Robert Land Academy Abuse
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Hold Robert Land Academy Accountable For Your Abuse There
For decades, parents and guardians have enrolled their boys at Robert Land Academy (also known by its initials, RLA) in the Niagara Region of Ontario on the promise of a brighter future.
Tragically, however, many children within this program have experienced the opposite.
Instead of experiencing a supportive and tailored education program specifically designed for and suited to their needs, many students have been subjected to various forms of abuse including physical, verbal and sexual abuse and exploitation.
This betrayal runs contrary to the purported core values of Robert Land Academy. In addition, the academy most likely fell short in its duty of care to you as a student and minor if you were abused. We strive to help abuse survivors address these failures, seek accountability, and support survivors in their pursuit of justice.
This private military-themed educational institution purports to “unlock your son’s potential” and claims to be “inspiring students to reach their academic, physical and moral potential” while instilling values of hard work, respect and perseverance.
Robert Land Academy has marketed itself as providing a holistic education tailored to the special needs of the students, some of whom have been diagnosed with learning and developmental issues.
Our firm, Preszler Injury Lawyers, already represents several dozen clients who experienced abuse while attending the academy.
LET US PUT OUR EXPERTISE TO WORK FOR YOU
Tell Us What Happened
Since 1959, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians get the compensation they deserve with their institutional abuse claims. One of Canada’s oldest personal injury law firms, personal injury law is exclusively what we do. Book a free consultation today with our top-rated personal injury lawyers.
Our team is available 24/7 to speak with you.
Formerly Abused Students Of Robert Land Academy Have Right To Seek Compensation
If you are a former student at Robert Land Academy and suffered physical, verbal or sexual abuse while you were a student, you have the right to seek justice and compensation.
We are here to help you hold those responsible accountable. Our practice has handled many claims of abuse in institutional settings over the decades.
Your First Steps With Us
From the moment you reach out to us, our team is here to listen. You can share your story at your own pace and in your own way. We are here to support you, explore the legal options available to you, and work together toward finding justice. No amount of compensation can undo what happened, but it can provide validation, help recognize the failings of the institution and offer support as you move forward.
Understanding Sexual Assault And Sexual Exploitation
Sexual assault is not limited to violent or forced acts. It includes any form of unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact, regardless of severity. If you experienced abuse while you were a student at Robert Land Academy, we are here to hold the school accountable.
What Is Considered Physical Assault?
Physical assault is similarly not limited to violent or forceful acts. Physical assault can include any form of unwanted or inappropriate physical contact including forceful restraint and excessive forced physical labour which was a common practice at Robert Land Academy over the last several decades.
What Situations Can Lead To A Claim?
We are prepared to handle claims involving incidents such as:
- Unwanted touching or sexual acts;
- Physical assault by Robert Land Academy staff;
- Excessive physical restraints by Robert Land Academy staff;
- Psychological injuries arising from verbal abuse and neglect while you were a student.
If you are unsure whether your experience qualifies, we are here to listen and help clarify your legal options. Many survivors doubt their own experiences, but we are committed to levelling the playing field.
Common Experiences Of Survivors
Every survivor’s journey is unique, but you may recognize some of these effects:
- Emotional struggles like anger, depression, or shame;
- Difficulty in relationships or trust issues;
- Impact on mental and physical health;
- Substance abuse;
- Difficulty maintaining stable employment;
- Distrust in authorities;
- Lifelong pain and suffering.
These struggles are not your fault. You are not to blame for what happened. We will discuss how the abuse has affected you and ensure your voice is heard.
Is It Too Late To Seek Justice?
The law has eliminated the statute of limitations for abuse claims against minor children, meaning your right to seek justice remains intact, no matter how much time has passed. There is no legal requirement to have reported your abuse previously, and many survivors take time before they feel ready to share their story. There is no requirement to make a criminal complaint if you file a civil claim, either, although you have the right to report your abuse to police at any time should you wish. We are here to support you when you are ready.
What To Expect From The Legal Process
Your involvement in the legal process will be minimal. We will handle the heavy lifting while keeping you informed and supported. Most cases settle before trial and within a few years of commencement.
You control all critical decisions, and we will be with you every step of the way.
What Compensation Are We Seeking?
We seek compensatory damages on your behalf, which can include but are not limited to:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life and dignity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages both past and future
Your settlement will be determined by factors such as how abuse affected all aspects of your life.
Why Not Enter A Class Action Against Robert Land Academy?
Our priority is representing you as an individual.
Every survivor’s experience is deeply personal, and we are dedicated to pursuing the best outcome specifically for you. You are not just a “class member” – you are a unique individual with your own story, circumstances, and the specific harm you have endured. Your voice deserves to be heard, and we are here to ensure that happens.
How Do We Get Paid?
We work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t pay anything unless we secure a settlement for you. This ensures our interests align with yours, and you can trust that we are here to fight for you without financial pressure.
Speak With Our Legal Team About Your Potential Robert Land Academy Abuse Claim
We are here to answer your questions and discuss your options with sensitivity and care. Reach out to us for a free, confidential consultation whenever you feel ready.
