Holding San Diego Schools Accountable for Sexual Abuse | North County Injury Lawyers
When you send your child to school, you place an immense amount of trust in teachers, staff, and administrators. You trust them to provide an education in a safe and nurturing environment. The discovery that this trust has been broken by an act of sexual abuse is a parent’s worst nightmare. It is a profound betrayal that can leave lifelong scars on a child and their family.
At North County Injury Lawyers, we believe that schools have an absolute duty to protect the students in their care. When they fail, they must be held accountable. If your child has been a victim of sexual abuse in a school setting, a dedicated North County school sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the justice your family deserves.
The Duty of School Administrators to Prevent Abuse
Schools in San Diego County are not passive observers; they are legally obligated to take proactive steps to ensure student safety. This duty of care requires administrators to:
- Conduct Thorough Background Checks: Properly screen all employees and volunteers who will have contact with students, including teachers, aides, coaches, and support staff.
- Provide Adequate Training: Train all staff on how to recognize the signs of child sexual abuse, understand their obligations as mandated reporters, and follow proper reporting procedures.
- Enforce Proper Supervision: Ensure that students are never left in unsupervised or vulnerable situations with adults.
- Investigate All Allegations: Take every report of misconduct or abuse seriously and conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation.
- Report to Authorities: Immediately report any credible suspicion or allegation of abuse to law enforcement and Child Protective Services (CPS).
When a school fails in any of these critical duties, it can be an act of negligence that allows an abuser to harm a child. Sadly, recent examples across the country show administrators sometimes try to handle these situations “in-house” to avoid scandal, a decision that puts other children at risk.
Serving Families Across North County San Diego
Abuse can happen in any school, regardless of its reputation or location. Our firm represents families throughout North County and greater San Diego, including those in major school districts such as:
- Poway Unified School District
- San Marcos Unified School District
- Vista Unified School District
- Oceanside Unified School District
- Carlsbad Unified School District
- Escondido Union School District
Understanding the Statute of Limitations (AB 218)
For many years, victims of childhood sexual abuse were prevented from seeking justice because of strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations. However, California law has evolved. Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218) created a “look-back window,” temporarily reviving many civil claims for childhood sexual assault that were previously barred by the statute of limitations.
This law is complex, but it has provided a path to justice for many adult survivors. It is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney to determine how AB 218 may apply to your case.
Why Choose North County Injury Lawyers?
Choosing the right legal representation is critical. You need a team with not only legal skill but also a deep understanding of how school systems operate.
For over 20 years, North County Injury Lawyers has been a steadfast advocate for survivors of school abuse. Our founder, Randy Walton, offers unparalleled insight. Having served for 10 years as a governing board member for a large San Diego County school district, he understands the internal policies, procedures, and pressures that can lead to systemic failures. This insider’s perspective gives our clients a unique advantage in pursuing their claims.
If your family has been impacted by this devastating breach of trust, you are not alone. Let an experienced North County school sexual abuse lawyer stand with you.
Your story deserves to be heard. Contact North County Injury Lawyers today for a free, completely confidential consultation to discuss your case. All cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we secure a recovery for you.