WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED IN A CALIFORNIA JUVENILE DETENTION OR YOUTH RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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KERN COUNTY JAMES G. BOWLES JUVENILE HALL SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting For Survivors Sexually Abused at Kern County James G. Bowles Juvenile Hall in California
The abuse that allegedly occurred at Kern County James G. Bowles Juvenile Hall stripped survivors of their dignity and trust. At Levy Konigsberg, we believe in restoring that dignity by holding those responsible accountable. If you or someone you love has been harmed, contact us today. Justice is the first step toward reclaiming what was taken.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Abuse at Kern County James G. Bowles Juvenile Hall in California
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- In July 2022, Shaleah Ryman, a former correctional officer at the Kern County James G. Bowles Youth Detention Center, was charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old minor in custody at the facility between October 2021 and January of 2022. An investigation into the abuse uncovered graphic phone calls between Ryman and the incarcerated minor which included details about inappropriate touching. Ryman also allegedly showed inappropriate photos of herself to the minor and had a relationship with a second minor at the facility. Ryman denied the allegations at first but eventually admitted to officials to kissing the minor and engaging in sexual contact with him.
- In October 2015, two former detainees at the Kern County James G. Bowles Youth Detention Center brought suit for sexual abuse perpetrated against them by correctional officers at the facility. One plaintiff in the lawsuit alleged that correctional officer Cesar Navejar sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions in September 2014 while she was detained in the facility. The sexual abuse is alleged to have consisted of digital penetration and fondling. The second plaintiff alleged that correctional officer George Anderson sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions between September 2014 and January 2015 while she was detained in the facility. The sexual abuse is alleged to have consisted of digital penetration, fondling, and forced kissing.
- In September 2016, another alleged minor victim of correctional officer George Anderson filed suit for alleged sexual abuse perpetrated against her at the Kern County James G. Bowles Youth Detention Center in January and February of 2015. According to the lawsuit, while she was detained in the facility, Anderson directed the plaintiff to shower in a certain stall where the curtain had a gap, and he watched her shower and told her he liked to watch her shower. The lawsuit further alleges that Anderson would arrange to have this victim with him on “details” like painting at juvenile hall, and while they were alone, he would make inappropriate comments.
You may also have a legal basis to seek recourse if you were sent by the State of California to an out-of-state youth residential treatment center and were sexually abused there.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a guard, counselor, nurse, or other youth residential treatment or juvenile detention center staff member.
- The abuse occurred at any youth residential treatment or juvenile detention facility.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold youth residential treatment facilities, juvenile detention centers, private healthcare companies, and other facility operators accountable for their failures to stop abusive staff members and protect young residents.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
California Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Sexual abuse lawsuits, like other claims brought by plaintiffs who seek damages for injuries, are subject to a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. When the statute of limitations expires, victims are not able to file claims or recover compensation.
Fortunately, California has recognized that the statute of limitations can act as a barrier to justice for sexual abuse survivors, which research has shown can take years or decades to come to terms with their abuse and the damages it had caused. As such, California passed the Child Victims Act in 2019 to extend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits.
Under the CA Child Victims Act
- Survivors sexually abused as minors can file claims until age 40 (22 years after turning 18)
Determining the statute of limitations that applies to your case against California youth residential facility or juvenile detention center can be challenging, which is why it is best to bring your matter to the attention of an experienced lawyer.
We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers and youth residential treatment facilities. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.