Perez Law Firm · Sarasota, Florida
Based in Sarasota. Representing injury victims throughout Florida.
Start your claimChildren in schools, group homes, and care facilities must be protected. We pursue claims against institutions that fail to prevent or respond to abuse and neglect, and support families through the process with compassion.
Understanding your options
When a child may have been harmed in a school, group home, or care setting, safety comes first. A civil investigation can examine whether an institution failed in its responsibilities to protect the child.
Call 911 when a child is in immediate danger. Report suspected child abuse to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. Do not delay reporting while collecting evidence or seeking a consultation. Avoid repeatedly questioning the child or trying to conduct your own investigation; trained professionals can address safety and appropriate interviewing.
A civil claim against an institution is distinct from allegations against the individual who caused harm. The investigation may examine supervision, access to children, prior reports, policies, and the institution’s response to concerns. Employment or association alone does not resolve every liability question. The legal duties and facts must be considered.
Keep original messages, emails, enrollment information, incident reports, and a factual timeline of concerns and responses. Record the names of people notified and the dates. Do not access accounts or records without permission or circulate sensitive material. Ask the firm how to provide information securely and protect the child’s privacy.
Authorities investigate potential crimes; a civil case addresses potential legal responsibility and remedies for harm. A report does not automatically produce a civil recovery. Timing rules can differ with the nature of the conduct, the child’s circumstances, and whether a public institution is involved. Do not assume that all childhood-abuse claims have the same deadline.
Answers to common concerns
No. Urgent safety and reporting concerns should be addressed immediately. Call 911 for immediate danger and use the Florida Abuse Hotline to report suspected abuse.
Potentially, depending on its duties, actions or omissions, and the connection to the harm. An investigation may consider supervision, notice of concerns, and responses. Liability is not automatic.
No. You can begin with a brief description, relevant dates, the institution’s name, and questions. Do not include sensitive details about the child in a public website form.
No. The processes have different purposes and requirements. An attorney can discuss how an ongoing investigation may affect the evaluation and handling of a civil matter.
Based in Sarasota, Alan Perez represents injury victims throughout Florida. Start with the facts you know and the questions you want answered. Ask how to share sensitive documents securely. Alan Perez is bilingual in English and Spanish.
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Consultations are free and confidential, and there is no obligation. We usually respond the same business day.
