Monterey County Youth Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Compensation for Victims Sexually Abused at Monterey County Youth Center
In California, sexual abuse is a common concern in juvenile detention centers across the state. Incarcerated minors are often very vulnerable to predators within the facility, and the fear of retaliation can prevent them from speaking out. If you are the victim of a Monterey County Youth Center sexual abuse incident, you have the legal right to pursue a lawsuit against the perpetrator and other negligent parties.
At Injury Lawyer Team, we have worked with many past survivors of sex abuse. Our California juvenile detention center sexual abuse attorneys can help you pursue justice against your abuser and secure a favorable settlement to cover legal damages.
Whether you suffered from childhood sexual abuse many years ago or your abuse occurred within the last few months, we will guide you through the claims process to increase your chances of financial compensation. Our firm has helped many victims file claims, maintaining a 98% success rate.
Sexual Abuse at Monterey County Youth Center
In 2020, the director of the Monterey County Youth Center was taken into custody for an alleged sexual relationshipwith a minor inmate. Jennifer Butz-Tavares had served at the center since 1997 in multiple roles, including probation officer, supervisor, and facility administrator.
Members of the Monterey County Probation Department discovered that inappropriate communications had been occurring between a staff member and an inmate at the facility, prompting them to request an internal investigation. The investigation revealed that there was sexual abuse of a criminal nature occurring between Butz-Tavares and the victim.
The director engaged in sexual contact with the child and continued the relationship after the victim left the facility and became an adult.
How Long Do Victims Have to File a Lawsuit After the CA Child Victims Act?
California passed the Child Victims Act, which eliminates the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse victims for sexual assaults that occurred on or after January 1st, 2024 (§ 340.1).
If you are at least 40 years old when you file a claim for Monterey County Youth Center sexual abuse as a minor, you must submit the claim along with certificates of merit. These are legal documents signed by your attorney and a mental health professional confirming the merits of your lawsuit.
Another law to consider in civil sex abuse lawsuits is Gov. Code § 905(m). This law guarantees sexual abuse survivors in county-run detention centers the right to sue those counties or their employees directly. Ordinarily, a six-month statute of limitations would be in place for lawsuits against government entities, but this regulation eliminates that statute.
Navigating these laws to file a successful lawsuit can be confusing, especially for victims who have been sexually abused in the Monterey County Youth Center. Our California sexual abuse lawyers can provide clarity while protecting your rights.
What Damages Can Victims Recover in Lawsuits Against California Juvenile Detention Facilities?
Our youth detention center sexual abuse lawyers can help you build a strong case for monetary compensation when seeking justice against your abuser.
Here are some examples of legal damages you may qualify for with a successful Monterey County Youth Center sexual abuse lawsuit.
Economic Damages
- Lost income – If your ability to work is hampered by injury from the abuse, you could apply for lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity – Many victims find it difficult to find and maintain employment based on their past trauma
- Medical expenses – Costs associated with your treatment after a sexual assault, including emergency care, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy
Non-Economic Damages
- Emotional distress – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide ideation are examples of psychological harm that may be caused by abuse
- Pain and suffering – If the physical abuse or sexual assault caused injuries, you could seek compensation for the pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life – These painful memories can make it difficult to enjoy many aspects of life, diminishing your quality of life
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or institutional cover-ups, a judge may award additional compensation known as punitive damages.
What Factors Affect Child Sexual Abuse Claim Values?
Numerous factors will determine the value of your settlement for Monterey County Youth Center sexual abuse. The severity of the sexual assault, the long-term impact, the number of victims (class-action lawsuits), insurance policy limits, and availability of evidence will all influence the compensation you receive.
Currently, the average settlement for sexual abuse lawsuits in California is $5.51 million, with a range of $10,921 to $135 million. The median case value is $1.46 million, indicating that half of all settlements are worth more than this amount, while the other half are worth less.
Often, childhood sexual abuse lawsuits are worth even more than those that involve adults due to the long-term impact and the criminal implications. Injury Lawyer Team will help you assess damages to determine how much your juvenile detention sexual abuse lawsuit may be worth.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Lawsuit Against a Juvenile Detention Facility?
Sexual abuse lawsuits depend on establishing liability and gathering evidence of wrongdoing. Our sexual abuse lawyers will investigate your situation to determine who is at fault for the Monterey County Youth Center sexual abuse.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Individual abusers
- Prison leadership (wardens and directors)
- Medical personnel
- Third-party contractors
- Security workers or system manufacturers
- Administrative staff members
- Monterey County
- Statewide institutions
How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help
If you want justice for the abuse you suffered as an inmate in Monterey County Youth Center, you will face many challenges. A lack of evidence, institutional cover-ups, liability confusion, defense lawyers, plaintiff credibility questions, and stubborn insurance companies could all undermine your legal action.
At Injury Lawyer Team, we are committed to investigating allegations of abuse. Whether the facility failed to provide adequate security or covered up your reports, we can offer the following legal services:
- Investigating Monterey County Youth Center
- Submitting subpoenas
- Assessing legal damages
- Gathering evidence after the abuse occurred
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
- Litigating in civil court
Past Sexual Abuse Lawsuits We Have Settled
Our sexual abuse lawyers have decades of experience helping survivors pursue legal action. Here are some past settlements we have won.
$21 million – A hotel chain resolved a case after a front desk clerk sexually assaulted a guest. The investigation revealed that the company failed to conduct a proper background check before hiring, which significantly increased its exposure. The incident drew attention to the issue of negligent hiring practices across the hospitality industry.
$1.9 million – A rideshare driver stalked and sexually assaulted a passenger. The case value reflected both corporate responsibility and the growing concern over passenger safety in the rideshare industry. The settlement highlighted the need for enhanced safety protocols and increased monitoring.
$1.16 million – A teenager was assaulted by a guard at a youth detention facility. The lack of oversight, abuse of authority, and the victim’s age factored into the case value. The case raised broader questions about the treatment of adolescents in state-run facilities.
Book a Free Consultation Today
Our team is prepared to help you seek a Monterey County Youth Center sexual abuse claim with strong legal representation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win. Our experience in past sexual abuse lawsuits can make all the difference in maximizing your settlement.
If you have suffered from sexual assault or abuse in a juvenile facility and want to know if your case qualifies for compensation, contact us today at 866-757-6452 to schedule a free consultation with an expert sexual abuse lawyer.
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.