Call 1-888-541-7603 today to learn more about how we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We are available 24/7 to provide support when you need it most.
Written by Matthew Lefave
Personal Injury Lawyer
Lawyer Matthew Lefave has a practice focused on complex motor vehicle accident claims, long-term disability claims, and institutional abuse claims.
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Case Results
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Please note that past results are not indicative of future results as each scenario presents itself with its unique set of circumstances. But here are some institutional abuse related wins we’ve had for our clients.
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institutional abuse FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions for institutional abuse claims
I never submitted a police report. How can I prove this happened?
No survivor of sexual assault should worry about not having enough evidence to come forward. We routinely take on cases where our clients have never reported their assault to the police. The only evidence we need to prove a civil sexual assault claim is our client’s story of what happened.
In fact, it is rare for cases of historic abuse to hinge on hard evidence, such as witness testimonies or formal reports. Instead, sexual abuse claims are decided by weighing all of the evidence on a balance of probabilities. Your evidence and testimony count.
I’m worried I stayed quiet for too long. Is it too late?
There is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims in the Province of Ontario. That means that, no matter how far in the past your abuse took place, you could still be eligible to pursue a civil claim against the person who perpetrated the crime, or the organization responsible for fostering the relationship between victim and perpetrator so that the crime could occur (depending on the circumstances of the case).
We are often retained by people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s who were assaulted as children. Even if your abuser is no longer living, you may be able to pursue civil action against their employer, the institution that introduced you to your abuser, or any other responsible party.
The law recognizes that survivors of sexual assault often do not report their assaults for years or even decades after it happened. The law recognizes that survivors of sexual assault deserve justice and fairness no matter when the assault took place.
The person at fault is still alive (and maybe even involved in the organization). Do I have to face them?
In a typical case, you will never see the defendant. Civil sexual assault lawsuits are generally handled by insurance companies and the defendant has little involvement in the process, if any.
If the perpetrator is involved in the lawsuit, you will not have direct interaction with him or her. Fortunately, most sexual abuse cases are settled during a process called Mediation. Throughout this process, an impartial mediator will conduct meetings privately with all parties involved in the claim in order to negotiate a settlement. Since these meetings are conducted privately, plaintiffs pursuing a sexual abuse claim and their lawyers will not necessarily need to interact with the person accused of committing abuse face-to-face.
What does the court process look like?
If a settlement negotiation cannot be reached during Mediation, you, the defendant or defendants, and your respective lawyers will be required to attend a pre-trial before a judge, during which the judge will act as a quasi-mediator in order to help facilitate settlement.
If the case proceeds to trial, evidence will be presented before a judge or jury. You will most likely be required to share your story on the witness stand and will be subject to cross-examination from the accused’s or institution’s legal representation. Witnesses, various experts on damages, and others may be called upon to present evidence and face cross-examination.
Once the evidence has been presented and lawyers for both sides have presented their arguments, the judge or jury will determine the case’s outcome as well as the amount of damages the defendant may be required to pay you.
How many times do I have to tell the story?
We tell all clients that they will only be asked to tell the story when they are ready to do so; there is no rush. We do not even need to know the full details of our clients’ stories before we take on their claim. We only need to know if there was sexual touching of some nature.
Talking about your experience can be emotionally challenging, but it can also be an empowering component of the healing process. Our sexual abuse lawyers appreciate how difficult it can be to talk about this painful subject matter in detail, but we provide a compassionate, safe environment in which you will feel comfortable speaking freely about the abuse to which you were subjected.
Generally, you will need to tell your story at least once before the claim settles. The insurance company will need to understand what happened in order to know how much compensation is fair. We work with clients to ensure they are ready and comfortable to tell their story beforehand.
Your lawyer may suggest that you undergo medical assessments from experts who can determine how the trauma you suffered has impacted your overall quality of life, your ability to earn income, etc. Being open and truthful about your experience during these evaluations can be therapeutic and could help strengthen your case.
Can I remain anonymous?
We can apply to the court to ask for your name to be kept anonymous in court documents. In many cases, we can also settle the claim confidentially without starting a lawsuit.
I don’t think the person who abused me has any money. How could I get compensation?
Many occurrences of sexual abuse arise as a result of the involvement of certain institutions. In many cases, the actual abuser is either deceased, cannot be located, or does not have any assets to compensate the victim. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to pursue compensation directly from the organization or institution that introduced you to the abuser.
Most institutions also have insurance to compensate survivors of sexual assault. If the assault happened in connection with an institution (such as a church, school, company, Boy/Girl Scouts troop, or other organization), then it does not matter if the person who assaulted our client has any assets. We might be able to seek compensation from the institution itself or their insurance policy.
How long does a civil action take?
There is no standard length of time for how long civil actions can take before settlements are determined. However, most sexual abuse claims take between 2-4 years before reaching a resolution.
Got more questions?
If you have more questions or need legal help regarding institutional abuse claims, contact our legal team for help.
We’re happy to help.
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