Published by February 20, 2019 – A legal action has been initiated against the William S. Hart Union High School District located in Santa Clarita, California, along with an ex-basketball coach from Canyon High School, who faces accusations involving several instances of sexual misconduct.
The suit was filed on behalf of a former student who was a minor when the alleged abuse took place, according to Hometown Station KHTS [1]. Former coach Jeremy Haggerty was arrested on multiple counts of sexual abuse in Sept. 2018, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
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What’s the problem?
Plaintiff claims the abuse began his freshman year at Canyon High in 2009-2010, and continued well into his sophomore year at least. Haggerty, a trainer and coach on both the freshman and varsity boys basketball teams, used a hip injury suffered by the plaintiff during his freshman season as his excuse to probe and fondle the boy inappropriately. These private “therapy” sessions went on far longer than needed,and became increasingly physical and sexual in nature.
While the school district did have a specific protocol in place for handling cases of sexual abuse, Plaintiff’s case got overlooked and the abuse was allowed to continue, the complaint states.
“District employees shall report known or suspected incidences of child abuse in accordance with district regulations and state law,” the policy states. “Employees shall fully cooperate with the child protective agencies responsible for reporting, investigating and prosecuting cases of child abuse.”
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“Virtually all school employees” of the Hart District are mandated reporters, meaning they are required to report any child abuse, the policy said.
In addition to Haggerty and the Hart District, the lawsuit lists 60 other defendants identified only as “John Does,” about half of whom were “employees and agents” of the Hart District which had the responsibility of supervising children.
The other 30 defendants include individuals, businesses, corporations and other entities who had a “legal duty of care” to the victim of the abuse, the complaint states.
Hart School District declined comment on the charges, saying “We do not comment on pending litigation.”
More Resources:
- Santa Clara Basketball Coach Faces Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
- California Supreme Court to Rule on Sex Abuse Statute of Limitations
- UC Berkeley Harassment Case
- Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
FAQs
What compensation might be available in a sexual abuse lawsuit?
Compensation in a sexual abuse lawsuit may include medical expenses, costs for psychological counseling, compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages if the victim’s earning capacity was affected, and potentially punitive damages designed to punish the perpetrator and deter future misconduct.
How long do victims have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit varies depending on the circumstances. Generally, victims have until their 40th birthday or within five years of discovering the abuse as an adult to file a lawsuit. However, it is essential to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure the claim is filed within the applicable time limits.
What should I do if I or someone I know was a victim of sexual abuse by a coach?
If you or someone you know was a victim of sexual abuse by a coach, it is crucial to seek immediate support, including medical care and psychological counseling. Reporting the abuse to law enforcement is also important. Consulting with a lawyer who specializes in sexual abuse cases can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking justice and compensation.
Can multiple victims join together in a lawsuit against the coach?
Yes, multiple victims can join together in a lawsuit against the coach, particularly if they experienced similar abuse by the same individual. This can be done through a class action lawsuit or by consolidating individual lawsuits. Joining together can strengthen the case and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Do I have a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in sexual assault and harassment lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you were sexually abused, harassed, annoyed or molested, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and we can help.
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