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YMCA Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for Your Case
Our YMCA sexual abuse lawyer team will fiercely pursue justice against negligent organizations that allowed volunteers or staff to sexually assault children. With an experienced sexual abuse attorney by your side, you have a better chance of securing fair compensation for your physical and emotional injuries.
Experience in Institutional Abuse Litigation
We have won numerous cases against the YMCA and other organizations entrusted with caring for children, which has given us a deep knowledge of the complexities involved in these cases. For example, we are aware of who is a mandated reporter and, therefore, who can be cited for negligence if they fail to intervene.
Additionally, we have access to a wealth of resources that will strengthen your case, including investigators, therapists, expert witnesses, and other specialized professionals. We’re renowned for our meticulous research into all aspects of a sexual abuse case, never stopping until we have uncovered the truth.
Compassionate and Client-Focused Representation
Our goal is to hold sexual predators accountable and empower survivors to move forward with confidence. As such, we work diligently to ensure our clients have access to the necessary counseling and resources to regain control of their lives.
Having worked on many cases related to institutional abuse, we understand the unique needs of these survivors. We will be able to facilitate your recovery by directing you to support systems that can help you. We protect your privacy and shield you from third parties, handling communication on your behalf so that you can focus on healing.
Our lawyers employ a trauma-informed approach that respects our clients’ needs, and we ensure that your story remains the top priority throughout the legal process.
Verdicts and Settlements from Our YMCA Abuse Attorneys in Chicago
- $21 Million – Hotel assault case
- $15 Million – Coach grooming and abuse
- $6.5 Million – Cruise ship rape settlement
- $6.3 Million – Negligent security assault
- $6 Million – Childhood sexual abuse lawsuit
- $5 Million – Therapist sexual abuse settlement
How Negligence Allows Abuse to Happen in Trusted Environments
Sexual abuse does not occur in a vacuum, and it is not a spontaneous offense. Predators think carefully about their crimes and plan in advance. This means that when youth programs fail to intervene before any harm occurs, they can be liable in various ways. Our sexual abuse lawyers will hold the YMCA accountable for these failures.
Failures in Hiring and Background Checks: In Chicago, companies are prohibited from discriminating based on criminal history unless the prior convictions are directly relevant to the current job (§6-10-054). Anyone with previous convictions for sexual offenses should not be allowed to work with children in any capacity. This includes staff, coaches, volunteers, and anyone with access to kids.
Inadequate Supervision: Any youth organization should have a “rule of two,” meaning there are always two adults present when interacting with children. Failing to implement this rule or others can make the organization negligent.
Lack of Child Protection Policies: The YMCA has a child protection policy in place and adheres to the SafeSport guidelines for youth sports. However, not every facility may enforce mandatory reporting guidelines or respond appropriately.
Ignoring Complaints: Any sexual abuse report should trigger immediate institutional action, both to help the victim and protect other children. Failing to do so demonstrates negligence.
Potential Signs of Child Sex Abuse
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network outlines warning signs of sexual abuse in children. These include:
- Withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Aggression
- Fear of specific adults or places
- Regression, like bedwetting or thumb-sucking
- Sudden secrecy
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fear of being alone
- Pain, bruising, or STDs
Prevalence of Abuse in Young Men’s Christian Association Settings
Unfortunately, there have been many instances of YMCA staff members sexually abusing children and teenagers.
One landmark case occurred in Indiana in 2019 when 20-year-old YMCA staff member Michael Begin was sentenced to 120 years after he pled guilty to 20 instances of sexual abuse taking place over just 17 months. Multiple civil suits were filed as a result of the child sexual abuse, which occurred at the Clark County YMCA. They were settled out of court.
In March 2024, Jericho Lee Marvin Johnson was accused of inappropriately touching several children, including some at YMCA after-school programs across the Greenfield, Indiana, area.
In 2024, Nehemiah Billie J’Len Garcia was charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of committing a dangerous crime against a minor for inappropriately touching a child in a Delaware YMCA bathhouse. YMCA support staff did not stop the sexual assault, and the abuser was allowed to flee the scene, leading to a manhunt.
