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Española Coach Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Española Coach Sexual Abuse Attorney
Surviving abuse from a coach is one of the most hurtful and egregious betrayals a child or family can experience. At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, our lawyers fight to hold wrongdoers accountable who violate our children’s safety in civil court. If you or a loved one is a victim, you deserve a safe, confidential place to tell your story, and a Española coach sexual abuse lawyer can advocate on your behalf.
About Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC
We fight for survivors and families throughout New Mexico. With decades of combined experience, the lawyers at Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC deliver compassionate, client-centered representation, zealously advocating for justice in the courtroom.
We tackle sensitive abuse cases with intricate personal injury claims and high-stakes litigation by combining our experience with determination to produce results that empower our clients to confidently move forward.
Understanding Coach Sexual Abuse in Española
Sports are a major part of life for young people in Española, whether at school, through local or regional leagues, or in community programs. Unfortunately, these organizations can also be a target for predators. Coaches can misuse their authority, and young athletes may have a hard time knowing that something is wrong, or they may be afraid to report it.
New data recently published paints a picture of how deep the issue runs in New Mexico. The New Mexico Public Schools Insurance Authority paid $33.6 million between 2012 and 2021 to settle 141 claims of molestation and sexual abuse by adults within schools across the state, with many of those claims related to the actions of school employees, including coaches.
In 2024, the Legislative Education Study Committee issued a report that found that educator sexual misconduct has cost the state over $73 million in the last 10 years.
Signs of Abuse by a Coach
When abuse happens, especially from an authority figure like a coach, it is not uncommon for children to refrain from speaking up about the abuse to their parents or to others in fear of getting into trouble or making matters worse. However, there are some signs you can look for that may point to abuse. These include:
- No longer wanting to participate in sports or activities they once enjoyed
- Sudden emotional changes, such as anger or depression
- Avoiding specific adults or specific situations
- Unexplained injuries
- Sudden secrecy
- Changes in mood, sleep, or eating habits
If you feel like abuse may have occurred, it is better to follow up on your suspicions rather than ignore them. Ask questions or seek assistance from a therapist or counselor, and seek medical care for your child if you are concerned about physical injuries. Report your concerns and any signs of abuse immediately.
Liability in Coach Sexual Abuse Cases
When filing a claim, one of the most important things to identify is who should be held liable in the case. In these situations, more parties can be responsible than just the perpetrator of the abuse. Additional responsible parties include:
- A school and/or its athletic team, if they ignored the abuse and allowed it to continue
- Organizations without proper safety measures in place
- Employees who did not report the abuse
- Employers who did not perform adequate background checks
In coach sexual abuse cases, the statute of limitations is of particular importance. In general, adults have three years from the date of the abuse or the date on which they knew or should have known that the abuse harmed them to bring a claim. Survivors of childhood abuse have until their 24th birthday or within three years of disclosing the abuse to a medical provider.
Don’t Wait Get Justice Now
Hire a Coach Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The consequences of a breach of trust by an authority figure, such as a coach, can be catastrophic and lifelong for survivors and their families. Survivors may choose to pursue legal action not just to receive compensation, but also to help hold negligent organizations and sexual abusers accountable for their failure to protect children.
When you hire a sexual abuse lawyer from Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, you receive a compassionate advisor and advocate to guide you through the legal process and help you hold those responsible, accountable.
FAQs
What Happens When a School Coach Is Accused of Sexual Misconduct?
Schools will most likely place a coach on administrative leave if he or she is accused of engaging in sexual misconduct. They could then be subject to disciplinary action based on the outcome of an investigation. This may include being fired or loss of licensure. An offender may also face criminal charges, which may result in jail or prison time, fines, and registry as a sex offender.
Can Schools Be Held Liable in Coach Sexual Abuse Cases?
Yes. The coach may not be the only one found to be at fault. If a school, district, or athletic association administrator disregarded complaints, didn’t perform background checks, or established a culture in which misconduct was ignored, they too might be held accountable in civil court for facilitating or failing to prevent the abuse.
Contact Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC
If your loved one suffered abuse at the hands of a coach, a compassionate legal professional is here to help. The competent attorneys at Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC can support you throughout the legal process of a sexual abuse claim. Contact us today for more information.
We Can Help You Obtain Justice
With our main office in Santa Fe and dedicated staff across New Mexico—including Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Taos—we’re ready to support your case wherever you are.
123 W. San Francisco St. Floor 2
Santa Fe, NM 87501-2111
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Main Office
123 W. San Francisco St. Floor 2
Santa Fe, NM 87501-2111
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