Child Sexual Abuse Survivor Lawsuits at 52 SF Bay Area Schools

San Francisco Bay schools are facing a large number of lawsuits from child sexual abuse survivors. The lawsuits total millions of dollars in costs that the schools could potentially be required to pay victims. The alleged abuse occurred in a number of different schools throughout the area. The recent lawsuits are allowed because of a special law in place that allows adults to bring child sexual abuse lawsuits until the age of 40. The window that allowed the extension of time to file a lawsuit ended at the close of 2022. As a result, the schools are facing a number of lawsuits that allege misconduct ranging back to the 1980’s. 

If you were the victim of child sexual abuse or if you have a child who was victimized, you are not without legal recourse. Call the California child sexual abuse attorney at Beck Law today.

52 Child Sexual Survivor Lawsuits Filed

The San Francisco Chronicle identified 52 lawsuits that were filed against many schools and districts throughout the Bay area. The Chronicle conducted research into the filings to determine the details of the lawsuits and the allegations against school teachers, administrators, and districts. According to the Chronicle, California does not centrally track these cases. The lawsuits were filed against multiple districts, and they state that many districts are facing more than one claim. The Chronicle reached out to the school administrators for comment. However, all declined to answer about pending litigation. At least one school superintendent was unaware of the pending litigation.

Administrators Failed to Act

Although the alleged sexual abuse misconduct occurred by teachers and other school employees, the lawsuits were filed against the schools and school districts themselves. The lawsuits claim that the school was aware of the misconduct at the time but failed to take action. School administrators and teachers are required to report allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct. However, that apparently did not happen. The schools are, therefore, responsible because they either covered up the activity or ignored it, failing to take the appropriate action to prevent further abuse. 

Cases Are Reaching the Courts

Many times, parties settle child sexual abuse survivor lawsuits such as these before they go to court. The settlement for a single case can be in the millions of dollars. The school districts have insurance. However, the insurance does not cover the astronomical costs associated with the large number of child sexual abuse lawsuits. 

The school districts must make payments out of their own funds, which can leave the schools financially unsound. A large number of cases will be heading to court for trials. Both sides will have the opportunity to present their cases. The victims of the abuse will have the chance to seek justice and tell their stories. If successful, the victims could receive compensation for damages that may include both physical and emotional harm. Many victims of child sexual abuse have ongoing issues long into adulthood. They may have PTSD, trouble sleeping, problems with relationships, anxiety, and more. 

The victims in these cases have come forward and filed lawsuits against their alleged abusers and those who failed to report the abuse. If you suffered sexual abuse as a child, there is something you can do about it. You may still be able to file a lawsuit. Contact us today at Beck Law at (707) 576-7175 to schedule a confidential consultation. 

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