Burnaby Institutional Abuse Lawyer

Survivors of institutional abuse in Burnaby may feel uncertain about where to turn for help, especially when the harm occurred in a place that was meant to protect them. Whether the abuse happened at a school, religious institution, group home, medical facility, or another organization of authority, no one should have to cope with such trauma alone–and no institution should escape being held accountable.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our Burnaby institutional abuse lawyers provide compassionate, trauma-informed legal support to survivors across British Columbia. We help clients pursue civil claims against both the individuals responsible and the organizations that allowed the abuse to occur.

If you or a loved one has experienced harm in an institutional setting, our team is here to guide you through the process of seeking justice, closure, and compensation. Call 1-844-373-8202 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation now.

What is Institutional Abuse?

Institutional abuse occurs when an individual or group is harmed by someone in a position of authority or trust within an organization. It often happens when an organization fails to prevent, stop, or properly respond to such conduct.

This type of abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical or sexual abuse by employees, volunteers, or authority figures
• Psychological or emotional abuse, such as intimidation, threats, or humiliation
• Neglect or deprivation of care, resources, or basic needs
• Financial exploitation, particularly of children, the elderly, or other vulnerable groups

Institutional abuse often arises in settings where victims depend on the institution for safety, education, shelter, or care. Unfortunately, it is not limited to a single type of organization. It can occur in schools, religious institutions, foster care homes, nursing facilities, medical facilities, correctional centres, extracurricular programs, and other locations.

PUT OUR EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU

Tell Us About Your Case

For more than 60 years, Preszler Injury Lawyers has been helping people across British Columbia pursue the compensation they deserve for their institutional abuse claims. As one of the country’s longest-standing personal injury law firms, our practice is devoted entirely to injury law and helping accident victims–it’s all we do.

Schedule a free consultation today to speak with our award-winning personal injury lawyers and find out if you have a case. Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call.

1-844-373-8202

The Impacts of Institutional Abuse on Survivors in Burnaby

Unlike isolated incidents of misconduct, institutional abuse reflects a deeper systemic failure. Organizations have a duty of care to protect those under their supervision. When they don’t conduct background checks, ignore warning signs, or try to conceal misconduct, they can be held legally responsible for their negligence. 

The consequences of institutional abuse can be lifelong. Survivors often experience significant emotional, psychological, and financial harm as a result of the betrayal of trust by those in authority. 

Emotional and psychological effects may include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Difficulty forming relationships or trusting others
• Guilt, shame, or self-blame
• Substance abuse issues
• And more

Physical and economic impacts may include:

• Chronic pain or other long-term health complications
• Missed education or employment opportunities
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Costs associated with therapy, medication or counselling
• And more

These effects can ripple across families, communities, and even entire cities. Many survivors struggle silently for years before they feel ready to come forward. This is why it’s important to know that there is no limitation period for these types of claims in British Columbia. This means that, even if the abuse occurred decades ago, you can still pursue compensation from a negligent organization.

How to Pursue Justice for Institutional Abuse in Burnaby

Filing a civil claim for institutional abuse is not only about compensation. It’s also about acknowledgment, accountability, and change. Survivors who come forward may help prevent future harm from befalling others while reclaiming their own sense of justice and closure. 

A civil claim for abuse can be filed against both the individual perpetrator and the institution that failed to meet its duty of care. An organization may be found liable if it:

• Hired or retained an employee despite known misconduct
• Ignored reports or complaints of abuse
• Failed to implement appropriate supervision or safety measures
• Attempted to cover up or minimize allegations

Through these claims, survivors of institutional abuse in Burnaby may pursue compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Therapy and medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Punitive damages (in particularly egregious cases)
• And more

How Our Burnaby Institutional Abuse Lawyers Can Help

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we recognize how sensitive and personal these cases are. Protecting your privacy is one of our top priorities. When filing a claim, we can request publication bans or anonymity orders, allowing you to use initials or pseudonyms to protect your identity throughout the legal process. 

If you choose to move forward with our team, our lawyers can:

• Assess your legal options and determine whether you may have grounds for a claim
• Gather evidence, including institutional records, witness statements, or expert reports
• Negotiate settlements or pursue litigation to hold negligent parties accountable
• Represent your interests with compassion, confidentiality, and respect
• And more

Our mission is to make the legal process as safe and supportive as possible. While no legal outcome can undo what happened, taking action can help you reclaim your power, achieve recognition, and access the resources you need to begin the healing process. 

Contact Our Burnaby Institutional Abuse Lawyers Today

Coming forward about institutional abuse takes extraordinary courage. Our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers is here to listen and help you navigate your options confidentially.

If you or someone you love has experienced institutional abuse in Burnaby or elsewhere in British Columbia, contact us today to schedule a free, private consultation. Call our Burnaby institutional abuse lawyers at 1-844-373-8202 or complete our online contact form to learn how we can help you pursue justice.

Proudly Canadian

Case Results

Survivor of Institutional Abuse in Burnaby?