry. But even those who were abused many years ago can seek justice through the civil courts and obtain compensation for their harm and suffering. For information on your rights and legal options as a victim of sexual assault, contact the attorneys of Normandie Law Firm.
How Long You have to Sue for Sexual Assault of a Minor
Lawsuits for sexual abuse against an underage individual must be filed within 22 years of the victim’s 18th birthday. To put it another way, adult survivors of childhood sexual assault have until the age of 40 to sue for monetary compensation. However, the statute of limitations for a child sexual assault lawsuit is not restricted to a specific age, thanks to the discovery rule.
As an example, let’s say that a victim who is suffering from serious mental health issues goes to a therapist in her 50s. In the process of trying to figure out the source of her pain, the victim opens up about an incident of sexual assault while she was a teenager. This is the point where she “discovers” a psychological injury resulting from sexual abuse. Though she is past the normal statute of limitations, she still has 5 years to file a lawsuit against her abuser and others who were negligent in their duty of care.
How long you have to sue for sexual abuse during childhood is a complicated subject, so it’s a good idea to speak to a lawyer that can verify the amount of time you have for a lawsuit.
What is the Average Value for One of these Cases?
The average value for lawsuits involving child sex abuse is around $1,500,000 to $5,000,000 in California. However, case values may be lower for incidents of harassment, like sexually explicit comments and solicitation with little to no physical contact. These lawsuits may settle for around $400,000 to $750,000. Now, if the case involves physical acts, like groping and fondling, oral sex, attempted rape, etc., you can expect higher case values, possibly in the range of $3,000,000 to $10,000,000.
In all honesty, there’s no such thing as an average settlement value, as each case involves different degrees of injury, acts of negligence by the defendant, and other critical factors. That’s why we must speak with you in person and have a thorough understanding of your situation before we can decide the amount you will receive from a sexual assault case against Rodney Bingenheimer.
How Long Do Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Take to Settle?
On average, childhood sexual abuse lawsuits take 1 to 3 years to settle, depending on the legal procedures that are involved. Recent cases with concrete evidence may take 6 months or less to settle, but the vast majority of lawsuits take around 12 to 24 months.
Lawsuits for the sexual abuse of minors are complicated enough on their own, but cases that go back 10 or more years have additional complications. This includes the amount of time to investigate the case, locate evidence, and find witnesses to corroborate your statements. In addition, you are likely to face stiff resistance from the liable entities, which can sometimes result in these cases going to trial. This is unlikely though, as over 95% of all sexual assault lawsuits are settled before the court date.
Working with an experienced attorney will improve your chances of resolving your case in a timely manner. A sexual abuse lawsuit lawyer can also help you negotiate a favorable settlement based on your injuries and monetary losses.
Contact Normandie Law Firm
Victims of sexual abuse need legal advice and guidance, which is precisely what we can offer you here at Normandie Law Firm. Only you can decide if proceeding with a lawsuit is in your best interest. If it is, you can count on us to fight aggressively for your interests and ensure that the responsible parties are brought to justice.
From the very first consultation, you will be offered a Zero Fee Guarantee, so there is no need to worry about legal fees. Since we work on contingency, all of our expenses are recovered at the end of your case, and that’s only if we succeed in securing a settlement or positive verdict of your behalf. That means you have nothing to lose by taking a chance on calling us for a free case review. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free second opinion if you have a pending lawsuit for child sexual assault.
