Los Angeles Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
A Los Angeles child sexual abuse lawsuit has been filed against the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, accusing the department of negligence and sexual abuse of hundreds of foster children who were placed under their care. The child sexual abuse lawsuit has been filed even thought the shelter has been closed for decades. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for physical and mental injuries that they allegedly sustained as a result of the abuse.
Background
In an effort to hold the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services accountable for sexual abuse that took place more than 20 years ago, eight women and four men have filed a lawsuit claiming that at least a dozen former residents were sexually abused. The abuse is alleged to have taken place at the group home between 1988 and 2001.
Several victims, who are now in their thirties, say they were raped by staff members when they were as young as 5 years old. Court papers also reveal that the claimed abuse, which varied from groping to rape, got one of the plaintiffs pregnant. She gave birth to the child of her abuser while still living in the home.
The home, known as the MacLaren Children’s Center, was closed in 2003 after allegations surfaced that staff had been sexually abusing residents for years.
“This is an issue that has been hidden for many years,” said an attorney, who is representing some of the alleged victims. “These kids were essentially thrown away by the system and left to be preyed upon by pedophiles.”
How Can a Los Angeles Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit be Filed Decades After Shelter Closed?
It is possible that a Los Angeles child sexual abuse lawsuit can be filed even after so many years have passed because the statute of limitations has not expired. The statute of limitations is the time limit that a person has to file a lawsuit after an event has occurred. This time limit varies depending on the type of case and the state in which it is filed.
In the state of California, the California AB 218 (Extended Childhood Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations) alters the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. Previously, victims of child sexual abuse had until their 26th birthday to file a lawsuit against their abuser. The new law extends the statute of limitations to age 40. This extension is applicable to all cases of child sexual abuse, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
What You Can Do if You or Someone You Know Has Been a Victim of Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse can have long-lasting effects on victims, and regardless of the current extension of the statute of limitations. It is important to get the legal help you need as soon as possible. So, if you or someone you know has been a victim of child sexual abuse, please do not hesitate to contact a Beck Law P.C. attorney.
The California child sexual abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C. has more than four decades of experience helping clients seek the justice they deserve. We understand the difficult process of coming forward, and we will work tirelessly to help you get the closure you need.
Contact the California child sexual abuse law firm, Beck Law P.C. today to get started.
