Tamalpais Union High School District Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Marin School District, San Francisco

Sexual abuse is a problem some parents worry about when their children head to school in California. Although cases are rare, the impact of child sexual abuse is incredibly serious. The Tamalpais Union High School District sexual abuse lawsuit has been the source of much controversy because of multiple students who were sexually abused.

Injury Lawyer Team is prepared to guide you through the claims process so you can bring your abuser and other negligent parties to justice. 

School District Pays $17.5 Million to Settle Lawsuits Filed Against Normandie Burgos

One individual at Tamalpais High School is responsible for several California school sexual abuse claims in Marin County. Normandie Burgos, a former tennis coach, was accused of abusing multiple boys during private tennis lessons. 

Additionally, he sexually abused boys on the tennis team under the guise of body fat tests. Instead of conducting the body fat tests in public, Normandie Burgos brought them to a back room, made them lie on a massage table, and abused them. 

Allegedly, a school administrator had witnessed an act of sexual misconduct by Burgos, but failed to intervene or report the incident. Since the district failed to take action against these body fat tests and child molestation activities, Normandie Burgos continued to engage in inappropriate behavior, despite multiple complaints. 

After a jury verdict in Marin County, the sexual abuse lawsuit filed in 2022 led to $17.5 million for four plaintiffs who had been sexually assaulted during private tennis lessons. Tamalpais Union High School District was found liable for the actions of the former tennis coach. 

What Laws Govern Sexual Abuse Claims Against California School Districts?

The following state and federal laws will influence a school sexual abuse claim:

• Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) – Teachers and other school employees are considered mandated reporters, which means they must report suspected sexual abuse of a child. Employers are also required to inform employees of their status as reporters at the time of hiring. 
• California Education Code – Under this code, schools are permitted to provide educational training to students on abuse prevention and trafficking. The code grants parents the right to excuse their children from these courses.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 – Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational institutions, including school districts. The act prohibits all forms of sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation. 

What Damages Can Victims of Sexual Assault Recover?

A successful sexual abuse case can lead to financial compensation for the victim. While you can pursue justice against the abuser and negligent parties who caused your suffering, you can also secure your financial future with a claim.

Here are the most common legal damages associated with sex abuse lawsuits:

Economic Damages

• Lost income – A victim who misses work due to injuries can recover lost wages with a settlement
• Medical expenses – For costs associated with the victim’s treatment, including surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Diminished earning capacity – A victim who struggles to find or maintain employment due to their abuse could recover additional compensation

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress – Sex abuse victims often suffer from mental health challenges like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal tendencies
• Pain and suffering – If the assault resulted in physical injuries, the plaintiff can recover damages for the pain they suffer
• Loss of enjoyment of life – The impact of sexual assault can lead to a diminished quality of life

Punitive Damages

• In cases involving gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or institutional cover-ups, a judge or jury may award punitive damages to the plaintiff to punish the defendant further

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action?

In the past, there was a statute of limitations on child sex abuse lawsuits that created a deadline for when victims could file for damages. However, state law § 340.1 abolished this statute of limitations entirely, so victims can pursue compensation at any time if they suffered childhood abuse or assault. 

However, plaintiffs who are at least 40 years old must include certificates of merit with their claims. This is a document signed by your attorney and a licensed mental health professional, confirming the meritorious basis for your lawsuit. 

If you need help navigating the certificates of merit, a sexual abuse lawyer in California can guide you through the steps required to obtain them. 

How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we have decades of experience supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Our team has secured millions for our clients while holding abusers accountable for their actions. Just as Tamalpais High School was held liable for the actions of the former tennis coach, you can bring justice to the institutions that failed to protect you.

Our legal services include:

• Investigating the abuser and at-fault institution
• Assessing all legal damages for fair compensation
• Gathering evidence
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Litigating in civil court if necessary

Our sexual abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win. If you have questions about the legal process, we can answer them during a free consultation.

Contact us today at 866-757-6452 to schedule your free case evaluation with a professional lawyer.