Sexual Assault, Abuse, and Harassment on College Campuses in Tennessee and Beyond
If you have experienced sexual assault, abuse, or harassment on your college campus, you are certainly not alone. In fact, sexual assault is all too common on college campuses across the country, including throughout Tennessee. Sexual assault, abuse, and harassment frequently happen on campuses such as Vanderbilt University, Fisk University, and Belmont College, and instances often go unreported.
There is help available if you are a victim of sexual assault. You should never hesitate to seek help and counsel from a compassionate sexual assault attorney from Raybin & Weissman, P.C.
What the Statistics Reveal
Plus, the statistics are startling. For instance, according to one study, projections indicate that about 19% of women will be sexually assaulted on college campuses. Around 84% of female survivors reported they were sexually violated during their first four semesters, while 13% of victims reported that they were stalked.
Victims of sexual assault, harassment, or abuse often suffer from a range of psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and shame. The physical effects are just as devastating, with some victims experiencing pregnancy or STDs as a result of abuse or an attack. They may also experience physical manifestations, such as nausea or insomnia.
If an incident you’ve experienced falls under Title IX, you should speak to an attorney right away. Title IX safeguards people from sexual discrimination in educational programs or activities that receive financial assistance from the federal government.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim: What Steps You Should Take
So, what steps should you take if you feel you have a personal injury/Title IX-type claim? The following information will give you an overview of how to proceed.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Your first priority should always be your health and well-being. If you have sustained any injuries, visit a medical professional as soon as possible for both immediate treatment and documentation of your injuries. This will not only ensure your prompt recovery but also serve as important evidence in your claim.
Report the incident to campus authorities.
As soon as it is safe to do so, report the incident to your college’s campus police or security office. This is essential in ensuring your safety and prompting an investigation. Make sure to keep a copy of the report for your records.
Document the incident
Begin keeping detailed notes about the incident, including dates, times, locations, and any relevant witness information and contact info. If possible, gather statements from witnesses who saw the incident or its aftermath, and keep any photographic or video evidence that may be useful in your claim.
Consult with an attorney.
Filing a personal injury claim is challenging, especially when it involves harassment, abuse, or assault on a college campus. A skilled attorney who specializes in personal injury cases of this type can guide you through the process. They can also offer valuable advice on how best to build your claim so you can receive maximum compensation.
Calculate the damages
Damages in these kinds of claims may include pain and suffering and the physical ailments that may result from the emotional trauma and distress you experienced as the result of the activity. Some of these symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, or insomnia.
Mental distress may take the form of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, and relationship difficulties. By reviewing your medical records and costs for health care, an attorney can figure out a fair and reasonable settlement.
File a claim against the responsible party.
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation and consulted with an attorney, it’s time to file a claim against the responsible party – whether it’s another student or staff member at the college or potentially the institution. If you can show intent or negligence on the part of the other party, you can proceed with your claim.
Negotiate a settlement
After filing your claim, your attorney will negotiate a settlement on your behalf. This may involve presenting the evidence to the responsible party or their insurance company and discussing a suitable compensatory amount.
You’ll need to retain the services of an experienced attorney to handle these negotiations, as they understand the complexities of these types of negotiations.
If necessary, pursue litigation.
If negotiating your case does not result in a satisfactory settlement, you may need to take your case to court to seek compensation. Your attorney will guide you through this process and represent you in court, making sure your case is presented convincingly.
Learn More About Your Rights By Contacting a Nashville TN Sexual Assault Injury Attorney
Dealing with harassment, abuse, or assault on a college campus is an overwhelming experience. By following the above steps and seeking compensation for personal injury, you can begin to heal both physically and emotionally. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Raybin & Weissman, P.C. today.