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At Coplan + Crane, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to survivors of boarding school abuse in Illinois. Our experienced sexual abuse lawyers understand the complex emotions and challenges faced by survivors and are committed to helping them navigate the legal system to seek justice and healing. We believe that no survivor of sexual abuse or assault in Georgia should face this battle alone, and we are here to be your advocates and allies every step of the way.
Ervin Nevitt, Esq.
Sexual Assault Lawyer
Coplan + Crane
60 W Randolph St #101
Chicago, IL 60601
V9M9+XV Chicago, Illinois
Boarding school abuse can occur in various forms, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Sexual abuse may involve inappropriate touching, forced sexual acts, or the sharing of explicit materials without consent. These traumatic events can have long-lasting effects on survivors, impacting their mental health, self-esteem, and ability to form healthy relationships.
In many cases, the institutions responsible for the safety and well-being of students may have failed to protect them from abusive staff members or fellow students. They may have also ignored or minimized reports of abuse, allowing the perpetrators to continue their harmful behavior. In such cases, the institution itself may be held liable for the abuse suffered by survivors.
Ervin Nevitt, Esq.
Sexual Abuse Attorney
Coplan + Crane
1111 Westgate St. #101
Oak Park, IL 60301
V5QW+4Q Oak Park, Illinois
Sexual abuse in boarding schools is a serious concern, and it is crucial for parents, teachers, and school administrators to be aware of the warning signs to protect students. While these signs may not always indicate abuse, it is essential to take them seriously and investigate further. Some of the signs of sexual abuse in boarding schools may include:
It is crucial for child sexual abuse survivors in Illinois to be aware of the statute of limitations that governs their ability to seek justice. The statute of limitations establishes a time frame within which a survivor must file a boarding school abuse lawsuit against the responsible parties.
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to childhood sexual abuse is 20 years from the survivor's 18th birthday or within 20 years from the date the survivor discovers the abuse and its impact on their life, whichever is later. However, it is important to note that each case is unique, and certain factors may affect the applicable statute of limitations.
Our experienced Chicago sexual abuse lawyers can help you determine the time limits relevant to your case and provide guidance on the best course of action to ensure your right to pursue justice is protected.
Continue reading: Sex Trafficking Laws in Illinois
At Coplan + Crane, we are dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse in public and private boarding schools in Illinois. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys understand the complexities of holding institutions accountable for their negligence or misconduct in such cases. We are committed to pursuing justice for survivors and ensuring that the responsible parties are held liable for the harm they have caused.
In many instances of sexual abuse in public and private schools, the institution itself may be held liable for failing to protect its students from incidents of sexual abuse. There are several ways in which a boarding school can be found legally responsible for the students who have suffered abuse:
Negligent hiring and supervision: A boarding school may be held liable if it is proven that the school hired or retained school teachers or even staff members with a history of abuse or failed to provide adequate supervision and training to prevent abuse from occurring.
Failure to report abuse: Illinois law requires educators and school administrators to report abuse allegations to the proper authorities if sexual abuse claims are reported. If a boarding school fails to report known or suspected abuse, it may be held accountable for its negligence.
Creating an unsafe environment: Boarding schools have a duty to provide a safe environment for their students. If the school's policies or procedures enabled an abusive situation or allowed child abuse to persist, the institution and/or school officials may be held responsible for any harm suffered by the students, and the sexual abuse victims may be entitled to financial compensation.
Breach of fiduciary duty: Boarding schools have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of their students. If the school breached this duty by allowing abuse to occur or by failing to address reported abuse, it may be held liable for damages.
At Coplan + Crane, our experienced sexual abuse attorneys are well-versed in handling boarding school sexual abuse cases in Illinois. We are committed to holding institutions such as prep schools and private schools accountable for their actions and helping survivors find the justice they deserve. Our legal services include:
If you or a loved one has been a survivor of sexual abuse at a public or private boarding school in Illinois, you deserve justice and healing. Coplan + Crane is here to help you navigate the legal process with compassion and determination. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and will treat your case with the utmost discretion, ensuring that your privacy is protected at all times. To get information on how to file a civil lawsuit, contact our team of personal injury lawyers today.
Below is a list of some boarding schools in Illinois. Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and the inclusion of a school in this list does not imply any history of abuse at that institution.
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is a prestigious, public, residential high school for academically talented students in grades 10-12, located in Aurora, Illinois. Established in 1985, IMSA was created to foster and develop the intellectual potential of Illinois students interested in mathematics, science, and technology.
Lake Forest Academy: Lake Forest Academy is a prestigious coeducational boarding and day school located in Lake Forest, Illinois. Established in 1857 as a boys' preparatory school, it has since evolved into a leading institution that provides exceptional education for students in grades 9 through 12. Set on a picturesque 150-acre campus, the academy offers a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing environment for students from around the world.
St. Bede Academy: St. Bede Academy is a renowned coeducational Catholic high school in Peru, Illinois. Founded in 1890 by the Benedictine monks of St. Bede Abbey, the academy has a rich history of providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds in grades 9 through 12. Nestled on a scenic 700-acre campus, St. Bede Academy offers a supportive and faith-based learning environment that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development.
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart: Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is a distinguished Catholic, independent, all-girls college-preparatory high school located in Lake Forest, Illinois. Established in 1858 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, the academy is part of a global network of Sacred Heart schools and is committed to empowering young women in grades 9 through 12. Set on a beautiful 41-acre wooded campus, Woodlands Academy provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.
It is essential to research and visit any boarding school you are considering to ensure that it is the right fit for your child and provides a safe and nurturing environment. If you have any concerns about a boarding school in Illinois, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced attorneys at Coplan + Crane for a confidential consultation.
