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Devereux Child Abuse Lawsuit

You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Child Abuse at Devereux Facilities

How the Process Works

1. Confidential Questionnaire

We begin by reviewing your online survey and intake forms. First, we will look at the circumstances of your case and evaluate the actions needed.

2. Free Case Evaluation

1. Confidential Questionnaire

One of our team members will follow up with you, asking more detailed questions about your experience at a Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health facility. We will explain to you what you can expect throughout the legal claims process.

3. Representation Agreement

1. Confidential Questionnaire

3. Representation Agreement

If eligible, we will send you a contingency fee agreement to get represented in the case by our law firm. Fees are payable only if a lawsuit is successful or results in a favorable settlement in which you get compensation.

4. Getting Started

Available to Answer Your Questions

3. Representation Agreement

After signing the paperwork, we will start working on your claims against Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. You might be requested to provide medical and historical documents. You will not have to spend a single dollar, even if the trial goes on for years.

5. Settlement & Compensation

Available to Answer Your Questions

In the case of a successful settlement, you will get compensation and the contingency fee is deducted. Keep in mind that compensation amounts can vary between different cases and injury types.

Available to Answer Your Questions

We know everyone has questions and we are here with the answers. Our staff is dedicated to helping you understand and navigate the process. We will provide you with knowledge, thereby empowering all your decisions. We zealously advocate to get every client justice and will fight to get the highest possible compensation, and to maximize all potential claims

What are the Devereux Child Abuse Lawsuits About

Devereux & its related companies, Hid and Failed to Report Decades of Physical & Sexual Abuse

Our attorneys have filed many lawsuits alleging child abuse injuries against Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, the Devereux Foundation, and their related companies. These lawsuits allege at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health facilities, RAMPANT physical, mental, and sexual abuse occurred during the last two decades. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health operated facilities in multiple states across the country including Florida, New York, Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health employed staff members who were responsible and entrusted to care for the minors who resided in their juvenile placement units.

Often with the supervisors' and administrators' knowledge and complicity, thousands of residents allege staff members used excessive force and unnecessary force and physically restrained them causing a multitude of injuries, some involving hospitalizations and extensive medical treatment. Other residents alleged horrific sexual abuse by staff members both at the facility and during sponsored excursions. As a caretaker for juveniles placed into its care Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health had a legal duty and responsibility to protect all its residents from harm, and report any child abuse whether physical abuse and/or sexual abuse.

These child abuse injury lawsuit we filed on our clients' behalf alleges Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health failed in discharging their duties to protect the juvenile residents in their care from harm. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health knew or should have known about the rampant, systemic culture of abuse at its nationwide juvenile placement facilities. If you or someone you know attended a Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health juvenile placement facility contact us immediately and anytime 24/7/365 for your free case evaluation.

Impacts & Injuries From Physical & Sexual Child Abuse

Psychological/Emotional Health

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Depression, anxiety, feeling numb, difficulty managing or feeling emotions including anger

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Intrusive images, feelings from the abuse, numbing or avoidance behaviors

Physical Health

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Education & Employment

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD/STI), Broken Bones, Chronic Disease, Chronic Undiagnosed Pain

Education & Employment

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Education & Employment

Not graduating high school, being unable to finish training or education, difficulties with supervisors, difficulty maintaining steady employment, being fired from jobs

Social & Intimate Relationships

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Distrust of others, isolating yourself, not being able to keep healthy relationships, difficulty maintaining emotional attachments, difficulty with sexual behavior, infidelity

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Gambling, Alcoholism, Drug Use

Join the Lawsuit Against Devereux Today

Qualifications & Criteria for Compensation

The initial step is to contact us so we can speak with you and learn about your unique experience and through our understanding of the law, we will craft a path to success.

1. Attended a Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health facility as a juvenile

2. Never previously filed a Lawsuit against Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health

3. Endured Physical, Mental, and/or Sexual Abuse

If you or someone you know went to Abraxas and were physically, mentally, and/or sexually abused, you may be entitled to compensation.

Get Your FREE Case Evaluation Today

Qualifications & Criteria for Compensation

Don't wait! Contact us for a free phone consultation. Let us help you determine how valuable your case is and all the rights you hold. Our attorneys have decades of experience holding businesses and facilities responsible for their conduct in failing to oversee, train, and supervise their employees. With these cases, the period to file a claim is short and time is of the essence, so contact us today to discuss your matter

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at dwesley24@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Will this process cost me any money?

There is no cost to complete the pre-qualification and eligibility processes. Further, there are no fees involved with signing with the legal team. The legal team is only compensated when a successful judgment, settlement, and/or reward is handed down in favor of the Plaintiff.

