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Jury Awards $4.2 Million to Child Sex Abuse Survivor

Posted on October 27, 2024October 27, 2024 by Loni Liss

U.S. Twirling Association Liable for 2019 Abuse of 17-Year-Old Member

A New York federal jury recently awarded $4.2 million to a sexual abuse survivor. The young 17-year-old girl was raped after she was drugged while away at a twirling competition under the supervision of the United States Twirling Association (USTA). Child sexual abuse must be stopped by holding predators accountable.

This landmark decision marks a significant triumph for childhood sexual abuse survivors. This decision underscores the accountability of large organizations for their negligence, sending a powerful message that such abuses won’t be ignored.

It’s a pivotal moment for survivors and advocates, reflecting a broader commitment to justice and change.

If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted in Maryland while you were under the supervision of a governmental agency, medical facility, or organization, you may have a case.

Our team at The Yost Legal Group understands the courage it takes to come forward. We are here to offer our unwavering support and legal guidance.

When you are ready to share your story, please contact us for a confidential and compassionate consultation. You can call or text us at 410-659-6800.

A Twirling Champion’s Trip to Lima: Not the Dream Journey She Expected

In 2019, the at-the-time 17-year-old baton-twirling champion (identified only as “Jane Doe”) went on an all-expenses-paid trip to Lima, Peru, with other American competitors and members of the United States Twirling Association (USTA).

The Lima Lions Club, the Lima, Peru branch of the international service organization, hosted the event. It should have been perhaps the best experience of the young twirler’s life.

She was a champion being recognized and rewarded for her hard work and talent. She likely thought she was taking a trip of a lifetime to do the thing she loved most. Unfortunately for the 17-year-old Ms. Doe, it did not turn out to be the trip of a lifetime.

According to court documents from Doe v. United States Twirling Association, the president of the Lima Lions Club—identified in documents only as Jacobo G.—wasted little time taking the twirlers and their chaperone, Koralea Slagle, out to parties and clubs where the underaged twirlers, especially Doe, were served copious amounts of alcohol and little to no water.

Victory for Survivor in USTA Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Doe’s testimony stated Jacobo pursued her aggressively and worked to separate her from the rest of the group.

This culminated at one of the events where “Doe was given a cocktail, which, according to the suit, contained a drug that made her feel ‘dazed, confused, and scared.'” Texts and phone calls she made to her family the night of the event corroborated her recount.

That night, Jocobo sexually assaulted the minor, Ms. Doe, in her hotel room after she was likely drugged via the cocktail she consumed.

In September 2022, Doe filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Twirling Association, USTA President Karen Cammer, and chaperone Koralea Slagle.

After a 25-week trial that concluded in the spring of 2024, a New York federal jury ruled in favor of Doe. This was a significant victory for childhood sexual abuse survivors everywhere. It established an important example that negligence by large organizations that leads to sexual abuse will not be swept under the rug.

USTA Found Negligent in Doe’s Abuse Case, Jury Rules

The jury rendered a $4.2-million verdict for Doe—a significant award for the brave survivor who wanted to hold the USTA accountable and hoped to limit the possibility that what happened to her could happen to someone else.

In a released statement after the verdict, Doe said:

“If I stayed silent, the USTA would have never taken accountability for their actions. I have reclaimed my voice by sharing the truth but continue to work towards healing. Athletes are not disposable, and their dignity and safety should never be sacrificed.”

Powerful words from a brave survivor.

Understanding the Prevalence of Child Sexual Assault in Institutional Settings

Child sexual assault is a deeply disturbing issue that affects many lives across the United States. It becomes even more alarming when such heinous acts occur in places where children should feel safe and protected.

Child molestation occurs at juvenile detention centers, medical facilities, and large organizations more than you can imagine.

For victims and their families, understanding the prevalence of these assaults within institutional settings is crucial. We all need to raise awareness and advocate for change to ensure that protective measures are put in place.

The first step in addressing child sexual assault within institutions is acknowledging its occurrence. Statistics indicate that while exact numbers can be challenging to ascertain due to underreporting and varied definitions of abuse across states, thousands of cases are reported annually.

Child Sexual Assault in Juvenile Detention Centers in Maryland

Juvenile detention centers have been identified as particularly vulnerable environments due to factors such as overcrowding, lack of surveillance, and inadequate staff training.

