Folsom Women’s Facility Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Female Inmates Sexually Abused at FSP in Represa

Numerous instances of inappropriate sexual contact have been cited at Folsom Women’s Facility (FSP), which was closed in 2023. If you have suffered from this type of scenario, you can pursue a Folsom Women’s Facility sexual abuse claim.

Injury Lawyer Team will guide you through the legal process to increase your chances of earning fair compensation. Whether your civil lawsuit involves an abusive officer, an assault by an inmate, or a negligent administrative staff member, our top attorneys will hold the at-fault party accountable. 

New Folsom Women’s Facility Allegations

Folsom Women’s Facility had a history of abuse allegations before it was shut down in 2023. Other nearby facilities, such as FCI Dublin and Central California Women’s Facility, have drawn more scrutiny from high-profile cases, but the same patterns are being uncovered at FSP. 

In recent years, multiple survivors have come forward with complaints about the culture of abuse that was allowed at this location. Incarcerated women are now reporting misconduct, a lack of adequate security, and threats of retaliation for reporting abuse. Systemic cover-ups of assault allegations are also being uncovered. 

This goes to show that many survivors remain silent for years due to the fear of speaking out. Just as neighboring facilities like FCI Dublin (nicknamed the “rape club”) struggle to prevent all forms of sex abuse, it is clear that Folsom Women’s Facility failed to protect many incarcerated women. 

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

A top-rated sexual abuse law firm can play a crucial role in securing compensation and helping you speak out against the perpetrators. Injury Lawyer Team maintains an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, and our attorneys are recognized among the top 5% by Super Lawyers. 

Sexual Abuse Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm

Our California sexual abuse law firm has recovered millions of dollars for past victims of sexual violence, including women who have been incarcerated in this state. Here are some of our past settlements. 

• $21,000,000 – A young woman named Jasmine was assaulted by a hotel desk clerk in San Francisco after the chain failed to run a proper background check. The incident exposed major corporate negligence in hiring practices and a lack of safety protocols. The settlement reflected the lifelong psychological impact and the company’s responsibility to protect guests.
• $15,000,000 – Several boys at a private school in Orange County were groomed and abused by a longtime coach who had unsupervised access to students. Evidence showed that administrators ignored early warning signs, thereby increasing their liability. The case value was shaped by the repeated nature of the abuse and the long-term harm to the boys’ mental health and development.
• $5,000,000 – Two men, David and Ryan, came forward about being sexually exploited by their therapist in Sacramento during treatment sessions. The abuse was compounded by the therapist’s use of his professional authority and manipulation of vulnerable patients. The recovery accounted for the severe breach of trust, loss of safety, and the need for lifelong counseling.
• $2,333,000 – Maria and Ana, two patients at a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles, were sexually assaulted by a certified nursing assistant during their stay. The institution failed to monitor staff despite prior red flags, which increased the case value. The settlement accounted for the trauma, emotional scars, and the betrayal of trust in a medical setting.
• $2,000,000 – John was sexually assaulted as a teenager by a maintenance worker at a large Catholic church in Los Angeles. The church failed to vet non-clerical staff, despite being trusted to protect children. The investigation uncovered both the institutional negligence and the lifelong emotional damage suffered by John.
• $1,160,000 – Seventeen-year-old Marcus was assaulted by a guard at a juvenile detention center in Fresno. The institution had a history of understaffing and had overlooked multiple complaints of staff misconduct. The settlement reflected the custodial setting, the vulnerability of the teen, and the psychological damage caused.

Types of Sexual Violence Against Female Inmates in Folsom Women’s Facility

Our law firm has handled several types of prison sexual abuse lawsuits, including:

• Sexual misconduct by prison officials and other staff
• Sexual harassment during intake, strip searches, or pat-downs
• Abuse of power or coercion by prison leadership in exchange for basic needs or privileges
• Failing to vet new correctional staff properly
• Inmate-on-inmate abuse enabled by staff negligence
• Retaliation and cover-ups after reporting misconduct

What Are the Most Common Causes of Sexual Abuse in Women’s Detention Centers in California?

Several circumstances can cause inappropriate sexual activity in a women’s institution. Injury Lawyer Team will help you determine the cause to fight for fair compensation. Potential causes may include:

• Insufficient supervision and oversight
• Inadequate training for the correctional officers
• Understaffing that leads to less facility control
• Corruption and cover-ups by leadership to protect employees
• Systemic retaliation against survivors who speak out

What Are the Most Common Injuries Female Inmates Sustain?

A civil lawsuit can recover damages suffered due to the emotional, physical, and financial consequences of the sex abuse. Here are some of the most common injuries cited in these lawsuits: 

• Physical injuries – Broken bones, lacerations, bruises, sprains, and strains
• Reproductive health complications – Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Difficulty reintegrating into society

What Damages Can Sexually Abused Female Inmates Recover in Civil Lawsuits in California?

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of normal life

Punitive Damages

• For cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct

What Is the Average Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Payout in California?