Are those who endured child abuse at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health facility, entitled to compensation?

We take matters of personal privacy very seriously. When you share you personal and private information with our team of professionals, we take many special measures to protect your privacy. We are HIPAA-compliant to ensure any medical records you share with us are secure. Additionally, we follow other best practices in the areas of information security to assure your information is safe from prying eyes.

How do we protect your Information?

What Information is Needed for a Free Case Review?

In order to provide a free case review, we need to know: 1. the name of the resident and their date of birth 2. age of resident at time of abuse 3. the Abraxas /GEO Group facility where abuse occurred 4. where on the facility grounds the abuse occurred 5. Type of abuse (physical, mental, and/or sexual)

How Long Do a Lawsuit Like This Usually Take to Resolve?

Class action lawsuits similar to this one can take at least one to five years to resolve, depending on the case, and only under very rare circumstances will they take less time. The resolution of cases depends upon numerous factors including the class size, number of named abusers, and expected witness testimony. Class action lawsuits are extremely complex matters involving reviewing millions of pages of documents and examining physical evidence covering many issues. Once you obtain your free case evaluation, we can explain to how long a we anticipate the matter lasting.

What statute of limitations apply to my case?

The statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases is a very complex and depends upon a number of factors. Generally, a state or the federal government sets a time period by which any person wanting to file a lawsuit has until.to enter a claim. If a person does not file a claim within this period, they will forever lose their chance to bring a claim. Every state and the federal government maintain different limitations periods. There are notable exceptions to the statutes of limitations including discovery of an injury from the abuse and when the child abuse is actively concealed. Moreover, depending upon the circumstances, more parties than just the abuser may be responsible. Also, many states have also completely repealed their prior civil statutes of limitations related to both sexual abuse and physical abuse. Finally, while confined to a facility in one state, a juvenile who endured child sexual abuse during a trip or other outing to another jurisdiction, would potentially be covered by multiple laws. Any individual who suffered child physical abuse and/or sexual abuse while on a facility sanctioned event may potentially be covered by the state where the facility is located and/or the state where the assaults happened. As there are many complex and intricate factors in determining the statute of limitations in a particular case, it is extremely important you pay close attention to this element.

Will the Staff Members at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health who made me suffer child abuse be criminally prosecuted as a result of this lawsuit?

A lawsuit is a civil action only, which means it would be for economic and other relief. Although filing your lawsuit does not directly create a criminal matter this litigation is readily available to law enforcement, who monitor large scale child abuse litigation against juvenile placement facilities such as these. Moreover in Pennsylvania, in the location where the lawsuit is being litigated in court.

Can I Become a Part of This Lawsuit if I was Abused at an Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Facility outside Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can be a participant in this lawsuit if you were abused at a GEO Group and/or Abraxas Youth and Family Services facility outside Pennsylvania. Abraxas maintained facilities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Texas, and numerous other locations. Not every Abraxas and/or GEO Group facility is eligible to join this class action case, so contact us to determine if the facility you or someone you know was housed at qualifies.

Will the Individual Staff Members Who Committed Child Abuse be Named as a Defendant in this Lawsuit?

Liability in juvenile placement child abuse facility cases identical to this one can become complicated under specific circumstances. A Plaintiff can hold the abuser liable for their actions and in some cases, this is the extent of the liability. However, juvenile placement facilities are responsible for hiring, training, and supervising their employees and past events have shown organizations could also have legal liability for the child abuse. Further, In the past, juvenile placement facilities found to have covered up child abuse and failed to report suspected child abuse in an extensive operation to protect themselves from the potential fallout of child abuse charges. As a result, victims can hold these organizations liable as well. Liability separately extends to the organization itself if officials knew about the child abuse and did nothing to stop abusers. Likewise, any attempt to cover up abuse also exposes them to liability. Many organizations receive training on spotting abuse and various methods to prevent and respond to different abuse types.

What is the Definition of Child Sexual Abuse?

Any type of unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs including acts of molestation or unwanted sexual advances will thus be considered sexual assault. Although generally an abuser must make contact with the juvenile victim's genitals there are notable expansions for this rule. Acts including: Rape and attempted rape, Forced sexual acts of any kind, Groping and unwanted touching, Child molestation, Sexual exploitation, Showing explicit images or exposing a child to sexually charged language or pornography, Taking inappropriate photos of a child for personal use or distribution, Requesting the minor send or take pictures of themselves in an inappropriate manner, Revealing oneself to a child.

What is Child Physical Abuse?

Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of child maltreatment and while legal definitions vary from state to state, but broadly, it occurs when a guardian or caregiver commits an act that results in injury to a juvenile. Results of physical abuse can include red marks, cuts, welts, bruises, black eyes, muscle sprains, or broken bones.

What Happens if my Case Does Not Settle?

If your case is not settled then the matter will proceed to trial. A complex matter such as this class action will often take more than a year to get to a jury trial. The jury trial would be overseen by a Federal, County, and/or District Judge.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes for Any Award or Settlement?

A financial recovery from a lawsuit, judgment, and/or settlement, is exempt from taxes if it is for a personal injury case. The IRS does not tax award settlements for personal injury cases. However, if the award is for lost wages or loss of business or related injuries even if stemming from a personal injury case, then taxes will be due. If taxes were due in that situation it would likely be limited to the portion of the award and/or settlement providing for lost wages/business. Our experienced attorneys frequently help our clients navigate these often complex situations.

What Are Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws?

All states require certain professionals or institutions to report suspected child abuse, whether physical and/or sexual Those required by law to notify law enforcement are considered mandated reporters. The juvenile or his or her parents or other legal guardians may be entitled to compensation for child abuse. Damages for child sexual abuse can include amounts for physical and emotional pain and suffering, the expected costs of future counseling, and in cases where an organization grossly mishandled reports of abuse, there may be substantial awards of punitive damages.

Who Is Covered by Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws?

An employee of a health care facility or provider licensed by the Department of Health, who is engaged in the admission, examination, care or treatment of individuals, Juvenile Placement Facilities, Reform Schools, Schools, Daycares and preschools Summer camps Churches Youth sports organizations and any other organization with a duty to protect the child entrusted to their care.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Group Facility Locations

Pennsylvania

Devereux Pennsylvania, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, - Villanova

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Devereux New Jersey - Cherry Hill and Statewide

New York

Pennsylvania

New York

Devereux New York, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health New York - Hudson, Mount Kisco, Ossining, Saugerties, Poughkeepsie, Red Hook, and Statewide

Florida

California

New York

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida, Viera campus, Titusville Campus, Orlando Campus, Specialized Therapeutic Group Homes, Devereux Service Centers- Viera Beach, Melbourne Beach, & Orlando

Texas

California

Devereux School, Devereux Texas, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Texas - Victoria & League City

California

Devereux California - Santa Barbara

Massachusetts

Devereux Massachusetts Boys’ Residential Treatment Program, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Massachusetts & Rhode Island, Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island - Rutland

Connecticut

Massachusetts

Glenholme School - Washington

Rhode Island

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Massachusetts and Rhode Island - Rutland

Georgia

Colorado

Rhode Island

Devereux Cottages, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Georgia - Kennesaw

Arizona

Colorado

Assessment and Intervention Center (AIC), Brief Intervention Program (BIP), Residential Treatment Center (RTC) - Tucson & Scottsdale

Colorado

Cleo Wallace Academy, Rapid Stabilization Unit, Devereux Colorado - Westminster

About Us

Team Members

Nationwide Advocacy & Service

Choose us when 2nd Best Is Not an Option. Our experienced team passionately advocate on all our clients’ behalf to ensure they get justice and fair compensation. We have been operating since 2011, representing child sexual abuse and child physical abuse survivors, in both criminal and civil court.

Our team has spent significant time advocating for issues relating to juvenile placement and reform school child abuse, especially physical and sexual abuse. We have devoted a large part of our practice to advocating for the socially and economically disadvantaged to promote larger social causes especially eliminating child abuse.

Nationwide Advocacy & Service

While Cornerstone Legal Group’s flagship office is located in Philadelphia, our attorneys, and partners work in everywhere in the country. We have been operating and representing residents of all 50 states and have a very strong presence in many areas including: Michigan, Chicago, DC, Pittsburgh, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts, Baltimore, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Colorado, Texas, and Pennsylvania. We also work with many firms throughout the nation, ensuring we bring the best and most skilled team possible to help child abuse survivors advocate for justice.

This is legal information and not legal advice. This material is for informational purposes only. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services or claims processing to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services or claims processing performed by other lawyers or claims processing group. The information contained herein is not legal advice. Any information you submit to this site and Cornerstone Legal Group does not create an attorney-client relationship. This page is owned and managed by Cornerstone Legal Group. Your information will be forwarded to an attorney and/or claims processing firm for the purpose of confidential review. claims You should not submit to this website time sensitive due to the attorneys All photos contained on this website are of paid non-attorney spokesperson and do not depict actual current clients.