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MacLaren Hall was a residential facility for children and adolescents in the Los Angeles County system. The facility closed after numerous allegations of physical and sexual abuse came to light. In November of 2003, an investigation by the Los Angeles Times uncovered patterns of both physical and sexual abuse against residents by members of the MacLaren Hall staff. The psychological impact of child sexual abuse is a complex issue. Some people suffer from it for the rest of their lives, while others may never fully recover. The most common symptoms include:
The long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse can extend into adulthood, with many survivors experiencing a wide range of emotional reactions, including anger, guilt, and shame. They may also struggle with maintaining personal relationships or trusting others after the abuse.
Sexual abuse by staff members has led to many victims seeking justice. The court may consider Los Angeles County partly responsible for the abuse, as they were tasked with running and staffing MacLaren Hall. The county may be seen as failing to provide adequate supervision or security measures to prevent sexual predators from gaining access to vulnerable children.
If you were sexually abused as a child in Los Angeles, you may have a legal claim against the abuser and/or the organization that placed you with them. Recoverable damages in these cases can include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Victims may also recover punitive damages if it’s proven that the defendant acted recklessly or with intentional wrongdoing.
California Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
In California, the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits depends on several factors, including the victim’s age at the time of the incident, whether a crime was reported, if there was criminal prosecution, and when the victim discovered the emotional or physical distress caused by the abuse. AB 218 allows victims of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits up to 22 years after reaching the age of majority, or five years from discovering the abuse.
How Can Prestige Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Help?
If you were sexually abused in foster care or by an institution, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator and the state or county that failed to protect you. Prestige Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers offer free consultations and will ensure your rights are protected throughout the litigation process. They will work tirelessly on your behalf to seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
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