Summer Camp Sexual Abuse Lawyer for Victims

Sleepaway camps and sports camps are common ways for children to spend their summers. While many walk away from camp with fond memories, others leave with terrible memories of mistreatment and abuse. Many victims of sexual abuse at camp might not have the frame of reference to understand what happened to them until later in life, and many come forward as adults to seek help after what happened to them.

If your child was sexually abused while attending summer camp or a different camp, you may sue the camp for damages. If the camp employed the person who committed the abuse, they can be held responsible for negligent hiring if they knew this person should not be allowed near children. If the camp ignored complaints about the abuse, they can also be held responsible for failing to intervene. Damages may be substantial and should account for economic costs and significant non-economic costs, like pain and suffering. It is best to contact the police and an attorney right away.

Call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586 to get a free, confidential case review from our attorneys for victims of sexual abuse.

Can You Sue a Camp for Sexual Abuse and Assault?

Camp counselors and the other staff and operators of camps are responsible for what happens at the camp. Many camping organizations use waivers and other releases to avoid liability for injuries, specifically because they know they would otherwise be responsible for what happens to the children in their care. However, even with waivers and signed releases, these camps are often still responsible for sexual abuse and other illegal grooming or molestation that their counselors and staff members are accused of.

Suing the Camp

In most states, the law allows victims of negligence and intentional acts of violence or sexual abuse to sue the employer of the person who committed the acts. As long as the acts occurred during the scope of the counselor’s employment, the camp might be liable for what their counselor did. This could help hold camp counselors responsible during camp hours, or even potentially when the counselor is off duty but still on site at a sleepaway camp.

Negligent Hiring and Retention

In many cases, the camp’s involvement in the case will go beyond its role as the abuser’s employer. In the past, many allegations of abuse or inappropriate conduct went overlooked by organizations like camps, and many accused abusers were kept on staff where they abused more people. Camps that covered up for abusers or failed to investigate accusations of sexual abuse against camp counselors can often be sued alongside the individual abuser.

Failure to Screen Employees

Camps can also be held responsible if they hire a camp employee or use volunteer workers who are not properly cleared or screened. If they knew or should have known that an employee or volunteer had a criminal record or a history of sexual abuse allegations that make them legally unable to work with kids, the camp could be liable for any further abuse. There are mandatory background checks and clearance laws in many states for anyone working with children that aim to avoid these situations.

Suing a Camp Counselor for Childhood Sexual Abuse

While you can sue the camp in many cases of sexual abuse at camp, you usually must sue the individual abuser as well. That means filing a lawsuit against the camp counselor or staff member directly alongside the camp where they worked.

When you sue the individual abuser, you can ask the court to hold them directly responsible for what happened, which can lead to the camp’s vicarious liability or shared liability. In some cases, you cannot sue the camp because the organization has been shut down for a long time, but you can still sue the individual counselor.

In some cases, it can be hard to recall which counselor abused you, but our attorneys can request employment records and other evidence to help prove which individual counselor was responsible. Especially if you have photos from camp or other evidence as to who the abusive counselor was, our lawyers can use this evidence to hold the right person accountable.

Damages for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits against Camps and Camp Counselors

When you sue for sexual abuse, you are often entitled to damages based on the harm you suffered. When you sue a camp counselor directly, there is no guarantee that they will have the money to personally cover the damages you suffered.

However, by suing the camping organization alongside the individual abuser, you can often open up additional funds that the camp can use to pay the damages. In some states, courts may even rule that both the individual and the camp are responsible and then order the damages to be paid by the party that can best afford it.

Compensatory Damages

The damages that you can claim in a sexual abuse lawsuit can include any harm related to the abuse you endured. Survivors of sexual abuse at camp often face physical injuries that may have needed treatment at a hospital. They could also almost certainly face physical pain or discomfort, as well as mental and emotional distress from the events. Any reasonable medical expenses or mental health care expenses related to the trauma could also be claimed in most states.

Punitive Damages

Additionally, most states permit victims to sue for punitive damages. These damages are used to punish the at-fault camp counselor and the camping organization, and to deter them and others from engaging in similar actions in the future. These damages are not necessarily dependent on your other damages and could be a substantial part of your case. However, they are not guaranteed in every case and might be limited by damage caps in some states.

How to Prove Civil Claims for Sexual Abuse at Summer Camp

Proving claims of sexual abuse can be challenging for multiple reasons. Not only is this very emotionally difficult to go through, but evidence is often difficult to find. Abusers often try to cover up or hide evidence, and we might have to thoroughly investigate and work with the authorities to find the evidence we need.

