Wear Trial Law brings civil claims against California school districts, private schools, and universities whose employees sexually abused students. Liability commonly rests on what the school knew and failed to act on — prior complaints, reported boundary violations, or supervision failures. If the school is a public district, a short government-claim deadline may apply, so timing matters.
The school’s own conduct is the case
Districts routinely argue that abuse by a teacher fell outside the scope of employment. That defense frequently succeeds against vicarious-liability theories — and it is beside the point.
The stronger claims target the district’s own negligence: hiring an employee whose prior conduct was discoverable, failing to supervise after receiving a complaint, failing to enforce policies on one-on-one contact or off-campus communication, and failing to report as mandated reporters require.
Evidence that decides these cases
- Personnel and disciplinary files, including prior complaints and any prior investigations
- Mandated reporter records and Child Protective Services referrals — or the absence of them
- Emails, texts, and messaging-app contact between the employee and students
- Reassignments, leaves, and separation agreements
- Prior complaints by other students
- Site supervision policies and whether they were enforced
Much of this exists only in district files. It is obtained through litigation discovery, not by asking.
Public schools have a shorter clock
For public districts, county offices of education, and public universities, a government claim generally must be presented within a short statutory period before suit may be filed. Certain childhood sexual assault claims are exempt from that requirement, but the analysis is technical and must be done early. Do not wait to find out.
Higher education and Title IX
A campus Title IX proceeding is not a civil lawsuit and does not preserve civil deadlines. Students who went through a campus process — and especially those whose complaint went nowhere — often have separate claims. The Title IX file itself is frequently valuable evidence.
Call 415-233-9688 for a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Often yes, but strict claim-presentation deadlines may apply. Contact an attorney immediately.
An ignored report is frequently the strongest evidence in the file.
Deadlines depend on your age and the year. See Revival Windows.
The firm structures cases to minimize direct contact and prepares clients thoroughly.
Request a Free, Confidential Consultation
You Are Not Alone. Speak directly with Michael Wear in a free, confidential consultation.
Talk to Us