Schools are meant to be safe spaces where children and young adults can grow, learn, and thrive. Tragically, some students experience profound violations of trust through sexual abuse or assault by teachers, staff, or peers. At Koller Baker & Associates, our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse at schools pursue justice and hold responsible parties accountable.
Lawyers for Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Schools
OKLAHOMA
Our Oklahoma Lawsuit Services for Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Schools
Sexual abuse in schools is a betrayal of trust not only by the perpetrator but also by the institution that failed to protect its students. If you or your child experienced sexual abuse or assault in an educational setting, you may feel like the system is stacked against you. An experienced civil sexual abuse lawyer may be able to help you find justice.
A civil lawsuit is different from a criminal investigation in that there is a lower burden of proof. If you can convince a jury that it is more likely than not that the abuse happened, you are entitled to compensation for medical bills, therapy costs, and even pain and suffering.
At Koller Baker & Associates, we are committed to advocating for survivors and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Here’s how we do it:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation:
We examine the details of our clients’ cases to identify all liable parties and determine the best legal strategy.
Filing a Lawsuit:
We handle the legal process from start to finish, including drafting, filing, and managing the case so our clients can focus on recovery.
Seeking Compensation:
Our team fights for damages to cover medical treatment, therapy, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Advocating Aggressively:
We work to ensure that schools, administrators, and other responsible parties are held accountable for failing to safeguard students.
Providing Support:
In addition to legal representation, we connect survivors with resources like counseling and support networks to help with the healing process.
Whether the abuse occurred in a public or private school, college, or another educational setting, you have the right to hold those who wronged you accountable in civil court.
What to Do If You Suspect Child Abuse
Sexual abuse of students frequently involve underage survivors. If you believe your child or another child has been harmed, taking immediate action is crucial.
Civil lawsuits can play an essential role in helping survivors achieve justice, but it’s important to take these steps first:
Survivors of all ages have the right to seek justice, including college students, professionals, and anyone who experienced abuse at an educational institution. Criminal proceedings aim to punish the perpetrator, while civil lawsuits provide an opportunity to recover compensation and hold enablers accountable for their actions.
Possible Defendants in a Civil Sexual Abuse Case Involving a School
When sexual abuse occurs at a school, more than just the perpetrator may be responsible. If teachers, staff, or anyone involved at the institution allowed the abuse to take place, they can also be held liable. Potential defendants in these cases can include:
- The Perpetrator: Teachers, coaches, staff members, or other individuals directly responsible for the abuse.
- School Administrators: Principals, deans, or superintendents who ignored or mishandled reports of abuse.
- School Districts: Public school districts that failed to implement or enforce proper safety policies.
- Private School Boards: Governing bodies of private schools that neglected their duty to protect students.
- Staff and Volunteers: Any employees or volunteers who contributed to or allowed the abuse.
- Higher Education Institutions: Colleges or universities that ignored complaints or failed to act on warning signs.
By identifying all responsible parties, we ensure that survivors have every opportunity to receive justice and prevent future harm to other students.
What Our Oklahoma Clients Say
Our family is so grateful for the services that this team provided when no one else would. Thank you for sticking with us and for getting justice for our brother.
- Lonnie C.
This team is capable and leaves no stone unturned. The best decision I made was hiring this team for my case.
- Mary W.
Ben and his staff are amazing. If I ever need an attorney again, Ben will be my first call.
- Kenny E.
Laurie is a true advocate for her clients. Her passion and dedication for helping victims is unparalleled. Thank you Laurie for being a fearless leader in creating change.
- Lexlee O.
Our Oklahoma Civil Sexual Abuse Case at Schools Process
STEP 1
Contact us to discuss your case, ask questions, and get a clear understanding of your legal options.
STEP 2
We’ll analyze your situation, set expectations, and create a tailored plan to help you take control.
STEP 3
From negotiation to trial, we’ll be with you every step of the way, advocating for the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file a lawsuit if the abuse happened years ago?
In many instances, yes, but it depends on the statute of limitations in your case. For claims involving public schools, there is often a one-year notice requirement, meaning you must notify the school or relevant government entity within one year of the incident or discovery of the harm. Contact us today to determine whether you are eligible to file a claim.
Can I sue the school itself?
Yes, if the school failed to protect students or mishandled abuse allegations, it may be held liable in a civil lawsuit.
Can a school employee still be held accountable if they are no longer employed?
Yes, the perpetrator can be sued personally, and the school may still be liable for failing to prevent the abuse.
How long does a civil lawsuit take?
The timeline varies. Depending on the details of your case, it could take anywhere from only a few months to over a year. At Koller Baker & Associates, our team works efficiently to move your case forward while keeping you informed at every step.
How can Koller Baker & Associates help with my recovery?
Our team has decades of experience representing survivors of sexual abuse and assault. We can help by recommending therapists, support groups, medical recovery resources, and any other resources you may need to process and recover from your experience.
Contact an Oklahoma Civil Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or your child has been a victim of sexual abuse at a school, you deserve justice, accountability, and the resources to heal. At Koller Baker & Associates, we are committed to standing with survivors and helping them hold responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
