Human Services Defense

Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer defends companies and individuals that are in the business of helping others and/or providing social services to those in need.

Human Services Defense

Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer defends companies and individuals that are in the business of helping others and/or providing social services to those in need.

Human Services Defense

Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer defends companies and individuals that are in the business of helping others and/or providing social services to those in need.

We Zealously Represent Our Clients

The human service field includes a wide range of organizations in many different roles and settings including the following: nonpublic schools, rehabilitation facilities, substance abuse facilities, skilled nursing and assisted living/residential care facilities, group homes, spas, foster family agencies, regional centers, nonpublic and public resource agencies, homeless shelters, work programs, churches, and more.

When problems arise in the services provided, we professionally and zealously represent our clients in both federal and state courts as well as various administrative venues. The defense of the human service industry includes pre-suit investigations, defending clients in state and federal litigation and administrative hearings, and advising clients when emergency situations arise. We counsel and defend clients facing claims alleging sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, human trafficking, dependent adult abuse, wrongful death, AWOL’ing youth, failure to train, failure to supervise, physical abuse, professional negligence, and civil rights violations. The defense of these specialized cases involve high-risk exposure. We assist clients with mandated reporting obligations, communication with law enforcement agencies, and help protect the reputation of the organizations by skillfully handling media issues. We seek to gather information and preserve evidence quickly to provide an early and thorough assessment of liability and damage exposure. We investigate sensitive matters, maintain the privacy of our clients, and obtain optimal results in difficult situations.  Fostering good communication and open client relationships are key to navigating these complex cases.

Specialized Handling

Defending those who help others in the human and social service industry, while being extremely rewarding, both professionally and personally, is complicated and challenging with many nuances. The defense of the human service industry requires specialized handling due to the emotional nature of the claims, the potential impact on the client’s reputation, the complex nature of statutes (e.g. Lanterman Act, Welfare & Institutions Code, Government Code), the unusual nature of the facts, and the contractual relationships involved. Handling these cases also requires an understanding of the various insurance policies covering the claims.

Defending Those Who Serve Others

Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer defends companies and individuals dedicated to helping others through social and human services, providing strong legal representation across all venues.

A Wide Range of Human Service Clients

Our clients span nonpublic schools, rehabilitation centers, care facilities, group homes, shelters, and faith-based organizations, among many others.

Effective Representation in Complex Cases

We represent clients in sensitive, high-risk cases involving allegations such as abuse, sexual misconduct, negligence, and civil rights violations, ensuring confidentiality and early assessment of exposure.

Navigating Sensitive Claims

Defending the human and social services industry requires specialized handling due to emotional claims, reputational risks, and complex laws, while navigating insurance coverage issues.

Support from Inception to Resolution

From responding to subpoenas and complaints to managing administrative investigations, SLB helps to support clients preserve evidence, comply with regulations, and achieve favorable resolutions.

Human & Social Services Liability Frequently Asked Questions

When do I notify the insurance company of a claim or allegation?

While experience tells us that sooner is almost always better, knowing what constitutes a claim is not as straightforward as it may seem. The meaning of a “claim” varies depending on the carrier, policy type, and policy form. In the human service arena, it may include a serious incident or allegation, a lawsuit, regulatory investigations or proceedings, written demands for damages, or a combination of these.  An incident or allegation that increases the possibility of a claim usually warrants notifying your insurance broker and/or carrier or your personal counsel.

If we are served with a subpoena for records, what do we do?

Notify your corporate counsel to make sure you comply with all privacy laws regarding records.

A complaint was filed against my company and employees.  How can they say “stuff” that is untrue and raise claims from many years ago?"

California typically permits the filing of unverified complaints, often resulting in "kitchen sink" pleadings that contain every allegation under the sun, regardless of its truth. The filing of a complaint does NOT make the allegations true! Remember: the person suing has the ultimate burden of proof; just because you were sued does not mean you are at fault or that the statements in the complaint are factual. If you are sued, immediately preserve all evidence and notify your insurance carrier so legal representation can be assigned to help you. SLB is experienced in handling complaints in both civil court and administrative hearings statewide. We aggressively manage every aspect of the case with your crucial input to obtain a favorable resolution. Further, California has allowed some victims, including minors, extra time or even unlimited time to assert some causes of action.

A client has made a complaint, and the administrative agency is now investigating my company. What do I do?”

Initial licensing investigations are generally without notice. It is essential to reframe false narratives and expose the truth at the initial complaint/allegation stage to resolve investigations in favor of the licensed agency. In other words, receipt of a Board complaint letter does not mean you were negligent or did something wrong. If you receive a complaint letter from your Board, remember that while an investigation is required by due process and regulations, it does not mean endorsement of the allegations. Upon receipt, you should immediately preserve all evidence and notify your carrier so legal representation can be assigned to assist you. SLB is experienced in handling complaints and investigations by the Community Care Licensing Division, Department of the Board of Behavioral Sciences, Board of Psychology, and the Dental Board of California, among others. 

