Institutional Child Abuse: How We Protect Victims & Seek Justice

Protecting Institutional Child Abuse Victims at the Offices of Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law

As a parent, leaving your child at daycare, camp, a church group, or another institution can be nerve-wracking because you place your trust in the adults supervising your child. You’re not there to watch them and assume they will be in the best possible care. When they are not, and your child is abused or neglected, the consequences for everyone involved are life-changing. At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we help victims of institutional child abuse seek justice and hold institutions accountable.

What is Institutional Child Abuse?

Institutional child abuse occurs when someone entrusted to a child’s care at an organization physically, emotionally, or sexually harms a child. The abuse can be committed by an adult staff member, volunteer, or even another child. 

Examples of where this type of abuse can happen include:

• Youth programs
• Daycare centers
• Gyms
• Overnight & summer camps
• Athletic programs & coaching sessions
• Group homes

If the institution failed to prevent the abuse, ignored warning signs, or encouraged the child to keep the abuse a secret, the institution may be legally responsible.

Child Abuse in Alabama

In Alabama, child abuse includes many different types of harm, all of which can leave permanent scars on an innocent child.

Sexual Abuse

This involves any non-consensual sexual activity imposed on a child. Molestation, rape, and incest are all considered sexual abuse.

Physical Abuse

Child abuse victims can endure Injury and bodily harm resulting from hitting, kicking, shaking, or any other form of physical abuse is physical abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Mental or emotional anguish in a child is considered emotional abuse. Examples include humiliation, rejection, and constant criticism.

Neglect

When children are deprived of the necessary care, supervision, or support for their health and general well-being, they are victims of neglect.

Abandonment

If a caregiver deserts a child or does not provide adequate supervision or support, they may be considered abandoned.

If your child has suffered any of these types of abuse, contact our law firm so we can help protect them and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Take Action Immediately

Any parent or guardian who suspects a child has been the victim of institutional child abuse should take immediate action to protect child abuse victims. Remove the child from the setting where the abuse has taken place and report it to the authorities. If there are physical signs of abuse, be sure to document them. Any texts, emails, or correspondence with the child pertaining to the allegations should also be saved. 

You’ll want your child to be seen by a healthcare professional to assess the signs of abuse and handle any physical injuries. 

Contact an experienced attorney about the case. They will advise you about the next steps to take as well as your child’s rights as a child abuse victim. Never sign any documents that the institution may hand you, or speak to them before consulting your attorney.

It is imperative to take action immediately to not only protect your child, but also other potential victims.

How We Protect Child Abuse Victims

At the offices of Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we understand how painful child abuse can be for the victims and families involved. This is why we work to investigate your case and secure the proper evidence that will show wrongdoing on the part of the accused.

Through litigation, settlement, or claims, we pursue justice and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. 

Child abuse has long-lasting effects on children, whether they suffered physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Victims may be entitled to compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Anguish
• Pain & Suffering
• Rehabilitation
• Therapy
• Disability & disfigurement

Parents or guardians can file a lawsuit on behalf of the child since they are a minor. We aim to recover the maximum compensation your child deserves, ensuring any damages compensate the child for their injuries, not the adult filing. Our team is here to walk you through the legal process while handling your case with the utmost compassion and to protect child abuse victims.

At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we recognize that many institutions have powerful legal teams, and when you work with us, you do too. We are here to stand up for you and your rights and to ensure that your child does not feel intimidated or to blame for what has occurred. Trust us to expose the legal violations that led to your child’s abuse, including negligence and failure to report abuse.

FAQ About Institutional Child Abuse

How long do I have to file a child abuse claim in Alabama?

In Alabama, victims must typically file a personal injury claim for child abuse within two years of discovering the abuse, but courts may extend the limit if the victim was under 19 at the time. This is why it’s crucial to speak to an attorney about your case.

How is compensation calculated?

The amount will depend on several factors, including the duration and severity of the abuse.

What are some signs of child abuse?

Not all children have physical signs of child abuse. Children may become withdrawn, have nightmares, show sudden changes in behavior, or show signs of low self-esteem. If you notice changes in your child’s behavior, it’s best to investigate to find the cause so that you’re not missing any signs of abuse.

Contact Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law and Discover How We Can Help

Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law provides the compassionate legal guidance that you and your family need during this difficult time. We understand that each case is different and provide the personalized attention you deserve as we work to protect child abuse victims. 

While our team is compassionate wth our clients and protects institutional child abuse victims, we are aggressive when it comes to advocating for you and your child. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients and are ready to get to work for you.

Contact us today at 205-324-4008 for a free case evaluation or reach out to us online to get started.

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