The victim’s testimony may be crucial in a civil claim for sexual abuse at a summer camp. In many cases, there is little other evidence, and your testimony might be key to getting justice in court. This can be very hard to go through, and your attorney can help you prepare.

We may also need certain records from the summer camp. If an employee at the camp, like a counselor or some other staff member, abused you, records from the camp regarding employment may be important. If we plan to sue the camp in addition to the employee, we need records establishing the employer-employee relationship.

It is not unheard of for more than one camper to be the victim of sexual abuse. In many cases, one counselor or other staff member is abusing multiple victims. Alternatively, other campers might have witnessed something that can help us prove your claims in court. Either way, their testimony may be imperative. If others were abused, they may join your case or file their own.

FAQs Regarding Summer Camp Sexual Abuse Matters

When sexual abuse occurs at a summer camp, victims and their parents may have numerous questions about what to do and how to take legal action. Below are some commonly asked questions and answers.

How Frequent is Sexual Abuse at Summer Camps?

Sexual abuse at summer camps is more common than many people realize. Places that are responsible for groups of children (e.g., summer camp, schools, sports leagues) tend to experience higher rates of sexual abuse, as children tend to be very vulnerable.

Summer camps may see more frequent cases of sexual abuse because children are typically separated from their parents and other adults for weeks at a time. The only adults around are those responsible for the abuse.

Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children

Sexual abuse tends to be secretive. Perpetrators often intimidate victims into remaining silent, but there may still be signs of abuse to look out for.

Sexual abuse may come with a whole host of physical and emotional signs. If you notice injuries on your child that cannot be explained or that your child refuses to talk about, you may want to be concerned. Especially if those injuries are on or around their private areas.

Children who are victimized at camps tend to become angry, depressed, withdrawn, or emotionally volatile. If you notice a sudden change in your child’s personality and demeanor, ask them if anything has been going on.

Can I Sue the Summer Camp Where My Child was Sexually Abused?

You may be able to sue the summer camp where your child was abused in civil court. Even though only one adult at the summer camp might have perpetrated the abuse, the camp itself may be held liable, especially if it employed the abuser.

Claims against summer camps may be stronger if we can show that the camp knew about the abuse or received complaints about the abuse and chose to ignore them.

Can I Sue for Sexual Abuse if the Perpetrator is Criminally Charged?

Sexual abuse allegations may lead to serious criminal charges against the abuser and possible the people in charge of running the summer camp. While criminal charges are pending, you are allowed to file a civil lawsuit against the abuser and the summer camp.

The criminal case and your civil case are legally separate actions. Even if nobody is criminally charged, or if the defendant is found not guilty, you are still permitted to sue them in civil court.

How Do I Help My Child if They Were Sexually Abused at Summer Camp?

Once a parent learns that their child was sexually abused while away at summer camp, their first thought is usually about what they must do to help their child.

First, call the police and report the abuse immediately. The police may open an investigation, uncover evidence, and arrest those responsible for the abuse. While this is happening, have your child evaluated by a doctor. They may have injuries that are not visible and require urgent care. You should also get your child help from a mental health professional, like a therapist or psychiatrist. Sexual abuse often leaves deep psychological scars that need attention.

Finally, call a lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can review your situation and help you determine if you have a strong civil claim or if other legal action is better suited to your needs.

Representation for Abuse at Other Camps

Sexual abuse does not only happen at summer camps. There are various camps for young people and children where sexual abuse could occur. If your child experienced abuse at any of these camps, contact the police and get help from a lawyer a soon as possible.

Band Camp

Children who participate in their school’s marching band often attend summer band camps. The camp may only be for children from your child’s school or be open to children from multiple schools. Whatever the case may be, sexual abuse could happen, and you may take legal action against the camp and possibly your child’s school.

Academic Camps

Many children enroll in camps focused on academic and learning activities. The camp might be geared toward a specific subject, like science. Again, many of these camps work closely with schools or might be run entirely by a school or school district. An attorney can help you sue the camp and your child’s school for damages.

Sports Camps

Athletic camps are also very common, especially if children participate in high-level athletics and competitions. Camps for basketball, baseball, cheerleading, gymnastics, and almost any other school sport you can think of are available. Unfortunately, campers are sometimes sexually abused by staff members or coaches. They might also be abused by medical personnel who are supposed to treat sports-related injuries.

Day Camps

Not every camp requires children to stay overnight. Many day camps offer programming during the day and send children home at night. Even so, this may be enough time for a staff member to sexually abuse campers. If your child is abused while attending day camp, alert the police and get a lawyer now.

Call Our Attorney for Victims of Sexual Abuse by Camp Counselors

Call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586 to get a free, confidential case review from our attorneys for victims of sexual abuse.