The Lasting Effects of Misconduct of a Minor

No matter the reason that you ended up detained at a juvenile hall, you were a child, and you should have been kept safe during your time at the juvenile hall facility. Misconduct towards a minor is known to have lasting physical, mental, and emotional effects. The most obvious effects are always physical; physical harm resulting from misconduct towards a minor can include injuries to genitals, injuries to reproductive organs, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, fractures, lacerations, etc. Mental and emotional effects can include post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, fear, etc. In addition, victims of misconduct towards a minor are at an increased risk of drug use as well as of suicide.

Do I Have the Right to Sue if I experienced misconduct towards a minor at a Juvenile Hall in California?

Yes – you could have the right to file a lawsuit. If the facility was operated by a city, county, or state agency, then you could sue the agency directly. This is because these facilities are supposed to be safe for all detained youth. Operating entities have the duty to ensure that these facilities remain safe – they must ensure that they are subjecting employees to background checks, properly training employees, properly supervising employees and detainees, and actually addressing reports of misconduct towards a minor.

What is the Average Value of a Juvenile Hall Misconduct Case Win?

Misconduct towards a minor cases are typically high-value cases that can range anywhere from $1 million to $7.5 million – in some cases, settlement values go well above this range. Ultimately, the value of a claim is based on many factors, including the type of misconduct suffered, the resulting harm, whether the harm was permanent or had lasting effects (including physical, mental, and emotional effects), and whether the incident was covered up. In California, victims can be awarded triple damages if it is determined that their incident was covered up.

How Long Does it Typically Take to Win or Settle a Case?

Here at our law firm, we understand how difficult it can be for victims of misconduct towards a minor to come forward and file lawsuits. The process can be physically, mentally, and emotionally tolling. Here at our firm, we are committed to settling these types of cases as quickly as possible – so that you can get your settlement and put the traumatic experience behind you once and for all. Typically, we can settle these cases within six to eight months. Sometimes, the settlement process takes longer as issues come up; still, our team will do everything possible to settle your case in under two years. We are also committed to keeping our clients up to date every step of the way so that they are never left in the dark wondering what is happening with their claim.