San Francisco County School Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse in San Francisco Schools

Child sex abuse is a widespread issue in schools across California. Although educational institutions are designed to prioritize safety and learning, they can still have systemic failures that allow abuse to occur. Survivors pursue San Francisco County School sexual abuse lawsuits to recover compensation and hold at-fault parties accountable. 

When you need help pursuing this type of claim, Injury Lawyer Team is the law firm you need. Our attorneys have decades of experience supporting legal claims by sex abuse survivors, and we can help you navigate the complexities of San Francisco sexual abuse lawsuits. 

Allegations of Abuse Involving the San Francisco Unified School District

The San Francisco Unified School District has been implicated in at least two sexual abuse lawsuits. Abuse can have a major impact on the victim’s life, affecting areas like academic success, social relationships, happiness, and the ability to trust authority figures. 

Let’s take a closer look at these school sexual abuse lawsuits in California.

Lawsuit Against Former Teacher at Lowell High School

A former teacher and counselor at Lowell High School was sued by a former student identified as John Doe. In the lawsuit, the man claimed that the school had failed to properly supervise Harlan Edelman, which enabled him to abuse the plaintiff during the 2004-205 academic year. 

According to the claim, Edelman began grooming the victim under the pretense of educational mentorship. After establishing himself as a trustworthy adult, he started sexually abusing John Doe on school grounds, despite the warning signs being ignored by school officials. 

The investigation also revealed that another student had been sexually assaulted by a different counselor, which Edelman helped cover up. 

Although the abuse occurred 20 years earlier, the plaintiff received a $1.5 million settlement from the San Francisco Unified School District. This payout reflects the emotional impact of the abuse on the victim’s life for years beyond high school. 

Lawsuits Against Former Athletic Director of George Washington High School

In a separate case, two former students received $4.5 million from the San Francisco Unified School District because of abuse suffered at the hands of former athletic director Lawrence Young-Yet Chan. 

According to the female students, the abuse often occurred during school hours and on school property. The plaintiffs recalled that the alleged abuse occurred in his office, a stairwell, the student government classroom, and the locker room. The lawyer for the girls who were sexually assaulted made it clear that the district was responsible for protecting students from sexual assault. 

One of the survivors reported Chan’s behavior to the local police in 2017. After the police report was completed, Chan signed a confidential settlement with the school district, allowing him to resign from his position. 

The settlement with school officials was reached due to negligent hiring and a failure to enforce protective measures that would prevent sexual assault. 

What Damages Can Child Sexual Abuse Victims Recover?

If you experienced sexual abuse as a minor at an educational facility, you have the right to pursue compensation. However, winning a school sexual abuse lawsuit can be an overwhelming challenge. 

The attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team can provide the legal guidance necessary to prove legal damages and maximize your settlement. Let’s look at the most common legal damages in cases involving sexual assault.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are associated with specific amounts, making them slightly easier to calculate. 

Your best hope of receiving maximum compensation is with a lawyer who can accurately assess the following losses:

• Lost income – Lost wages caused by an inability to work due to injuries
• Lost earning capacity – Your ability to find and maintain employment may be affected by physical and emotional consequences
• Medical expenses – If you were sexually assaulted, the settlement can cover medical costs like emergency care, medication, and therapy

Non-Economic Damages

Many settlements in abuse cases reach higher values because of non-economic losses. 

These damages are connected to the emotional and financial impact of the abuse:

• Emotional distress – Victims of abuse or assault often struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, suicide ideation, and other mental health challenges
• Pain and suffering – A particularly violent assault could leave the victim with severe injuries that cause ongoing pain
• Loss of enjoyment of life – The victim’s ability to enjoy life to the fullest is often damaged by the abuser, which can lead to additional compensation

Punitive Damages

In some cases, gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or institutional cover-ups could lead to additional compensation in the form of punitive damages

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action After the CA Child Victims Act?

A statute of limitations sets a deadline for when a victim can pursue a sex abuse lawsuit in California. Under newer legislation (§ 340.1), the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse was eliminated. This means there is no deadline for filing a lawsuit if you were sexually abused as a child. 

However, there are additional steps for plaintiffs who are at least 40 years old. If you are at this age, you must include certificates of merit with your claim. Your attorney and a licensed mental health professional must sign this document. Certificates of merit confirm the meritorious basis for your lawsuit. 

Whether you are suing the San Francisco Unified School District or an individual abuser, Injury Lawyer Team will ensure you understand the requirements for filing a claim involving sexual assault. 

How Our Legal Team Can Help

Navigating the claims process for childhood sexual abuse can be overwhelming. Even if you are seeking justice for events that occurred decades ago, reliving these moments can bring up numerous emotional challenges that make securing compensation feel impossible. 

At Injury Lawyer Team, our job is to hear your story with compassion and guide you through the legal process. Together, we will fight to hold the at-fault parties accountable and maximize your settlement.

Our legal services include:

• A thorough investigation of the abuse
• An assessment of all relevant legal damages
• Gathering specialized evidence, even if the incident occurred long ago
• Strong negotiation tactics with insurance companies
• Litigation in civil court, if necessary. 

Many of our clients initially wondered if pursuing sex abuse lawsuits was right. At our firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs for our services, and you only pay if we win a settlement. 

If you are ready to hold a high school or academic professional accountable for misconduct, contact us today at 866-757-6452 to schedule a free consultation.