When we send our children to school or an extracurricular activity, we expect that they will be in good care and kept safe from harm. While most teachers are committed to the safety and welfare of their students, instances of sexual assault and abuse are not uncommon in Alaska. Unfortunately, far too many cases go unreported and leave lifelong emotional scars on a victim. If your child has been subjected to sexual abuse in elementary, middle, or high school by a teacher, coach, or other school employee, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced child sexual abuse lawyer to ensure justice is achieved for your child.

Although no amount of money can compensate a victim for the pain that they’ve endured, it can help ensure the abuser is held accountable for their egregious wrongdoing. Attorney Eric Derleth understands the impact childhood sexual abuse can have on a victim for the rest of their lives. He is dedicated to providing excellent representation for prosecuting civil cases against authority figures, schools, and other institutions that have negligently failed to take measures to protect children from abuse.

When Can a School Be Held Liable for Abuse or Assault?

Schools have a legal duty to protect the children in their care — and in many situations, more parties than just the perpetrator can be held civilly liable for childhood sexual abuse and assault in a school or educational setting. Critically, any person or business who failed to prevent the abuse or report it may be held accountable for a victim’s damages.

For example, a school may be held liable for failing to conduct reasonable background checks on employees or failing to train employees on the policies regarding the mandatory reporting of abuse. A district may also be held responsible for negligent supervision of children or employees, failing to intervene, concealing the abuse, or failing to take measures to protect the victim.

With the utmost proficiency, child sexual abuse attorney Eric Derleth carefully evaluates each case to determine whether a legal claim exists. He will investigate the abuse and gather the necessary evidence to support the claim. While many cases can be settled out of court, Eric is also an experienced litigator who knows how to pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible by bringing a case in front of a judge and jury. Bringing skill and compassion to each case he handles, Eric is prepared to aggressively advocate for each of his clients and will strive to obtain their rightful compensation.

Compensation for Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse

While the criminal justice system can punish a criminal perpetrator and sentence them to jail upon conviction, the civil justice system works much differently. For instance, the civil system allows multiple parties (such as the direct perpetrator and the institution by which they were employed) to be held accountable. It also permits the victim to recover compensation for the mental, emotional, and physical injuries they have sustained.

Child sexual abuse lawyer Eric Derleth assists his clients with obtaining a wide range of compensation for the harm they have suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse and assault, including the following:

• The costs of medical treatment
• The costs associated with therapy
• Pain and suffering damages
• Emotional distress and psychological damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to relationships with family members
• Punitive damages

Eric understands how difficult it can be for a victim to pursue a claim against a powerful institution. He knows what it takes to stand up to school districts, administrators, and other authority figures to ensure his clients obtain the compensation to which they’re entitled. With nearly 30 years of experience litigating personal injury matters in Alaska, he is adept at taking on some of the most challenging cases.

Contact an Experienced Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Being the victim of sexual abuse or assault as a child can have devastating lifelong consequences. If you or your child suffered sexual abuse by a teacher, educator, or coach, you may be able to recover your damages by filing a personal injury action. These types of cases are highly complex and it’s essential to have a knowledgeable child sexual abuse lawyer by your side who can secure the justice you deserve.

Proudly serving accident victims in Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, the MatSu Valley, and all other areas of Alaska, Eric Derleth, is dedicated to representing clients for a broad scope of personal injury matters. Call 907-262-9164 to schedule a free consultation at our Anchorage or Soldotna office, or contact us online. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.