When a child, ex-student or loved one is sexually abused or groomed at or by someone associated with a school, there can be confusion as to what to do next. They may want to consult with a civil attorney, obtain a referral or receive confidential help.
There are three options to start with, it just depends on what you need at this time. Each serves a different purpose and you don’t have to jump into suing someone right away.
If you are looking for an attorney to evaluate if you have a civil claim then Dolman Law Group will be your answer in this article.
In This Guide
- How the Three Routes Differ
- Dolman Law Group
- National Crime Victim Bar Association
- RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline
- Things to ask before you sue
- Common questions
- Conclusion
How the Three Routes Differ
| Dolman Law Group | National Crime Victim Bar Association | RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offers | Civil litigation | Referrals to potential civil attorneys | Confidential assistance |
| If you want | To sue someone related to a school | Help finding an attorney | Assistance with your situation |
| Attorney representation | Yes | No | No |
1. Dolman Law Group: Best for Direct Civil Representation
Ideal for: Students, Ex-students and family members that want to file a civil lawsuit against someone that sexually abused or groomed them at or around a public, private or boarding school.
Dolman Law Group is a civil law firm that handles school sexual abuse cases throughout the country. You may be able to file against the person that abused you and possibly the school, district or institution that may have failed to protect a student, depending on the evidence and applicable law.
You can fill out their File Abuse Lawsuit form to speak to a school sexual abuse lawyer for free and confidentially evaluate your legal options.
A prosecution background and a trauma-informed approach
Dolman Law Group’s team of attorneys specialize in representing victims of sexual abuse. According to Dolman Law Group, its sexual abuse team includes two former sex crimes prosecutors and two former federal prosecutors. You can read more about their backgrounds by viewing the public attorney bio’s for Sara Beller who worked for the Sexual Assault Child Abuse Unit and Michael Baudinet who was an Assistant United States Attorney.
They also go into further detail about its trauma-informed staff and survivor-centered approach. From how they conduct interviews to being mindful of your time. Which can be helpful if you have to dive into school files and what may have happened to you.
A case evaluation may cover:
- Evaluate if you can sue the person, school, district or facility.
- Determine what files and evidence are important to collect.
- Find out what laws you can file under and how long you have to file a claim.
- Their attorneys may investigate the claim and pursue civil litigation where appropriate.
Let’s say a former student of a boarding school came forward and told you they were groomed by a staff member. There may be a time frame on when they were at that facility and you may still be able to sue if it meets certain criteria.
Dolman Law Group states that if they take your school sexual abuse case, they will do so on a contingency fee basis. Meaning you will not have to pay an attorney up front. They will evaluate your case from anywhere in the US and use local counsel if needed. Always make sure you understand your agreement with the firm and how much you will owe if anything.
If you want to speak to an attorney that specializes in school related sexual abuse claims, Dolman Law Group is the best option.
2. National Crime Victim Bar Association: Best for Attorney Referrals
Maybe you want an attorney but don’t know who to call.
The National Crime Victim Bar Association can help you find an attorney that handles civil lawsuits after being a victim of a crime. By filling out their online form the association will review the request and try to make an appropriate attorney referral, or provide alternative resources if a referral is unavailable.
This can be helpful if you just want someone to refer you to an attorney that may handle your case.
- Helps connect you with civil attorneys that deal with crime victims.
- Just because they give you an attorney referral doesn’t mean they will take your case.
- You still have to ask that attorney about their experience and legal options.
3. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline: Best for Confidential Support
You may not feel comfortable discussing your options with an attorney just yet.
You can always reach out to RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline and speak to someone confidentially. They offer free, confidential 24/7 support, with certain reporting exceptions described in its privacy guidance.
RAINN’s hotline can help you by:
- Providing assistance and allowing you to talk about what happened.
- Finding sexual assault services near you.
- Offering information and resources if you need medical or legal assistance.
While they can be very helpful, they are not going to help you sue a school for negligence or assess whether a school may be liable for failing to protect a student.
What to Ask Before Pursuing a School Abuse Claim
When suing over someone abusing you at a school there are multiple areas to dig into. Your attorney should be able to inform you if you can sue the school or not.
Here are some things to ask:
- Can I sue the person, school, district or facility?
- How long do I have to file a claim?
- How will my private information be handled?
- What will my attorney fees be and how much will I owe if I lose?
- Who will make decisions about my case?
For schools covered by Title IX, a complaint to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights may be a separate option, with its own rules and deadlines.
Questions Families and Former Students Often Have
Can someone seek legal advice about abuse that occurred years ago?
You can always speak to an attorney about what may have happened to you. Depending on where you live, there may be a time frame that you can file a lawsuit or not.
Is a criminal conviction needed before filing a civil claim?
No, you can file a civil lawsuit without the person that harmed you being convicted of a crime. Speak to an attorney about your civil options.
What if a student is currently at risk?
Call the appropriate agency if your child is in immediate danger. There are confidential hotlines that can assist you and an attorney may be able to help as well.
Final Verdict
Whether you choose to get an attorney referral or speak to someone about your situation, both are good options to explore. But if you want to sue someone for sexually abusing or grooming you at a school, Dolman Law Group is the best place to start.