According to a study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 10% of youth in these facilities report experiencing sexual victimization by staff or other residents during their stay.

Were you molested in a juvenile correctional facility in Maryland? You have rights, and a top personal injury law firm can protect them. Seek a free and confidential consultation.

Teenager Rape in Medical Facilities in Maryland

Medical facilities also present unique risks for child sexual assault. The trust placed in healthcare professionals can sometimes be betrayed when boundaries are crossed.

Reports have surfaced over the years about instances where children have become victims during medical examinations or treatments.

These situations highlight the need for stringent protocols and transparent communication between medical practitioners and guardians or parents.

Child molestation claims are being handled by some of the best lawyers for personal injury. If you or a family member have questions about filing a sexual assault claim, please give us a call. We are here to answer your questions and provide the support and guidance you need.

Child Sexual Abuse in Large Organizations in Maryland

Large organizations that serve children—such as schools, camps, sports leagues, and religious institutions—are not exempt from this issue either. The organizational structure can sometimes allow predators to exploit authority positions or access opportunities with insufficient oversight.

High-profile cases involving trusted mentors or leaders emphasize the importance of ongoing training for staff members alongside robust reporting systems that encourage whistleblowers without fear of retaliation.

Were you sexually assaulted by a teacher? Were you molested by an athletic coach? An experienced legal team can file a personal injury claim on your behalf. You may be entitled to a significant financial recovery.

Ready to Talk? The Yost Legal Group Here to Listen

If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a minor in Maryland, you may have a case. Talking about one’s own experience with sexual assault and rape is very difficult.

We understand the pain and pressure the memories may cause. It can seem like an unbearable weight. But there is hope, and you are not alone. Our lawyers for victims of assault seek justice against the perpetrators of sexual misconduct.

The Yost Legal Group is here to listen and help. If you are ready to talk, call or text us today at 410-659-6800 for a free consultation. All communication is confidential. Our abuse lawyers can take legal action in the state of Maryland to protect your rights.

No matter how long ago the abuse happened, the new Maryland Child Victims Act removes the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse claims.

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New York Times Finally Covers Hair Relaxer Litigation

Posted on June 26, 2024October 11, 2024 by Loni Liss

After 8,000 Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Filed, Mainstream Media Pay Attention to Cancer Risk

Earlier this month, on June 13, 2024, New York Times Magazine contributing writer Linda Villarosa published “The Disturbing Truth About Hair Relaxers.” Her expansive 6,300-word article was the ripe fruit born from over a year of research about hair relaxer lawsuits.

She interviewed dozens of scientists, government officials, legal experts, and, most importantly, hair relaxer users. Her findings, while shocking to some, were no surprise to us here at The Yost Legal Group.

We have been covering the hair relaxer litigation for two years. Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the dangers, cancers, and deaths caused by chemical hair straighteners.

The sub-head continues: “They’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. Why are they still being marketed so aggressively to Black women?”

The easy answer is “Money.” Cosmetics companies like Avlon, L’Oréal, and Revlon have made hundreds of billions of dollars on the heads of Black women without any regard for the effects upon people’s lives.

Hair Straighteners Linked to Uterine Cancer in Black Women

Women who used hair straighteners (mostly Black) were 2.5 times more likely to develop uterine cancer. Black women are more than twice as likely to die from uterine cancer than other racial and ethnic groups studied in 2022 by The Journal of the American Medical Association Oncology.

All peer-reviewed studies we have seen show that chemical hair relaxers and straighteners are carcinogenic, yet cosmetics companies continue to market and sell them. It is time to hold them accountable.

Have you been diagnosed with endometrial cancer (not to be confused with endometriosis), non-serous ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer? Have you used chemical hair relaxers or chemical hair straighteners regularly for years? Contact The Yost Legal Group today at 410-659-6800.

Our lawyers for personal injury will help you understand your rights to file a hair relaxer lawsuit. If you used a dark and lovely relaxer and were diagnosed with any of these cancers, we can file a dark and lovely lawsuit on your behalf.

There is a direct connection between hair relaxers and cancer. Click here for hair relaxer lawsuit update information.

Urgent Warning for Black Women Using Hair Straighteners

If you have never used chemical hair relaxers or lived with someone who did, it might be easy to underestimate how prevalent they are among Black women.

