Children in juvenile detention centers and residential treatment homes are vulnerable in every way imaginable. Tragically, staff at some facilities sometimes abuse their power and commit sexual abuse against the youth in their care.
Recently, numerous allegations have emerged of sexual abuse at Abraxas facilities for juveniles in Pennsylvania. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group are representing plaintiffs in Abraxas juvenile center sexual abuse lawsuits. If you experienced sexual abuse in an Abraxas facility, get in touch with them today to learn more.
Allegations of Widespread Abuse
Abraxas is a company that has been running juvenile centers and residential treatment facilities for more than 50 years. There are long-standing allegations that emotional, physical, and sexual abuse occurred over decades at Abraxas facilities. Guards, counselors, nurses, and other staff members may have engaged in abusive activity toward the young residents.
Attorneys at Phillips Law Group are filing lawsuits on behalf of people who suffered sexual abuse at Abraxas juvenile centers. These are civil claims for financial compensation. There will be no criminal consequences to the defendant, but a survivor may receive accountability and the sense of empowerment that comes with seeking justice, in addition to a monetary award.
Potential Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
Childhood sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on a survivor’s self-concept. A history of sexual abuse can lead to problems in school, work, and personal relationships.
Fortunately, survivors are entitled to reimbursement for their medical expenses, including the cost of psychiatric treatment, medication, and therapy. When the abuse has limited their success in school or work, they can claim those losses. Survivors may also make claims for their physical and psychological suffering due to the abuse.
Someone who experienced regular abuse over months or years is likely to receive more compensation than a survivor of a single incident. More compensation is likely when there is evidence that the institution ignored complaints of sexual abuse or covered it up. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group can explain the factors that are likely to influence the amount of compensation a specific survivor receives in a civil claim for institutional sexual abuse at an Abraxas facility.
Timing Is Critical
There is significant clinical evidence that children who experience sexual abuse may require many years, even decades, to process it. Previously, in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for bringing civil actions related to sexual abuse was two years from the date of the incident if the survivor was an adult when the abuse occurred, or until a survivor’s 30th birthday if they were under 18. Consequently, abusers were safe from legal repercussions in a civil court once the statute of limitations had passed.
The legislature in Pennsylvania has addressed this issue, in part, through 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5533(b). People who were abused when they were younger than 18 now have until their 55th birthday to file a lawsuit seeking compensation, and those who were abused when they were between the ages of 18 and 24 have until their 30th birthday.
Unfortunately, these extended time frames only apply to those who suffered abuse after November 26, 2019. However, anyone who may be suffering from the impact of sexual abuse at an Abraxas facility that occurred before then should still contact the attorneys at Phillips Law Group, as Pennsylvania law may change to allow them to file a suit.
Contact Phillips Law Group if You Were Sexually Abused at an Abraxas Facility
People who were abused as children may not want to bring the memory forward or speak about it. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group respect your process and will never pressure you to move forward with a lawsuit before you are ready.
However, if you decide to seek justice and file an Abraxas juvenile center sexual abuse lawsuit, you can be confident that they will handle your case with sensitivity. If you feel that the time is right to confront those who sexually abused you, contact Phillips Law Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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