Irvine Child Abuse Lawyer

Knowing your child suffered abuse at someone else’s hands is heartbreaking. Child abuse often involves a criminal investigation and substantial legal consequences for the liable party. However, you may also have the right to hold the entity that allowed your child to suffer abuse under their care liable for their negligence. An Irvine child abuse lawyer could help you learn more about your rights and assist you in shaping your claim.

The child injury attorneys at the Cifarelli Law Firm are dedicated to providing compassionate legal assistance to families throughout Southern California. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Filing a Claim for Child Abuse

Filing a civil child abuse claim in Irvine allows you to hold the party responsible for your child at the time of abuse liable for negligent supervision or other careless actions. These entities may include:

• Daycares
• Schools
• Clubs and organizations
• Afterschool care
• Sporting organizations
• Churches

Holding these organizations accountable can not only provide your family with compensation for your child’s suffering, but it can also help encourage changes that protect other children from similar abuse.

Liability for Child Abuse

Liability for child abuse may rest with negligent organizations that allow a child to suffer abuse under their care. Negligence may refer to behaviors such as:

• Failing to conduct proper background checks on employees
• Failure to properly monitor or supervise employee interactions with children
• Not responding to reports of possible abuse or mistreatment
• Ignoring obvious problems with an employee, including one who yells at or lays hands on children in their care

Organizations responsible for children bear a high duty of care when it comes to preventing injury. An Irvine child abuse attorney could identify negligent behaviors committed by an organization and help your family pursue compensation for your child’s abuse.

Compensation in Child Abuse Cases

While children under 18 cannot file an injury claim for themselves, their parent or legal guardian can file on their behalf. Such claims generally include compensation for:

• Any medical costs your child faces because of their injuries
• The increased cost of caring for your child following their injuries
• Wages your minor child may have missed out on if they could not work following the abuse
• Your child’s suffering

California courts must approve any settlement offered to a minor in a Minor’s Compromise hearing to ensure it fairly represents their interests. In addition, the funds from a child abuse claim belong to the child, not their parents, and will be held in a blocked account that cannot be accessed until they turn 18. The funds may also be placed in a trust that can be accessed only under specific circumstances, often with court approval. An Irvine lawyer could further explain how compensation is awarded in child abuse cases and under what circumstances funds can be accessed.

Contact an Irvine Child Abuse Attorney as Soon as Possible

If your child has suffered abuse while under the care of another entity or organization, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. An Irvine child abuse lawyer could help you understand the details of a child abuse claim and demonstrate the impact the abuse has had on your child and family. Reach out to the Cifarelli Law Firm today for a free case review.