Legal Rights of YMCA Abuse Survivors
Survivors of sexual abuse at a YMCA have rights under both state and federal law. The Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act of 2016 gives sexual abuse survivors the right to a free forensic examination that must be kept for at least 20 years.
They are also entitled to seek legal assistance from a YMCA sex abuse attorney like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. Our law firm will guide you through the legal process of getting compensation, including negotiating with the organization or individual responsible for the sexual abuse.
Types of Claims
A sexual abuse case against the YMCA may include claims against several parties for different reasons. Our attorneys are fully prepared to take action against anyone who may be responsible, which can include the following.
- Sexual Battery – This is a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator for inflicting bodily harm on sexual abuse victims.
- Negligence – The local YMCA chapter, or the national organization as a whole, can be held accountable for sexual abuse. For example, if they failed to perform adequate background checks or dismissed a child’s verifiable claims, then this is negligence.
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty – This is when staff members or other authority figures abuse their position of trust in the community by failing to protect others. A lawyer from our firm will pursue these claims against anyone who either perpetrated sexual abuse or did not use their authority to stop potential abuse from occurring.
Statutes of Limitations
Illinois civil statutes provide extended time for child victims. If the abuse occurred before the age of 18, you have up to 20 years after turning 18 to file a lawsuit, or five years after the individual realized they were abused. Contact our Chicago personal injury attorneys to determine whether these extended statutes of limitations apply.
Damages
The goal of a civil sexual abuse lawsuit is to seek justice through financial compensation. This can include compensatory damages as well as punitive damages, which are meant to punish the perpetrator for harming young people.
Compensatory damages can cover expenses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages are sometimes provided through the court system. They are meant to deter further sexual abuse and punish those who harm children. These are a rarer form of compensation and may not apply to your case.
Liable Parties in YMCA Sexual Abuse Cases
When someone is sexually abused at a YMCA facility or program, a number of parties could be held liable. This includes the following groups:
- Perpetrator – The abuser is primarily responsible for the sexual abuse, and we will pursue compensation from them.
- YMCA Staff Members – Anyone aware of the abuse’s details can be held responsible if they did not report their suspicions. If the abuser worked for the YMCA, then their superiors and colleagues should be watching closely in case there are any concerns.
- Local YMCAs – The YMCA must ensure its youth development and educational programs are a safe space for all children. Those who experienced sexual abuse at a YMCA program can hold the organization negligent for failing to protect them.
- National YMCA – The overarching YMCA can be held accountable if it didn’t offer adequate oversight to its facilities or did not intervene when there seemed to be a concern.
- Schools or Other Organizations – The YMCA partners with local schools, daycare facilities, and camps to provide services; however, this does not absolve those organizations of their responsibility toward individuals on their premises. They should perform their own checks on those entering their facilities.
- Third-Party Vendors – Like many other places, the YMCA relies on third-party vendors for some of its services, including background checks and security. These organizations may be responsible if their failures contributed to the sexual abuse, such as providing inadequate background checks or not locking doors.
Steps Survivors and Family Members Can Take
Child molestation can not only result in criminal charges but also civil litigation. To protect sexual abuse victims and ensure that the perpetrator cannot harm other children, you must act quickly.
First, you should prioritize the victim’s well-being. Go to a hospital for a forensic examination and to receive treatment for any physical injuries. Lurie Children’s Hospital, located in Streeterville, specializes in pediatric medicine and can help your family access further resources.
Next, you will need to report the abuse and seek help for common issues related to sexual abuse, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. You can contact our law firm for a free and confidential legal consultation about a YMCA sexual abuse civil lawsuit.
Reporting the Abuse: YMCA, DCFS, and Law Enforcement
You should report the incident to local law enforcement immediately. Sexual abuse of a minor is a serious crime that can result in a life sentence if convicted.
