Are you the parent of a child that was sexually abused by an adult while they were at a Sylvan Learning Center? Are you an adult who was subjected to sexual abuse as a child by a Sylvan Learning Center employee? As a victim of child sexual assault, you may be entitled to monetary compensation from a lawsuit against Sylvan Learning, Inc.
Sylvan Learning is a chain of academic facilities that are best known for after school classes in reading, writing, math, homework support, study skills, and test preparation. They primarily serve children in elementary, junior high, and high schools, meaning that most of their clients are underage individuals. With that in mind, the owners of these leaning centers have the highest duty of care to protect students from sexual assault and other incidents of child abuse.
The truth is, many learning center franchise companies place money above all else, including the safety of children at their facilities. Sexual assault, including rape, attempted rape, sexual touching, and exchanging of sexually explicit content, takes place at an alarming rate at afterschool programs like Sylvan Learning.
As someone that was abused by a trusted adult, you may feel like justice is beyond your reach, especially if you were abused many years ago. But you may still qualify for a lawsuit under California law, which you can learn more about during a confidential meeting with one of our attorneys. To schedule a free consultation with a Sylvan Learning Center sexual abuse lawyer, contact us today.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$2.5 Million
$600,000
$1.5 Million
$54 Million
$525,000
$1.2 Million
Can I Sue if My Child was Sexually Abused at a Sylvan Learning Center?
Yes, you can sue if negligence by the owners or employees at a learning center caused you or your child to be sexually assaulted. Aside from suing the abuser, you may have the right to file a lawsuit against Sylvan Leaning. In California, employers may be liable for the actions of their workers when it causes harm to another individual.
For example, an afterschool program can be sued if one of their teachers fails to take safety precautions that result in a student being injured from a slip and fall or another accident. Sylvan Learning can also be sued if they had prior knowledge of sexual abuse (or allegations of sexual abuse) by an employee, but failed to call the police or take constructive action to protect their students.
We know that you have probably given some thought to whether a legal action is in your best interest. This is a decision that only you can make for yourself (or your child), but a lawsuit is the best form of justice for many of these victims. Perhaps they’ve run out on the statute of limitations for a child abuse case, or the burden of evidence to find the offender guilty beyond a reasonable doubt is too high. That’s why it’s important to explore the possibility of a lawsuit with a Sylvan Learning Center accident injury attorney.
Lawsuits for Other Accidents at After School Classes
So far, we’ve focused on the sexual abuse of a minor at a Sylvan Learning Center. However, physical and emotional injuries to a child can be inflicted in many ways due to negligence by program owners, directors, and staff members. Here are some other incidents at a learning center that can serve as grounds for an accident or child abuse lawsuit:
- Fall accident injury cases (slip and fall or trip and fall)
- Physical abuse by an employee
- Harassment / bullying – emotional abuse
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or dangerous materials
- Injured by falling objects
- Choking incidents
- Food poisoning
- Burn injuries
- Accidents in the parking lot, playground, and other outdoor areas
Statute of Limitations to File an Abuse or Injury Claim against Sylvan Learning Center
The statute of limitations is such an important topic, as you will lose the right to sue if you are past the deadline for a lawsuit. How long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit is based on the cause of injury, whether it’s a physical or psychological condition. Most cases, including slip and falls, falling object incidents, and burn accidents, must be filed within 2 years from the date of injury.
However, child sexual abuse claims have a much longer statute of limitations. Essentially, you can file a lawsuit within 22 years from turning 18 years old or up to 5 years from the discovery of trauma associated with sexual abuse at a Sylvan Learning Center. This is to account for the fact that children typically run from memories of traumatic events and repress them for many years. In the meantime, the victim develops mental health disorders due to feelings of guilt, shame, and anger. Once the link between sexual abuse as a child and what they are currently experiencing is established, the victim has 5 years from that point to sue the afterschool program, along with their abuser.
To figure out the amount of time you have to file a Sylvan Learning Center sexual assault lawsuit, contact the child abuse lawsuit attorneys of Normandie.
Average Value of a Sylvan Learning Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
On average, sexual abuse lawsuits are settled for $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 when the victim is under 18 years old. Not all cases will result in 7-figure settlements, but even on the lower end, afterschool sexual claims are generally worth $500,000 and up. Many factors that are involved when it comes to how much you can receive from a learning center sexual assault lawsuit. These include, but are not limited to:
- The age of the victim during the assault, or at the time the abuse started
- The acts of abuse that were perpetrated on the victim
- The duration of abuse (how many weeks, months, or years)
- The physical and/or emotional impact on the victim
- Liability by Sylvan Learning (what they knew, what actions they took or failed to take, etc.)
In spite of the estimates we have provided, please be aware that your case value is based on your own circumstances. For an approximation of the amount you can recover from a Sylvan Learning Center sexual abuse lawsuit, call us to schedule a free case review.
Settlement Value of an Afterschool Program Injury Claim
An accident injury claim against Sylvan Learning is worth anywhere from $15,000 to $2,500,000 or more, depending on the injuries, any long-term complications, degree of physical and emotional suffering, and negligence by the responsible parties. In cases of catastrophic injuries, like permanent brain damage, payments can exceed $5,000,000 due to monetary damages like loss of earning potential, lifetime medical expenses, and extreme mental anguish.
What you can ultimately receive as an injury victim is based on the details of your accident and how your injuries have impacted your life. For a thorough discussion on the amount you are entitled to from an afterschool program injury case, contact us for a free case evaluation.
How Long Does it Take to Settle these Lawsuits?
It takes around 12 to 24 months to settle an afterschool sexual abuse case if we are able to negotiate a settlement with the company / program owners. It’s extremely rare that these cases go to trial, but in the event that happens, the amount of time to settle a Sylvan Learning Center child abuse lawsuit is around 3 or more years. On the other hand, these cases may be settled within 6 months, based on the defendant’s willingness to reach a settlement and put the case behind them.
We know how eager you are to receive payment from your case and bring closure to this painful chapter of your life. However, many aspects of the legal system take time and effort, and there is no way for us to rush the process. Furthermore, it will only hurt you in the long run to jump on a lowball settlement without negotiating for the amount you deserve. Our goal is to protect your interests and ensure that you are not cheated by the entity that failed to protect you or your child.
Zero Fee Guarantee on All Personal Injury Cases
We are aware of the burden that’s placed on families and injury victims when they are suffering due to another party’s negligence. Even if you have a solid case for monetary damages, the costs up until the point of settlement can be difficult to manage. However, we don’t want you to choose between covering your bills and finding a lawyer to represent you in a lawsuit against Sylvan Learning Centers.
Starting from the very first consultation, you will receive a Zero Fee Guarantee from our law firm. That way, you are not responsible for the cost of legal services, even if your case goes to trial. Legal fees are paid as a part of your settlement check by the defendant, meaning there is no cost to you whatsoever if we don’t win your case.
The afterschool program abuse attorneys of Normandie are here for you 24/7, so call us anytime for a free consultation or free second opinion on an existing lawsuit against Sylvan Learning, Inc.