Holley Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Holley Center is one of many youth residential treatment facilities in New Jersey. This facility has been the subject of multiple lawsuits by sexually abused victims. Several former employees have also been arrested because of Holley Center sex abuse scandals. 

If you have been the victim of similar treatment at this type of institution, you can pursue justice against the at-fault parties via a lawsuit. A New Jersey sexual abuse lawyer will help you recover the compensation you deserve for legal damages.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we provide a compassionate approach to survivors of abuse. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and will guide you through the claims process to maximize your chances of securing a fair settlement. 

Our attorneys have experience holding individual abusers, state agencies, and facility administrators liable for sexual misconduct. 

The Allegations of Abuse at the Holley Center in Hackensack, NJ

New Jersey residential treatment centers are designed to provide care for those in difficult situations, but systemic failures can open the door to predators. On multiple occasions, staff members have failed to protect residents from sexual abuse. 

Two Employees Arrested in 2022 for Sexually Abusing Teens

Garry Rucker served as a resident assistant at the facility until he was arrested due to accusations of assault of a minor. Terrell Wilson, a cook at the facility, was also arrested for sexually assaulting a minor and potentially infecting the victim with HIV. Both men were arrested within months of each other for sexually assaulting minors while employed at the Holley Center. 

At the time of reporting, Wilson’s victim was undergoing testing to determine if they had contracted HIV. The effects of the aftermath led to significant reforms at Holley Center. 

Unit Supervisor Sexually Abuses a Teenager in 2012

In another case, Daniel Blathers was a unit supervisor at the Holley Child Care facility in North Jersey. He was responsible for checking on the status of underage residents, but he took advantage of this position to engage in childhood sexual abuse. 

Blathers was charged with third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. 

The Holley Child Care and Development Center’s Duty of Care 

Duty of care is a legal term often used in civil cases. Holley Child Care Development Center had a legal duty of care toward its residents to provide medical services and protect them from harm. Since the facility failed to uphold this standard and allowed predators to commit sexual abuse, it is liable for the suffering of the victims. 

In personal injury cases, victims must prove that the defendant had a legal duty of care to prevent the harm. For sexual abuse that occurs at a treatment center in New Jersey, the duty of care is very straightforward. 

Institutional Negligence at the Jersey Residential Treatment Facility

In many cases, systemic failures pave the way for sexual abuse to occur. At Holley Child Care Development Center, negligent hiring practices, inadequate supervision of staff, and the failure to act on reports of sexual abuse created more victims. 

Institutional negligence is a factor in so many of these cases. Experiencing sexual abuse in a mental health facility is often preventable if the right procedures are in place, such as thoroguh background checks, ample security, and sufficient supervision. When staff members in a New Jersey treatment facility consistently fail to prevent abuse, the pattern reflects the need for deep institutional changes. 

What Damages Can Adult Survivors Recover in a Civil Lawsuit?

When victims of sexual abuse seek justice with a civil lawsuit, they can recover compensation for legal damages. The three primary categories of damages are economic, non-economic, and punitive. Let’s examine some of the most common damages for survivors of sexual abuse.

Compensation for Lifelong Therapy and Medical Treatment

Medical expenses can be substantial if you have been sexually abused. The settlement can cover emergency care, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy costs. 

Damages for Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress

Settlements can increase in value due to non-economic damages, which are often related to the long-term impact of the child abuse. These losses may include emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Why You Need an Experienced Holley Center Abuse Lawyer

Pursuing legal action comes with unique challenges. You may face a powerful institution while trying to navigate complex legal statutes in New Jersey. A specialized law firm can ensure there is a level playing field against the defendant, while also overcoming common defenses in sexual assault cases. 

New Jersey Laws Governing Child Sexual Abuse Claims

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:61B-1 – A victim of sexual abuse may pursue legal damages against individual abusers or financial institutions. Potential damages can include lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:14-2 – Sexual assault is defined as an act of sexual penetration with another person that is either against someone under 13 years old, with a relative between 13 and 16, alongside another criminal action, or committed through coercion or threats. 

How Long Do Victims Have to File Lawsuits?

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:14-2b & § 2A:61B-1 – Under this statute of limitations, you can seek justice for child sex abuse intol you are 55 years old or seven years after discovering the abuse, whichever is later. 

For criminal charges, there is no statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault in New Jersey. 

Who Is Liable for Abuse at the Holley Child Care Development Center? 

Establishing the liable party is essential if you have experienced sexual abuse. At Injury Lawyer Team, we can help you identify the at-fault parties, which is often more complex than just the individual abuser.

Here are some potentially liable parties in your case involving Holley Child Care Development Center:

• The individual abuser
• Negligent staff members
• The youth residential treatment center
• Administrators
• Youth Consultation Services (parent company)
• State agencies for failing to investigate allegations

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

Our sexual abuse law firm can guide you throughout the legal process. Pursuing legal action can be overwhelming, especially if you are navigating the emotional trauma of reliving your abuse. 

Our legal services include:

• Investigating the institution for past complaint reports
• Protecting your legal rights under state and federal laws
• Assessing all legal damages to maximize your settlement
• Submitting subpoenas to acquire facility documents
• Obtaining evidence of psychiatric issues and emotional suffering from licensed therapists
• Speaking to witnesses to establish liability
• Negotiating with insurance companies for improved offers
• Litigating in civil court if necessary

Schedule a Confidential, Free Consultation with Our Law Firm Today

When survivors want to file claims against their abusers, success is never guaranteed. Injury Lawyer Team will greatly increase your chances of securing compensation, as we maintain a 98% success rate with our clients. Whether you suffered due to systemic issues at Holley Child Care Development Center or the actions of a single predator, our law firm will help you hold the at-fault parties accountable. 

Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome. Our payment is then deducted right from the settlement, so there are no out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, you can use a free consultation to discuss your claim prospects with a professional lawyer. 

These case evaluations are completely confidential, so you can take advantage of this safe space to ask questions about child sexual abuse. 

If you want to know more about mental health facility sexual abuse lawsuits, contact us today at 866-757-6452 to schedule your 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.