Lancaster County Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Financial Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse

Victims of child sex abuse can suffer lifelong consequences because of the actions of their abusers. If you have been similarly victimized at this facility, you can secure compensation for legal damages with a Lancaster County Juvenile Detention Center sexual abuse lawsuit.

Injury Lawyer Team is an experienced law firm helping survivors who were sexually abused as children seek justice against the at-fault parties. Our team will guide you through the legal process to improve your chances of winning your Pennsylvania youth detention center sexual abuse lawsuit.

Groundbreaking measures and Pennsylvania legislature for PA child sex abuse survivors

Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse at Lancaster County Juvenile Detention Center

There have been multiple allegations against this juvenile detention facility because of sexual abuse. Let’s examine some of the most prominent cases.

Lancaster County Pays Five Women $1.3 Million for Sexual Assault Claims

David Stevenson was employed as a guard at Lancaster County Juvenile Detention Center from 2016 to 2017. During that time, he was accused of sexually assaulting five girls who were living at the facility. Lawsuits from all five women have resulted in significant settlements.

In 2018, Stevenson pleaded guilty to institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact, and criminal solicitation.

The women in this case were dependency residents, which means they were housed separately from the rest of the detainees. According to the Assistant District Attorney, Stevenson tried to convince one of the girls to attempt suicide so she would be transferred to another facility where he could pick her up.

One Lawsuit Results in $400,000 for a Former Juvenile Detention Inmate

This case also involved the former youth care worker named David Stevenson. This lawsuit was the first one settled against Lancaster County and the Lancaster County Juvenile Detention Center for the victims of this former employee.

The plaintiff claimed that Stevenson displayed a pattern of sexually harassing behavior toward her, which eventually escalated to “outrageous criminal acts.” The girl’s attorney contended that the facility appeared to wait until it was caught red-handed before taking action against the former staff member.

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims?

Survivors who have been sexually abused can pursue a claim to hold their abusers accountable. While seeking justice is one of the primary motivations, victims can also secure fair compensation for legal damages suffered because of the sexual abuse.

Here are some legal damages you may qualify for as a survivor of sexual abuse:

Economic Damages

Lost income – For missed time at work due to injuries
Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgery, medical tests, rehabilitation, medication, and therapy
Future medical costs – For expenses related to future care
Diminished earning capacity – For the impact on your ability to find employment

Non-Economic Damages

Emotional distress – PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychological harm
Pain and suffering – For pain caused by sexual abuse injuries
Loss of enjoyment of life – For sexual abuse that causes victims to struggle to find joy in life

Punitive Damages

Children who have been sexually abused can also receive punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse at Pennsylvania Youth Residential Treatment Facilities?

Securing compensation in youth detention center sexual abuse lawsuits depends on establishing liability with the at-fault parties. Experienced legal representation can help you identify the responsible entities, which may include:

Security guards
Mental health treatment professionals
Medical personnel
Contractors
Administrators
Other inmates
Visitors
State agencies
Lancaster County Juvenile Detention Center
Lancaster County municipality

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Pennsylvania?

Several state laws govern the statute of limitations for those who file civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse:

42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(i) – Survivors of sexual abuse who were minors at the time can pursue a Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawsuit until their 55th birthdays.
42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(ii) – There is a temporary two-year window for claims that have expired under the current statute of limitations, which ends in November 2025.
42 Pa.C.S. §5524(7) – Adult victims of personal injuries, including sexual assault, have two years from the date of the incident or the date of discovery of their injuries to file claims.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

We are committed to helping sexual abuse survivors fight for justice and fair compensation. If you have suffered from Lancaster County Juvenile Detention Center sexual abuse, we can provide the following legal services:

Investigating the detention center
Providing a safe environment to share your story
Gathering evidence
Assessing legal damages
Negotiating with insurance companies
Litigating in civil court

Book a Free Consultation

Our attorneys will work on a contingency fee basis for your sexual abuse lawsuit. This means you owe nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome. We will also answer all your questions during a free, no-obligation consultation with our top attorneys.

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.