When rape and other sexual violence occur, not only should those directly perpetuating the crimes or these activities be held accountable, so to should the universities themselves if they were in any way negligent. If you or a loved one have been a victim of this kind of violence and negligence in Arizona, the Phoenix campus violence lawyers at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A. are here to help.
College is supposed to be a wonderful experience where students can grow, meet new friends, and get an education. Many large universities, such as Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University, and the University of Arizona, offer collegiate and intramural sports programs, numerous social events, and opportunities to participate in clubs, including fraternities and sororities.
Unfortunately, college is not always safe. Every year, there are countless sexual assaults and rapes that occur on college campuses. Despite the crackdown on dangerous initiation activities in fraternities and other clubs, such activities continue.
How Can Colleges and Universities Be Held Liable for Campus Crime?
In order to be held liable, colleges and universities must be found to have been negligent. Negligence can include the following:
- Permitting dangerous conditions to exist. For example, if there is a path commonly used by students to return to a dorm from studies at the library, and this path is not well-lit, the college may be liable if a sexual assault occurs at night to a student walking home who is unable to see a predator.
- Failing to take action after becoming aware of dangerous practices. If a fraternity is known to be engaging in dangerous initiation rituals but the college or university does little or nothing to stop these from occurring, the college or university may be liable if a student dies or is seriously injured in a subsequent hazing.
- Taking action against dangerous students. Title IX requires colleges to engage in comprehensive investigations in allegations of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other violence. Colleges and universities can no longer “turn a blind eye” to such wrongful actions. Nor can they take the position that because someone else is the perpetrator, they do not have any responsibility. Such investigations are designed to determine the facts, and, if they are found to be true, to expel or take other preventative action to protect students.
These are only some ways in which colleges and universities can be held liable for campus crime.
Protect Your Rights
If you have been the victim of campus rape, hazing, or other violence, it’s important to take action immediately to protect your rights. We assist clients in representing them in filing notifications with and lawsuits against colleges and universities, and filing lawsuits against all others who we believe may bear legal liability.
Important deadlines exist in order to preserve your claim or legal action. Please call us as soon as possible so that no important legal deadlines are missed. We accept cases involving all colleges and universities in Arizona, including:
- The University of Arizona
- Arizona State University
- Grand Canyon University
- Northern Arizona University
- The University of Phoenix
- Colleges in the Maricopa Community College District, such as Mesa Community College
- Pima Community College
- Phoenix School of Law
- Other Arizona colleges and universities
How We Help Victims of Campus Violence
Our Phoenix personal injury attorneys offer free, no-obligation consultations. When we learn about your case, we can then advise you as to how we can help. Our Phoenix campus violence lawyer can provide options that are available for seeking compensation from all those who bear legal liability. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis – no fee unless you win. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your unique case.