School Sexual Abuse Attorney Serving Millbrae, California
School Sexual Abuse Attorney Serving Millbrae, California
Survivors of school sexual abuse in Millbrae deserve every possible opportunity to pursue justice and fair compensation. This issue is much more common than many parents and students realize. It is only when an abusive teacher, coach, or tutor harms you or someone you care about that the true consequences become clear. Survivors face years or decades of therapy, suicidal ideation, social stigma, career challenges, diseases, and all kinds of other issues after experiencing this abuse firsthand. Contact Mary Alexander & Associates to pursue compensation for these damages.
Do I Really Need a School Sexual Abuse Attorney in Millbrae?
Whether you are the parent of a victim or you experienced sexual abuse firsthand, you might wonder whether hiring a sexual abuse lawyer in Millbrae is truly necessary. What if the school is already offering you a lucrative settlement behind closed doors? What if law enforcement officials are telling you that there is not enough evidence of the abuse?
Even if the outcome already seems predetermined, it is worth speaking with a school sexual abuse lawyer in Millbrae. A brief conversation could open up new possibilities that you had not previously considered. For example, that settlement you were offered? You might be eligible for much more compensation. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for a sum that truly reflects everything you have been through.
If police officers tell you that there isn’t enough evidence to convict the abusive teacher, you should know that criminal cases are separate from civil lawsuits. Even if the teacher escapes a criminal conviction, you can still hold them (and the school district that employed them) liable in civil court. While prosecutors need to prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” you only need to establish a preponderance of evidence in civil court.
Does Mary Alexander & Associates Know How to Win Sexual Abuse Lawsuits?
Mary Alexander & Associates has had considerable success when handling school sexual abuse lawsuits in the past. Positive outcomes include multimillion-dollar settlements for victims and equally lucrative jury verdicts. Mary Alexander has handled cases involving abusive sports coaches, abusive teachers, abusive clergy members, and abusive coworkers.
Does Mary Alexander Have the Necessary Qualifications to Win Sexual Abuse Lawsuits?
Mary Alexander entered law from a scientific background, having earned a Master of Public Health degree at the University of California. Her background in science gives her unique insights and experience when prosecuting sexual abuse lawsuits, which often involve scientific evidence and matters related to human biology.
She then earned her Juris Doctor at the University of Santa Clara before passing the bar. Since becoming a California sexual abuse lawyer, she has earned numerous awards and accolades. She has been included in lists of “Best Lawyers” and “Top 100 Lawyers” by sources such as the San Francisco Chronicle.
How Does a School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Work in California?
A school sexual abuse lawsuit typically begins when you schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer. During this confidential, no-obligation discussion, you can discuss your experiences and potential legal options. Even if many years have passed since your abuse, a lawsuit may still be possible. Many adults successfully sue school districts for abusive incidents that occurred during childhood.
If your lawyer recommends moving forward, you can begin gathering evidence and filing a claim against the school district. Although it might seem like the teacher is the only one to blame, the district is also liable for these incidents. Because they hired the teacher and failed to properly supervise them, they are partially responsible for the abuse you endured. A district might also be responsible because it failed to act after hearing reports of abuse.
From that point onward, your lawyer can negotiate for a settlement on your behalf. This is how most civil claims are resolved, and you probably do not need to go through a time-consuming, stressful trial. If a trial is necessary, your lawyer can guide you through the process every step of the way.
Does Millbrae Have a History of Sexual Abuse in Schools?
Parents and students who have experienced sexual abuse at Millbrae schools should know that they are not alone. Sexual abuse is a common issue in Millbrae schools, and the area has seen numerous sexual abuse lawsuits over the years. In 2016, a 58-year-old band teacher pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges in Millbrae. A former student of Mills High School claimed that the defendant had sexual intercourse with her when she was 16.
The teacher committed offenses such as oral copulation and sexual penetration with a minor. During the relationship, the teacher reportedly told the victim never to tell anyone about these acts. When the victim finally spoke to a counselor and a friend about what had happened, she found the courage to file a police report.
During the subsequent investigation, police investigators recorded a conversation between the pair in which the defendant admitted to engaging in the sexual relationship. Despite initially pleading not guilty, the defendant changed his plea to “no contest” and was sentenced to two years in prison.
In 2017, another former teacher pleaded no contest to felony charges related to a sexual relationship she had with a high school student. The victim was just 13 years old when this relationship began. Police eventually discovered the relationship after responding to an anonymous report of two people kissing inside a white van in front of Lomita Park Elementary School. Police found the defendant inside the van and the victim a short distance away.
During a subsequent interrogation, the defendant admitted she had kissed the underage girl, claiming that they were in love. Officials then discovered that the two had been exchanging explicit text messages. Although the defendant tried to argue that the 13-year-old victim was “sexually sophisticated” during her trial, she was sentenced to four months in jail and three years of probation.
In 2021, the Taylor Middle School in Millbrae was sued by two former students who alleged that a Spanish and math teacher had sexually abused them. The Mercury News reported that the teacher had groomed the two seventh-grade students before groping and touching them inappropriately. The victims said that this abuse occurred during and after classes. The female teacher also engaged in verbal sexual harassment, commenting on the girls’ bodies in an inappropriate manner.
At the end of the school year, a handful of students came forward and reported the abuse to school administrators. However, the administrators reportedly failed to take any action or contact the local authorities. The administrators also forced the students to choose between telling their parents what had happened or allowing the administrators to do so. While one student told their parents directly, the others understandably felt uncomfortable with this. The parents of these students heard “vague” reports of the abuse from administrators without much context.
In 2023, KTVU reported that a sixth-grade teacher at Taylor Middle School faced charges of sexually assaulting a student. The Millbrae teacher was accused of groping and inappropriately touching a female middle school student, and other victims quickly came forward with their own allegations. Eventually, police received reports of this teacher sexually abusing children since 1999. In total, 12 victims came forward, leading to 22 criminal charges. He faces life in prison if convicted, and his criminal case is still pending as of this writing.
What Kind of Feedback Does Mary Alexander & Associates Receive?
Mary Alexander & Associates receives excellent reviews from past clients, and you can find these reviews posted on platforms like Yelp and Google Reviews.
One Yelp user named Diana E. wrote:
“Mary Alexander and Associates did a great job completing my claim in a timely manner.
That are very professional and detailed. Especially Yenny who knows how to get things done. First time I needed a Lawyer and if I ever need one another this is who I will call first.”
Another Yelp user named Dwight E. explained:
“I went from just wanting to see those responsible pay for their wrong doing to the clients most hurt to a client myself receiving a very nice settlement when I expected nothing at all. Thank you Mary and your entire crew( I must mention Esperanza) for all your hard work over almost two years of research and litigation…it was very much appreciated.”
Contact Mary Alexander, a trusted sexual abuse attorney, for a confidential consultation. You do not have to face this battle alone—Mary is ready to stand by your side and advocate for your rights. Call today to take the first step toward justice and healing.
Contact Mary Alexander & Associates to Learn More About the Next Steps
Although it might be tempting to simply move on and pretend it never happened, you can make a real difference by filing a school sexual abuse lawsuit in Millbrae. This type of lawsuit not only provides you with the compensation you need for therapy and other damages, but it also sends a clear message to school districts: This type of conduct is not acceptable. After facing many of these lawsuits, school districts might finally start to realize the importance of proper supervision, hiring practices, and reporting policies. Contact Mary Alexander & Associates at 415-433-4440 to learn more about how you can protect your rights now.