Need more answers?

Drop us a line or email and we will follow up immediately.

Contact Us

Human & Social Services Liability Frequently Asked Questions

When do I notify the insurance company of a claim or allegation?

While experience tells us that sooner is almost always better, knowing what constitutes a claim is not as straightforward as it may seem. The meaning of a “claim” varies depending on the carrier, policy type, and policy form. In the human service arena, it may include a serious incident or allegation, a lawsuit, regulatory investigations or proceedings, written demands for damages, or a combination of these.  An incident or allegation that increases the possibility of a claim usually warrants notifying your insurance broker and/or carrier or your personal counsel.

If we are served with a subpoena for records, what do we do?

Notify your corporate counsel to make sure you comply with all privacy laws regarding records.

A complaint was filed against my company and employees.  How can they say “stuff” that is untrue and raise claims from many years ago?"

California typically permits the filing of unverified complaints, often resulting in "kitchen sink" pleadings that contain every allegation under the sun, regardless of its truth. The filing of a complaint does NOT make the allegations true! Remember: the person suing has the ultimate burden of proof; just because you were sued does not mean you are at fault or that the statements in the complaint are factual. If you are sued, immediately preserve all evidence and notify your insurance carrier so legal representation can be assigned to help you. SLB is experienced in handling complaints in both civil court and administrative hearings statewide. We aggressively manage every aspect of the case with your crucial input to obtain a favorable resolution. Further, California has allowed some victims, including minors, extra time or even unlimited time to assert some causes of action.

A client has made a complaint, and the administrative agency is now investigating my company. What do I do?”

Initial licensing investigations are generally without notice. It is essential to reframe false narratives and expose the truth at the initial complaint/allegation stage to resolve investigations in favor of the licensed agency. In other words, receipt of a Board complaint letter does not mean you were negligent or did something wrong. If you receive a complaint letter from your Board, remember that while an investigation is required by due process and regulations, it does not mean endorsement of the allegations. Upon receipt, you should immediately preserve all evidence and notify your carrier so legal representation can be assigned to assist you. SLB is experienced in handling complaints and investigations by the Community Care Licensing Division, Department of the Board of Behavioral Sciences, Board of Psychology, and the Dental Board of California, among others. 

Need more answers?

Drop us a line or email and we will follow up immediately.

Contact Us

Human & Social Services Liability Frequently Asked Questions

When do I notify the insurance company of a claim or allegation?

While experience tells us that sooner is almost always better, knowing what constitutes a claim is not as straightforward as it may seem. The meaning of a “claim” varies depending on the carrier, policy type, and policy form. In the human service arena, it may include a serious incident or allegation, a lawsuit, regulatory investigations or proceedings, written demands for damages, or a combination of these.  An incident or allegation that increases the possibility of a claim usually warrants notifying your insurance broker and/or carrier or your personal counsel.

If we are served with a subpoena for records, what do we do?

Notify your corporate counsel to make sure you comply with all privacy laws regarding records.

A complaint was filed against my company and employees.  How can they say “stuff” that is untrue and raise claims from many years ago?"

California typically permits the filing of unverified complaints, often resulting in "kitchen sink" pleadings that contain every allegation under the sun, regardless of its truth. The filing of a complaint does NOT make the allegations true! Remember: the person suing has the ultimate burden of proof; just because you were sued does not mean you are at fault or that the statements in the complaint are factual. If you are sued, immediately preserve all evidence and notify your insurance carrier so legal representation can be assigned to help you. SLB is experienced in handling complaints in both civil court and administrative hearings statewide. We aggressively manage every aspect of the case with your crucial input to obtain a favorable resolution. Further, California has allowed some victims, including minors, extra time or even unlimited time to assert some causes of action.

A client has made a complaint, and the administrative agency is now investigating my company. What do I do?”

Initial licensing investigations are generally without notice. It is essential to reframe false narratives and expose the truth at the initial complaint/allegation stage to resolve investigations in favor of the licensed agency. In other words, receipt of a Board complaint letter does not mean you were negligent or did something wrong. If you receive a complaint letter from your Board, remember that while an investigation is required by due process and regulations, it does not mean endorsement of the allegations. Upon receipt, you should immediately preserve all evidence and notify your carrier so legal representation can be assigned to assist you. SLB is experienced in handling complaints and investigations by the Community Care Licensing Division, Department of the Board of Behavioral Sciences, Board of Psychology, and the Dental Board of California, among others. 

Need more answers?

Drop us a line or email and we will follow up immediately.

Contact Us