Participating in recreational sports leagues can be great not only for a young child’s physical fitness and well-being, but also for developing social skills, fostering positive habits, and helping them learn how to work well as part of a group. Unfortunately, not every youth sports league is operated as responsibly as it should be by the adults in charge. Sometimes, that lack of oversight and supervision can allow predators to violate the rights of children entrusted into their care.
If you or your child experienced any form of sexual molestation or assault from someone working at a youth athletic organization, you have the right to take proactive legal action. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group know all too well how devastating this type of crime can be for a young person and for everyone who loves them. Once retained, an injury lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure your youth sports sexual abuse claim has the best possible resolution.
Know the Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports Programs
One of the most insidious aspects of childhood sexual abuse, whether it occurs through a youth sports program or in any other context, is how difficult it can be for even diligent and attentive parents to recognize it while it is occurring. Most abusers try very hard to hide what they are doing from other adults. Children who are experiencing sexual mistreatment may be afraid to speak up about it or, depending on their age, may not have the words to properly express or understand that what they are experiencing is unlawful sexual abuse.
However, certain behaviors can be potential indicators that an adult coach, trainer, or physician has an inappropriate relationship with one or more minors in their care. These include:
- Refusal to respect boundaries, especially if a child has told them “no”
- Talking with children about age-inappropriate topics
- Acting like a child’s friend rather than as an adult leader or role model
- Giving gifts to a child without any clear reason
- Spending a lot of time with one child in particular
- Making inappropriate comments about a child’s sexual development
Anyone with concerns about inappropriate behavior towards their child by a youth sports organization employee or volunteer should reach out to the organization leaders for help with minor issues and go immediately to the police if there are suspicions of illegal sexual activity.
Demanding Compensation From All Liable Parties
In addition to ensuring young athletes are at minimal risk of injury from excessive physical strain or improper technique, youth sports organizers and employers have a duty to supervise and train their employees and volunteers to ensure that no child in their care experiences sexual abuse. If a youth sports organization fails to fulfill this duty of care, the organization as a whole may be civilly liable for ensuing damages alongside the person or people who perpetrated the abuse.
A lawsuit can claim compensation for losses suffered due to sexual assault at sports organizations for young people. These losses can include not only objective financial harm, such as medical bills and lost future working ability, but also various forms of physical and psychological suffering. A qualified lawyer can review what damages may need to be factored into a particular claim during a private initial meeting.
A Sexual Assault Attorney Can Help Sue a Youth Athletics Organization
Every young person who plays a sport or participates in athletic competition should be safe to do so without fear of being physically or sexually mistreated in any way. However, as recent scandals such as the Larry Nassar case within U.S. Gymnastics make all too clear, youth sports sexual abuse is far from unheard of in the modern day.
Phillips Law Group has decades of experience helping families like yours understand and enforce their right to civil recovery in the wake of sexual assault and abuse. Call us today and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team to discuss your legal options.
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