According to a 2019 study published by the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology (and cited in Villarosa’s New York Times Magazine article), 89% of Black women studied reported having used chemical hair relaxers/straighteners at least once.

In 2011, the United States hair-relaxer market generated $71 million just from sales to salons and other professionals. That revenue dropped to $30 million by 2021. However, those figures do not account for the many products sold off-the-shelf directly to consumers.

If you have been diagnosed with uterine cancer and have used hair relaxers regularly, you should consider filing a product liability lawsuit. The toxic chemicals in chemical hair straightening products increase your risk of cancer.

Although the harmful chemicals in these products were known to be carcinogenic, manufacturers continued to use them in their hair products. Multiple studies show the risk of developing uterine cancer with prolonged use of hair straighteners or relaxer products.

Hold Cosmetics Companies Accountable for Carcinogenic Hair Products

Hair Relaxer Brands Linked to Reproductive-Organ Cancers:

· African Pride

· Avlon

· Bantu

· Carson

· Dark and Lovely

· Just for Me

· L’Oréal

· ORS Olive Oil

· Revlon

· Strength of Nature

Hair-straightening products have been on the market since the 1950s. In many families, brand loyalty has become a tradition. Mothers passed their products onto their daughters, who would eventually pass the products onto their own daughters, and so on and so forth.

Some women have decades of chemical hair relaxer use. The blatant disregard for the health and well-being of women of color by these manufacturers is evident. Now, a light is shining on the truth.

Higher Uterine Cancer Risk Linked to Hair Straightening Chemicals, NIH Study Reveals

A recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that women who use chemical hair straightening products face a higher risk of developing uterine cancer than those who do not use these products.

The research, which drew data from 33,497 U.S. women aged 35-74 participating in the Sister Study, highlighted an increased risk, particularly among Black women, who reportedly use these products more frequently.

According to the findings, women who used hair straighteners more than four times in the previous year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products.

Notably, the study did not find any associations between uterine cancer and other hair products such as dyes, bleach, highlights, or perms.

Key Findings from the Study:

Women who never used hair straighteners had a 1.64% chance of developing uterine cancer by age 70.
Frequent users (more than four times a year) faced a risk that increased to 4.05%.
During nearly 11 years of follow-up, 378 uterine cancer cases were diagnosed among the participants.

Dr. Alexandra White, head of the NIEHS Environment and Cancer Epidemiology group and the study’s lead author, emphasized the significance of these findings. “This doubling rate is concerning. However, it is important to put this information into context—uterine cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer.”

Despite accounting for about 3% of all new cancer cases, uterine cancer remains the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, with an estimated 65,950 new cases in 2022.

Alarmingly, studies indicate that the incidence rates of uterine cancer have been rising in the United States, especially among Black women.

This study underscores the importance of further research and awareness about the potential risks associated with chemical hair straightening products, particularly within communities that use these products more frequently.

Holding Cosmetics Companies Accountable for Product Safety

As the awareness of the potential risks associated with chemical hair relaxers continues to grow, it is crucial for individuals, especially Black women, to educate themselves about the products they use.

Seeking alternative hair straightening methods that do not contain harmful chemicals can help reduce the risk of developing serious health issues. Additionally, holding cosmetics companies accountable for the safety of their products is essential in ensuring the well-being of consumers.

By staying informed and advocating for safer hair care options, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers linked to chemical hair relaxers.

This prevalence over many decades greatly explains the 8,000+ cases that people have filed so far. In the Hair Relaxers Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation (MDL-3060) in the United States Judicial Panel of Multidistrict Litigation docket.

The Hidden Dangers of Hair Relaxers for Black Women Exposed

It is nice to see a mainstream media organization like The New York Times finally give this cause the attention it deserves. Hair products that cause cancer should be removed from the market.

Black women have been suffering from preventable endometrial, non-serous ovarian, and uterine cancers likely caused by their chemical hair relaxers for far too long without proper recognition.

If you used chemical hair relaxers or chemical hair straighteners regularly and were diagnosed with endometrial cancer (not to be confused with endometriosis), non-serous ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer, call The Yost Legal Group.

We will file a hair relaxer lawsuit to seek financial compensation for you and your family. Our attorneys for personal injury will fight to seek a hair relaxer settlement.

Our experienced hair relaxer lawyers will work to help you get the justice you deserve. Call or text us at 410-659-6800 for a free consultation.

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