Sexual abuse that occurs in an organization, such as a church, university, school, or sports team, may render the institution itself liable for the survivors’ losses.
An organization’s failure to protect its members from abusers may classify as negligence in a legal sense. It may fail to investigate accusations, brush them under the rug, or ignore them altogether. If an organization keeps the abuser on the staff or team, the abuse may continue. Some organizations may even confront the abuser but hide the abuse from public view, preventing victims from coming forward. In these situations, institutional sex abuse lawsuits can help.
D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Helps Fight Institutional Sex Abuse
Founded in 2002, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ provides support and legal representation to institutional sex abuse victims. We also provide access to resources for our clients who need them.
Andy Rubenstein of D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ has taken on several institutional sex abuse lawsuits that made national headlines and recovered settlements for his clients.
When you discuss your case with our team, we can explain your rights and empower you to move forward with your case if possible.
Securing Financial Recovery for the Harm You Suffered
When a trusted institution failed to protect you from an abuser, you may have incurred expenses, losses, and intangible damages. These damages make up your financial recovery if we can secure a settlement or award in your case. They include:
- Medical treatment for physical injuries
- Counseling and therapy expenses
- Lost income because of missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Other psychological damages
Examples of Institutional Sex Abuse Cases
An institutional sex abuse lawsuit seeks to hold an organization, company, or other institution responsible for the pain and abuse you endured.
Some high-profile institutional sex abuse cases include:
The Boy Scouts of America
More than 92,000 men and boys have filed claims alleging sexual abuse while members of the Boy Scouts of America.
The University of Southern California (USC)
Accusations of sexual abuse and misconduct from staff gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall date back to the mid-1980s, but he remained employed and continued to treat women at the university health center until the 2010s.
Andy Rubenstein of D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ represented several class members in the USC Student Health Center litigation settlement.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dozens of women allege that they suffered abuse at the hands of Dr. James Heaps at UCLA. They allege he sexually abused them and assaulted them during gynecological exams and procedures.
You May Have a Civil Case Even Without a Criminal Conviction
In some cases, sexual abusers face two trials: One in a criminal court and another in a civil court. Sometimes, there may not be an option to bring a criminal case because too much time has passed. However, this will not impact your civil case against the abuser or the institution that protected them.
A criminal case is intended to identify, capture, and penalize the abuser and other parties for their illegal actions. Meanwhile, a civil case is meant to secure financial recovery for those who suffered harm as a result of the abuse. This generally comes in the form of financial recovery.
It is important to note that the burden of proof is different in a criminal case and a civil case. To this end, it may be possible to hold an institution responsible for its role in abuse in a civil case even if there are no criminal charges or no conviction in the criminal case.
To learn more, contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today. We will speak with you confidentially and for free. You can reach us from anywhere in the United States by dialing 1 (855) PRO-LAWYERS or (713) 850-8600 in Texas.
Statute of Limitations on Holding the Institution Accountable
Each state has its own time limits when it comes to filing a sex abuse lawsuit and holding an institution accountable for its role in the abuse. Our team will help you understand how long you have and other facts that could affect your legal options.
We can identify the correct jurisdiction for your case, look for other related claims or mass torts, and determine your legal rights. Contact us as soon as you can. Our case evaluations are always confidential, and there is no obligation to move forward with your case.
Speak with Our Team for a Free Evaluation of Your Legal Options
For victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or rape at their school, church, workplace, or other institution, it can seem like no one can help. However, we are here for you. No matter how long it has been, we encourage you to reach out to our team. We can handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery and well-being.
It may be possible to join others who suffered the same abuse in an institutional sex abuse lawsuit or take other actions to hold the institution and abuser accountable.
You can speak with a member of the D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ team today by calling (713) 850-8600 in Texas or 1 (855) PRO-LAWYERS from elsewhere in the country.
