WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED IN A YOUTH SPORT?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
YOUTH SPORTS SEXUAL ABUSE
Nationwide Representation for Victims of Sexual Abuse by Youth Sports Coaches & Trainers
Coaches play an important role in the development of young athletes. Children often spend many hours training with coaches in competitive sports. Not only do coaches in sports organizations create strong interpersonal bonds predicated on trust and loyalty, they also assume legal responsibilities toward athletes to ensure their health and safety. Sports and recreational organizations have a duty to properly supervise their employees and volunteers to protect young participants from physical harm and sexual abuse.
Were you sexually abused?
Liability for Coaches and Athletic Program Directors
Sexual abuse of athletes in youth sports programs demonstrates a fundamental failure to ensure a safe environment for children. Liability for sexual misconduct often extends beyond the individual coach or perpetrator of the abuse. If the organization fails to meet its legal duty to maintain the safety of players and such negligence or willful conduct causes harm to the athlete, both the coach and the organization may be held liable.
Title IX provides a tool for holding youth organizations accountable on a federal level. Under Title IX, once a sports organization knows or should have reasonably known about sexual abuse within its institution, it is required to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation and initiate steps to protect athletes from future harm.
The “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017” outlines standards for preventing and addressing sexual abuse of young athletes. The legislation was introduced to prevent sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes by limiting certain interactions between coaches and athletes and mandating that inappropriate and illegal interactions be promptly reported to law enforcement.
In addition to properly supervising coaches, promptly investigating allegations, and initiating corrective action when warranted, supervising bodies for youth athletic programs are responsible for creating and maintaining written policies that define what constitutes acceptable contact and appropriate relationships between coaches and minor athletes.
Failure to maintain policies that create a safe environment for young athletes in the care of a coach is indicative of negligent supervision. In light of the plethora of sexual abuse cases by coaches and athletic program directors across the country, those who work in youth sports should be on notice of the potential for sexual misconduct in this environment.
The Problem of Sexual Abuse by Coaches
The potential for sexual abuse by coaches or athletic program directors is especially concerning given the unique nature of the relationship between child-athlete and coach. Coaches and child athletes often come into close contact in locker rooms, overnight trips and travel tournaments where parents and other adults may not be present. In addition to the many opportunities for unsupervised interaction, coaches may insist that divulging abuse will harm the team or that such activities are part of a routine hazing process.
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 in a youth sport.
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
We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims
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.