Skilled School Abuse Lawyers Serving Clients in San Jose, CA
We put significant trust in teachers and school employees. They are supposed to care of our children. However, we know that sexual abuse occurs in San Jose schools. Victims of school sexual abuse and their families should be able to seek justice for what has happened by speaking with a San Jose School Abuse Attorney. There are 425 schools in the Santa Clara County School District, and abuse victims at any of these schools deserve justice.
At Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, our qualified and experienced team is ready to help. We have spent decades helping those who have been sexually abused at school. We are ready to help you secure the compensation you deserve, so contact our California sexual abuse lawyers for a free and confidential consultation of your case today.
Understanding School Sexual Abuse
School sexual abuse happens in many different ways. Most people think of this type of abuse as occurring only between a teacher and student in the classroom. However, teachers can also abuse students off school grounds and on school trips. This type of abuse also occurs:
- Between coaches and students at practice and other sports-related events.
- At extracurricular activities before, during, and after school.
- Between other school staff, such as administrators, guidance counselors, and other support staff.
Any type of sexual misconduct between school staff and students is illegal, even if the student has reached the state’s age of consent. Schools can also be held accountable if they fail to protect students from sexual abuse perpetrated by other students.
How Long Do Victims Have to Get Justice?
It is well understood that many victims of childhood sexual abuse do not report the abuse until adulthood. Many victims did not even realize that abuse occurred until later in their life. Previously, victims of childhood sexual abuse in California had until they were 26 years old or three years from the date their abuse was discovered to file a lawsuit. However, AB 218 took effect on January 1, 2020, and extends those timelines.
Childhood sexual abuse victims now have until they are 40 years old or up to five years after they discover the adult psychological injury caused by the abuse.
Do You Need an Attorney for These Cases?
These cases can become incredibly complex. Now that AB 218 is in effect, the court systems in California will likely be overwhelmed with new lawsuits. Because of this, any incomplete or incorrect claims will likely be thrown out. It will be necessary to have a skilled attorney by your side helping to navigate the legal waters of a San Jose school sexual abuse case. Your San Jose School Abuse Attorney will:
- Gather all evidence related to the instances of abuse.
- Handle all court filings in documents involved in the case.
- Continually communicate with all parties involved in an attempt to work out a fair settlement on your behalf.
Our San Jose School Abuse Attorney Is Ready to Help You Through This
At Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, our dedicated and experienced team understands that school sexual abuse has long-lasting impacts on victims. We are dedicated to helping abuse survivors recover the compensation they deserve. If you or someone you care about has been sexually abused in a San Jose school, contact us for a free and confidential consultation of your case. We will get to work forming a plan to move on your case and get to compensation you deserve.