Franklin High School Football Coach Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Claim Your Sexual Abuse Case

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse by a school coach, teacher, or other authority figure, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to sexual abuse. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Table Of Contents

What’s the Problem?
Latest Highland Park Football Coach Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates
Sexual Abuse Injuries & Side Effects
Do You Qualify for a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
- Evidence Required for a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
- Damages You Can Recover
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
FAQs
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
References

What’s the Problem?

April 21, 2015 – Jaime Jimenez, 46, was arrested last Thursday and is being held on $450,000 bail, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He faces a maximum sentence of nearly 30 years in prison if convicted on 23 felony counts — 5 counts of sodomy on a person under 16, 6 counts of oral copulation on a person under 16, and 12 counts of lewd acts on a child.

Jimenez, who has coached football at Franklin High School since 1998, was removed from his post after his arrest. Investigators believe he “may have victimized former students who are now adults and are urging them to come forward.”

Prosecutors allege Jimenez committed the crimes away from school grounds between Aug. 2002 and Dec. 2014. Police believe some of his alleged victims could be adults now, and urged them to come forward with any information.

Latest Highland Park Football Coach Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates

January 13, 2017 – Jaime Jimenez was sentenced to 36 years in state prison for abusing 5 teenage boys. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ray G. Jurado imposed the term on Jimenez to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and not to contact the victims for 10 years [1].

November 15, 2016 – Former Franklin High School volunteer coach Jamie Jimenez pleaded no contest on Thursday to charges that he sexually abused five teen boys. The 48-year-old was charged with two felony counts each of continuous sexual abuse and lewd acts on a child 14 to 15 years old and one count of misdemeanor sexual battery [2].

May 16, 2016 – Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is being sued by five former high school students who allege they were sexually abused by Jaime Jimenez, an ex-volunteer assistant football coach who’s being prosecuted on felony sexual abuse charges. The alleged abuse occurred from 2002-2013; four of the plaintiffs are young men and the fifth is a minor represented in the complaint by his parents [3].

Sexual Abuse Injuries & Side Effects

Sexual abuse victims often experience a range of serious physical, psychological, and social effects:

Psychological Trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts
Behavioral Issues: Substance abuse, self-harm, disrupted social development, and difficulty forming healthy relationships
Academic Consequences: Declining school performance, avoidance of school activities, and educational setbacks
Long-term Health Effects: Chronic pain, sleep disorders, and various physical manifestations of psychological trauma

Do You Qualify for a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a sexual abuse lawsuit if:

You were a student at Franklin High School between 1998-2015, particularly if you were involved with the football program
You experienced sexual abuse or inappropriate contact by Jaime Jimenez or another school authority figure
You have suffered psychological, physical, or emotional harm as a result of the abuse
You can provide evidence supporting your claims of abuse

Evidence Required for a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Successful sexual abuse lawsuits typically require:

Medical records documenting physical or psychological treatment related to the abuse
Testimony from witnesses or other victims
School records confirming your attendance during the relevant time period
Documentation of any reports made to school officials or law enforcement
Expert testimony regarding the psychological impact of the abuse

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of sexual abuse may be eligible to recover damages including:

Medical expenses for physical and psychological treatment
Therapy and counseling costs
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages against the school district for negligent supervision

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Sexual abuse cases, particularly those involving minors, often have special provisions regarding the statute of limitations. In many states, victims can file claims years or even decades after the abuse occurred. However, specific timeframes vary by state and case circumstances. California has extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing many survivors to pursue justice even years after the incidents occurred.

FAQs

1. How has the community reacted to the allegations against the football coach?

The community has expressed shock and outrage, with many demanding justice for the victims, increased accountability, and stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

2. What legal actions are being pursued against the football coach?

Legal actions include criminal charges, possible civil lawsuits from victims, and the coach’s immediate suspension, with the potential for significant penalties if found guilty in court.

3. How are the victims being supported following the coach’s arrest?

Victims are receiving counseling, legal guidance, and emotional support from specialized services and advocacy groups dedicated to helping them cope with the trauma and navigate the legal process.

4. Can schools be held liable for sexual abuse by coaches or teachers?

Yes, schools can be held liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of staff who commit abuse, as well as for failing to implement proper safety protocols or ignoring warning signs.

5. What types of compensation can sexual abuse victims receive?

Victims may receive compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages against responsible institutions.

6. How long do sexual abuse victims have to file a lawsuit?

Statutes of limitations vary by state, but many have special provisions for child sexual abuse cases that extend the time limit or begin the countdown when victims reach adulthood or discover the connection between their injuries and the abuse.

7. What resources are available for sexual abuse survivors?

Resources include therapy services, support groups, legal advocates, and organizations specializing in trauma recovery and victim advocacy.

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Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

If you or someone you love has been sexually abused by a coach, teacher, or other school authority figure, time is limited to pursue legal action. Many states have specific statutes of limitations for filing sexual abuse claims.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer: