An elite US gymnast who was training at the Huntsville, Texas, Karolyi Ranch training center, is suing for negligence, negligent hiring, and intentional infliction of emotional distress after alleging years-long sexual abuse by the national team doctor, Larry Nassar. According to the lawsuit, the parents argue that both the US Olympic Committee (USOC) and USA Gymnastics (USAG) bear responsibility because they owed their daughter “a special duty of care” at the time the alleged assaults occurred.
The lawsuit alleges the two groups conspired to keep complaints of abuse against Nassar quiet to protect their professional reputations. It goes on to state that the gymnast was repeatedly “subjected to sexual harassment, abuse, and molestation” by Nassar as she competed nationally and internationally between 2009 and 2013. According to the lawsuit, the abuse occurred at the Karolyi Ranch and various locations where the USOC and USAG had invited Nassar.
The gymnast’s parents learned their daughter might have been sexually abused by Nassar in July 2015. After reporting the complaint to USAG, however, the parents allege that the organization delayed reporting the matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) due to fears that it would impact their private funding and increase government oversight.
The gymnast is demanding an unspecified amount for economic damages for past, present, and future lost earnings, statutory damages, and for punitive damages.
Sexual harassment and abuse often involve uncomfortable, intimidating, and horrific circumstances. If you or someone you know has been affected bysexual harassment or abuse, it is important to find a skilled law firm with experience handling these cases to ensure that predators and organizations harboring predators are held accountable. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the oldest personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys are standing by to assist with your claim. Call us today at (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211 for your free consultation.