The recent allegations made against labor activist Cesar Chavez, who died in 1993, have shaken the community, just weeks before Cesar Chavez Day. The Cesar Chavez Foundation made a statement saying that Chavez is accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior with women and minors during his time serving as president of the United Farm Workers of America.
The situation has raised many questions about whether organizations can be held liable for the actions of their presidents or other staff members, even if the sexual misconduct or abuse occurred decades ago or if the attacker has since died. Unfortunately, allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual abuse are far too common, and it is important that survivors know that they could have the right to justice.
Understanding Sexual Assault
Sexual abuse can include the following:
- Rape and attempted rape
- Sodomy
- Forced oral sex
- Any forced kissing
- Any forced/unwanted fondling, groping, etc.
- Taking explicit photos of the victim
- And more
It is important to highlight that any sexual contact with a minor is considered child sex abuse.
Victims of sexual assault or sexual abuse may suffer a host of immediate injuries, including fractures, lacerations, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies and related complications, and more. However, long after physical injuries heal, victims can be left with extensive psychological harm, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, panic, fear, and more. Survivors may suffer from psychological harm for the rest of their lives.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
You could be eligible to file a lawsuit if you were sexually abused. Although individual attackers can be held criminally accountable, it is important to highlight that the organizations that they represent can also be liable. For example, if a union organization knew or should have known that sexual abuse occurred, then they can be sued for failing to protect their members. Survivors of child sexual abuse and adult sexual abuse could potentially recover compensation, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, treble damages, punitive damages, etc.
The Filing Deadline: Under AB 218, survivors of child sex abuse have until the age of 40 or 5 years from the date of discovery to file their claims. For adult victims of sexual abuse, claims generally must be filed within 10 years of the incident or within 3 years from the date of discovery. These extended filing timeframes are important considering that survivors of sexual abuse often struggle to come forward to seek justice, as some may not even realize that what they experienced was sexual abuse.
Words from Our Founding Partner
“Our firm has been at the forefront of this type of litigation and working hand in hand with real victims. We are currently investigating cases on behalf of our clients and look forward to speaking with more victims.” – Farid Yaghoubtil, ESQ.
Contact Us Today
Our team firmly believes that survivors of sexual abuse should pursue claims to hold their attackers and the organizations that they represent accountable for damages. Although many victims stay silent out of fear of retaliation or simply because they are not ready to face the trauma that they endured, it is important that survivors understand that there are options available to them and that they can still fight for their right to justice.
Zero-Fee Guarantee: our firm offers free case evaluations, including free consultations and free second opinions. Whether you are looking to start or continue your claim, we can help you. You will never have to worry about paying any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. In addition, our law firm works on a contingency basis, meaning that you will not pay anything at all if your lawsuit is not successful.