The average sexual abuse settlement for a case involving a women’s institution is roughly $2.5 million, with a range of $1 million to $5 million. However, your outcome will depend on specific circumstances, such as the severity of the injury, liability, insurance policies, evidence, and the long-term impact of the incident.

Why You Need a Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Succeeding with a civil lawsuit can be a challenge without experienced legal representation. Our legal team can help you pursue justice while overcoming the following challenges:

• Survivor Intimidation – Survivors are often threatened or coerced by leadership and staff to remain quiet about their abuse.
• Lack of Transparency – When abuse does occur, evidence is often deleted or swept under the rug to protect the perpetrator. 
• Complex Federal and State Laws – Our attorneys will help you understand your rights under state and federal laws.
• Need for Specialized Evidence Gathering – We can secure evidence that you may not know how to acquire to strengthen your claim. 

How Common Is Sexual Assault Among Female Inmates in California?

Nationwide and in California, the statistics behind prison sexual assault and abuse are staggering. In this state, there were 236 reports of non-consensual acts among prisoners in 2019. However, only six of these cases were substantiated. 

Similarly, 168 reports of abusive sexual contact were reported, with only five being substantiated. 

What Laws Govern Lawsuits Filed for Female Inmate Sexual Abuse in Folsom Women’s Facility?

• Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2023 (PREA) – Regulations for preventing, investigating, and responding to alleged sexual abuse cases in prisons. 
• 42 U.S.C. §1983 – Survivors of abuse or assault can sue state agencies (such as prisons) for violating their constitutional rights.
• Article I, § 17 of the California Constitution – Cruel or unusual punishment is not allowed, which can include failing to prevent abuse. 
• California Civil Code § 52.1 (Bane Act) – Civil action can follow if a person’s constitutional rights are interfered with via threats, coercion, or retaliation. 
• California Penal Code § 2635–2639 – Sexual acts with inmates are prohibited regardless of consent. 

How Long Do Sexually Abused Female Inmates Have to Take Legal Action in California?

Survivors of assault have ten years from the abuse or three years from the discovery of their injuries to pursue justice via a civil claim in California (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.16).

If the victim was a minor at the time of the incident, they are allowed to file a claim until the age of 40 or five years after discovering the abuse, whichever is later (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.1). 

Who Is Legally Liable for Abuse in Folsom Women’s Facility?

Determining the liable party is one of the first steps required in a sex abuse lawsuit. Potentially liable parties for misconduct in a detention center may include:

• Correctional officers and other staff members
• Other women incarcerated in the facility
• Supervisors and wardens
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• Private prison corporations

Common Defenses in Sex Abuse Cases Involving Prisons

Here are some common defenses an abusive officer or other defendant may use to counter your California women’s prison sexual assault claim:

• There was consent from the plaintiff
• There is no evidence of inappropriate behavior
• The statute of limitations has passed
• The plaintiff is exaggerating the events or impact

Our professional lawyers can counter these arguments with additional evidence, such as past complaints, surveillance footage, witness statements, medical expert testimony, and photos of your injuries. 

How to Strengthen Your Case Against Folsom Women’s Facility

Building a strong case begins the moment you experience assault or abusive behavior. Here are the steps you should follow to prepare for potential injury claims:

• Report the behavior to the administrative staff at FSP
• Document your injuries and abuse
• Seek medical attention for physical injuries
• Preserve physical evidence
• Gather information from witnesses
• Consult Injury Lawyer Team as soon as possible to discuss pursuing justice

How an Experienced Lawyer Can Help

Our legal services include:

• An investigation of the behavior and the facility
• Researching the facility through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Assessing legal damages
• Negotiating with insurers
• Litigating in civil court if necessary

FAQs

How much does a women’s prison sexual abuse attorney cost in California?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win. 

Who can file a women’s prison sexual abuse claim?

Adult survivors and legal representatives or guardians of minor victims can file lawsuits for sexual misconduct. 

Can I file a lawsuit if the facility is now closed?

Responsibility for your mistreatment does not disappear when a facility shuts down, so you can still file a lawsuit for abuse suffered at Folsom Women’s Facility, despite the fact that it closed in 2023. 

Can I file a lawsuit if I never filed a formal complaint at the facility?

Yes, you can still file a claim if you did not lodge a formal complaint with the facility, as long as you are within the statute of limitations. 

Can I file a lawsuit if the person who abused me was never criminally charged?

Criminal charges and civil women’s prison sexual assault lawsuits are separate actions, so you can seek compensation whether there is a criminal proceeding or not. 

Are there any protections for survivors who face retaliation for reporting?

Survivors are protected under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), California’s Bane Act, and federal civil rights laws. 

Book a Free Consultation

When you work with Injury Lawyer Team, there are no upfront costs for our services. Our top attorneys can help you seek justice against Folsom Women’s Facility and individual officers or staff members who are responsible for your abuse. We want to help undo the culture of abuse that exists in many California prisons. 

If you have suffered from sexual misconduct at Folsom Women’s Facility, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.