Coaches and athletes often form close bonds, spending many hours together working towards a common goal. Although most coaches want what is best for their athletes, some use their authority to take advantage of the children in their care. Child sexual abuse by coaches in Irvine can leave victims with lifelong trauma and deep-rooted trust issues.
At the Cifarelli Law Firm, we understand the life-changing impact sexual abuse can have on a child. Our attorneys are here to help protect children’s legal rights and hold abusive coaches accountable. If you or your child has been sexually abused in their youth sports organization, contact our firm to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
Sexual abuse can occur when a coach in Irvine takes advantage of their position of authority and violates a child’s trust. Athletes want to make their teachers proud and are often taught not to question their coaches. However, an abusive coach may use that power to harm a child. Sexual abuse can take many forms, including:
An experienced lawyer could protect you or your child’s legal rights when a coach acts inappropriately.
Sexually abusive coaches often groom their victims. Common signs of grooming include a coach giving gifts or special privileges to a child, trying to isolate the athlete from the team, or texting or calling the athlete outside of the team messaging system. A coach may begin to have sexual conversations with the child or ask them to keep things secret from their parents. Grooming can be gradual and hard to recognize, but an experienced Irvine attorney could help examine potential signs and take action against sexual abuse committed by sporting instructors.
Victims of sexual assault at the hands of an Irvine coach deserve to be compensated for their damages. The perpetrator may be criminally charged, resulting in significant fines and jail time. The victim may also file a civil lawsuit and seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include medical expenses incurred as a result of the abuse, the cost of present and future therapy, and relocation expenses if you and your family had to move schools as a result of the abuse. Compensation may also be sought for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering and emotional distress. Punitive damages could be awarded to punish the coach and discourage others from committing similar acts. A dedicated sexual abuse lawyer could ensure that all possible compensation is requested on your behalf.
Coaches and children spend many hours together, practicing and improving the athlete’s skills. In cases of child sexual abuse by coaches in Irvine, those responsible should be held accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney could ensure that you and your child’s rights are protected and that the perpetrator is punished.
The lawyers at the Cifarelli Law Firm are dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse across California. Contact us today to discuss the facts of your case.
If you or your child has been a victim, talk to an Irvine child sexual abuse lawyer at The Cifarelli Law Firm. Our team is passionate about advocating for victims and helping them seek justice. We understand this is a difficult situation, and we strive to create a place where victims from all over California can feel safe and heard. Call The Cifarelli Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
(949) 502-8600
