Q: My daughter, 17 has been harassed by a former athletic coach. A judge recently issued a restraining order on the coach
And said if it were up to him he would throw the coach in jail for his behavior. This coach has mentally/emotionally caused harm to my daughter. We have him recorded saying he would do anything mentally/emotionally possible to ruin my daughter’s athletic career and that includes MENTALLY destroying her and contacting colleges to lie about her. She has suffered depression and anxiety since this has been going on. She loves to play the sport but she tells us every time she plays she gets major anxiety and it affects her. She often wonders if that coach has ruined it for her and at times seems like there is no hope to keep playing. She is receiving counseling for all this. Do we have a legal case against this bully?
A:
Based on the information you have provided, it appears that you may have a strong case against the former athletic coach for his actions towards your daughter. The coach's behavior, which includes harassment, threatening to ruin your daughter's athletic career, and causing her emotional distress, may give rise to several potential legal claims under California law:
1. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): If the coach's conduct was extreme, outrageous, and intended to cause severe emotional distress, you may have a claim for IIED.
2. Defamation: If the coach has made false statements about your daughter to colleges or others that have harmed her reputation, you may have a claim for defamation (libel or slander).
3. Tortious Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage: If the coach's actions have interfered with your daughter's potential athletic scholarships or other economic opportunities, you may have a claim for tortious interference.
4. Violation of the Restraining Order: If the coach violates the terms of the restraining order, he may face criminal charges and additional civil liability.
5. Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED): Depending on the specific facts of your case, you may also have a claim for NIED if the coach's conduct was negligent and caused your daughter serious emotional distress.
To pursue legal action, you should consider taking the following steps:
1. Document everything: Keep a record of all communications, incidents, and evidence related to the coach's harassment and the impact on your daughter's well-being.
2. Continue counseling: Ensure that your daughter continues to receive the necessary counseling and support to address her depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.
3. Consult with an attorney: Seek the advice of an experienced personal injury or civil litigation attorney who can assess the strengths of your case, advise you on the best course of action, and represent your daughter's interests in court.
Remember that your daughter's well-being is the top priority, and taking legal action can be a lengthy and emotionally challenging process. An attorney can help guide you through this process and work to hold the coach accountable for his actions while seeking compensation for your daughter's emotional distress and any other damages she has suffered.
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