Proficient School Abuse Lawyers in Oakland, CA
Over the last few years, the nation has been rocked by revelations of child sex abuse within powerful and well-known organizations. Unfortunately, sexual abuse also occurs in Oakland schools. Victims of school sexual abuse should be able to pursue compensation from their abusers, and a new CA law extends the time victims have to seek justice.
If you or someone you care about has been sexually abused in an Oakland school, let the team at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger help you today. We have more than 60 years of experience helping victims of abuse secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.
When Does Sexual Abuse at School Occur?
Sexual abuse can occur at any of the 407 schools in the Alameda County School District. When most people think of school sexual abuse, they think only of contact between a teacher and a student. While that is often the case, that is not the only way that Oakland school sexual abuse occurs. This abuse can also include:
- Sexual activity between school staff and a student on school trips.
- Staff and student sexual activity that occurs off school grounds.
- Abuse that happens during extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports.
Please know that it does not matter whether the student has reached the age of consent in California — any sexual activity between school staff and a student is illegal.
A New CA Law Gives Abuse Survivors More Chances at Justice
As of January 1, 2020, victims of childhood sexual abuse have more time to file lawsuits against those who abused them and those who covered up the abuse. This new law, AB 218, extends the age that a person may file a lawsuit to 40 or up to five years after they discover the adult psychological injury caused by the abuse.
AB 218 also opens up a three-year window in which those who were previously barred from filing lawsuits due to time constrictions will be able to do so. Regardless of when your abuse occurred, you should speak to a qualified Oakland school sexual abuse attorney who can properly evaluate your case and guide you forward.
Why Do You Need an Attorney for This Case?
These cases are very difficult without an attorney, particularly for cases that are filed long after the abuse took place. Your attorney will be responsible for handling all aspects of these cases, including ensuring that all paperwork and documentation is correct. Your Oakland school sex abuse attorney will:
- Investigate all aspects of your case, from the instances of abuse to any allegations of a cover-up by the school district.
- Handle negotiations with the other parties involved, including any legal teams or insurance companies of the perpetrator or school district.
- Work to secure a fair settlement on your behalf or be prepared to take the case to trial in order to secure the compensation you need.
Contact an Oakland School Abuse Attorney for Help On Your Case
The compassionate team at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger understands that school sexual abuse has a devastating impact on victims. We are dedicated to helping survivors of this abuse in any way we can.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of school sexual abuse in Oakland, contact us for a free consultation of your case today. We offer a free and confidential evaluation of your case. Let us get to work on securing the compensation you deserve.