Call the Illinois DCFS Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-25-ABUSE) to report the incident to the Department of Children and Family Services so that they can take appropriate action.
Next, contact the YMCA leadership to inform them of the sexual abuse. Provide the police report number if available and explain what happened. Document their responses, including transcripts of any phone calls, to provide to your lawyer.
Why Specialized Legal Representation is Essential
Childhood sexual abuse lawsuits are complicated when large organizations like the YMCA are involved. These organizations have large insurance companies and their lawyers who will fight to keep them from paying anything.
Additionally, children who have experienced sexual abuse often suffer severe trauma, including fear, shame, and humiliation. The legal process can be stressful and disorienting, so it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney work on any sexual abuse lawsuits involving minors.
Our team is highly familiar with trauma-informed practices that will reduce a child’s emotional distress. Thanks to our years of experience, we can successfully prove organizational negligence using the evidence we have gathered.
We are also familiar with all relevant civil statutes and case law, such as Hobert vs. Covenant Children’s Home, which holds that organizations with a responsibility to protect children can be held to the same standards as the directly responsible party.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case
As YMCA sexual abuse cases are of such a sensitive nature, it’s crucial to work with lawyers you and your child trust. You need a compassionate and experienced attorney with a strong track record of success in cases related to institutional child abuse. Ask them about what settlements they have achieved in cases like yours.
Privacy is essential for a sexual abuse suit that involves minors. Our legal team is committed to maintaining confidentiality, including requesting that the court withhold your child’s name from the proceedings.
A good legal team will also direct you to additional resources, such as the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. This ensures that your family’s emotional well-being is considered throughout the legal process, which can often be very challenging for the entire family.
Most importantly, you and your family should feel that the firm is working in your best interests. The lawyer shouldn’t overpromise and should clarify any expectations, such as what a good sexual assault settlement looks like. Through trust and transparency, you can find the right firm to handle these difficult cases.
Our Law Firm’s Commitment to Helping Survivors
We are leading advocates for those sexually abused in organizations such as the YMCA, helping survivors seek compensation that will meet their needs. Our team offers compassionate, client-focused legal representation that respects the long-lasting effects that YMCA sexual abuse can have on a child.
Throughout the sexual abuse lawsuit process, we strive to protect your legal rights and privacy. Our team will handle paperwork, third-party communications, and negotiations on your behalf while still keeping you informed of any important case developments.
Our Chicago sexual abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. This way, everyone can access high-quality legal support regardless of their financial means.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago YMCA Abuse Lawsuits
Can the YMCA Be Held Liable if the Abuser Was a Volunteer or Another Member, Not an Employee?
You can still seek compensation from the YMCA if the abuser was a volunteer or another member rather than an employee. Our legal professionals can determine whether this falls under premises liability for failing to create a safe environment or vicarious liability for the actions of associated individuals.
What if the Abuse Happened Years Ago and I Never Told Anyone Before? Can I Still File a Claim?
Many victims of sexual abuse do not speak up due to fear, shame, or humiliation, but this does not mean they should not get justice. You can still hold the responsible parties accountable through a civil suit. The statute of limitations is tolled, or paused, until you turn 18, after which time you have up to 20 years to file.
Are Details of My Sexual Abuse and Assault Case Kept Confidential?
Our attorneys will ensure your privacy and confidentiality throughout the process. We can petition the court to allow you to file under a fictitious name, and we will handle all third-party communications on your behalf.
Besides the YMCA, Who Else Could Potentially Be Sued?
Anyone who perpetrated the sexual abuse or knew about it but failed to act may be liable. We can seek justice against the perpetrator, other staff members, security guards, fellow YMCA members, and third-party companies.
Book a Free Consultation!
Survivors of sexual abuse deserve justice, and Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help. Over the past 25 years, we have recovered over $450 million in damages for our clients. We are a Super Lawyers-rated firm that has been nationally recognized for our vigorous advocacy on behalf of victims. You owe us nothing unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
To schedule your free consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer, call us at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online.
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All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.