Sexual abuse is one of the most abhorrent crimes a person can commit. When the affected individuals are children, the offender should face the most severe punishment possible in the eyes of the law. That’s why South Carolina laws have two court systems to persecute sexual predators: criminal court and civil court.
Here’s how each court will pertain to your sexual abuse case and what you can expect when you file a civil claim for your experience at Rockstar Cheer in Greenville, South Carolina, with Grimes Teich Anderson.
What’s Happening With The Investigation?
Lawsuits have already been filed in South Carolina. The lawsuits include allegations of drug and alcohol abuse, and sexual activity between coaches and the underage athletes at Rockstar Cheer in Greer, S.C. Rockstar owner and founder Scott Foster is accused of using drugs and alcohol to seduce underage girls. In addition to Foster, who apparently committed suicide by gunshot on August 22, 2022, at least six additional coaches and national credentialing entities have been named as Defendants. Kenny Feeley, Josh Guyton, Nathan Allan Plank, Christopher Hinton, Traevon Black, Peter Holley and Jared Carrubba are coaches who have been named as Defendants. National cheerleading organizations allegedly failed to safeguard the athletes, despite notice of improper activity at Rockstar.
Can Minor Victims Keep their Identity Confidential?
The rules of court allow for anonymous filing to protect the identities of Plaintiffs in cases like these. Protective Orders can keep identities confidential. Each situation is different and proceeding in a confidential manner should be discussed with an attorney.
The Difference Between Civil and Criminal Court in Sexual Abuse Cases
Through our criminal court system, sex offenders are punished for their crimes and deterred from ever repeating them. Jail time and probation, for example, are penalties of criminal court. However, civil court is designed to hold abusers and the institutions that uphold them financially accountable and pay survivors the compensation they need to continue living their everyday lives. The financial compensation an offender pays to the person they hurt is known as “damages.”
Damages can cover medical expenses, mental anguish, psychological counseling, physical pain, lost earnings, and loss of life enjoyment. While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by the perpetrator, recovering damages can benefit the survivor in their recovery.
How Do I File a Claim for My Experience at Rockstar Cheer Greenville?
Generally, survivors of sexual abuse have three years to file a claim since the event occurred, according to the South Carolina Code of Laws. Fortunately, there are some exceptions. Namely, minors may have up to six years to file a civil claim against their abuser. However, you must file a claim as soon as possible to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your experience, with the guidance of a lawyer.
The sexual abuse attorneys at Grimes Teich Anderson will provide a free and confidential consultation for the Rockstar Cheer Greenville abuse survivors and their families and work tirelessly to ensure they’re sufficiently supported through this extremely difficult time.
Compassionate and Confidential Legal Counsel for Sexual Abuse Survivors
At Grimes Teich Anderson, we’re not just attorneys but parents, too. When children suffer at the hands of an organization they trusted, we deeply understand the confusion and anguish felt by their families. That’s why we’re here to protect their rights and maintain complete confidentiality while we bring their case to justice.