Victims Of School And University Campus Crimes

Victims of campus crimes on college and university campuses across Pennsylvania often suffer emotional trauma as well as physical injuries. After such a traumatic experience, knowing your legal options and how to proceed is crucial.

At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, we help victims of school and university crimes find resolution. We have more than 15 years of experience and are known for professionalism, sensitivity and client commitment. Our lawyers have handled many high-profile cases and are not afraid to go to court to help you secure justice. Call anytime, day or night, to arrange a consultation.

Examples Of Campus Crimes

Those who spend time on college campuses may encounter a range of harmful or threatening conduct. Here are some common risks.

• Physical assault
• Sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• Stalking
• Hazing
• Robbery and theft
• Violent crimes

Our experienced attorneys can help victims investigate the incident, determine liability and gather sufficient evidence to build a strong legal case.

Potential Campus Liability In Pennsylvania

In some cases, only the actual perpetrator of the crime is liable, but other times, the school or university could also be liable. Examples include:

• Premises liability issues involving negligence
• Failure to warn students or faculty about dangers
• Negligent security, such as missing locks, lighting or a lack of security officers
• Failure to supervise students properly

Liable parties in these cases may include the school or university, the board, specific employees, the school district, contractors, on-campus organizations and property owners.

Additionally, there can sometimes be third-party liability concerns, such as those involving fraternities, sororities, housing vendors, or security contractors who serve the university.

What Should You Do After An Incident Occurs?

Your top priority should be to seek medical care if you have suffered an injury. You should also report the incident to the police or campus safety, as this can help document your case and provide supporting evidence. Next, preserve any other types of evidence, such as:

• Photos or videos
• Text messages and direct messages
• Email messages
• Surveillance videos
• Key card logs
• Title IX findings
• Witness statements
• Incident reports

If possible, avoid making public statements or posts on social media about the incident until your case has been resolved.

Potential Areas Of Compensation

When a campus crime leads to harm, victims may be entitled to compensation for the damages they have suffered. This can include both economic and noneconomic damages, and it is important to think about both short-term and long-term costs. Examples include:

• Medical bills and expenses
• The cost of counseling services
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Interruptions to your education
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma

In some cases, victims may also qualify for punitive damages. These are designed to punish the perpetrator for particularly egregious or harmful conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering a lawsuit, you may have numerous questions for our law firm. Here are a few that we see most often:

Can I sue the school or educational institution?

In some cases, the school or institution may be liable. For instance, if there are negligent security issues, such as a failure to install proper locks on your dorm room, and you then suffer injuries in an assault, the college may be at least partially responsible.

What if the perpetrator is an employee of the school?

You do have legal options, even if the perpetrator, such as a teacher or coach, is employed by the institution. In these cases, both that individual and the institution that hired them may be found liable for the crime.

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a 1972 civil rights law passed at the federal level, aimed at addressing harassment and discrimination. Those who have suffered from sexual violence, harassment, discrimination, and other adverse actions may be able to file a claim under this law.

What are the important deadlines for filing?

For a Title IX complaint, you generally have 180 days to file your complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. This is done through the Office for Civil Rights.

To file a personal injury claim for a crime that causes harm, victims have two years under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations.

For criminal cases, the statute of limitations depends on the specific crime being alleged. Serious crimes often have no limit, while more minor crimes may have a statute of limitations. Theft crimes have a statute of limitations of five years, for example.

Why Choose Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, For Your Case?

Here at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, we are local attorneys with a Pennsylvania focus. We offer compassionate representation and we have experience with negligent security cases and campus crimes. Our lawyers offer confidential consultations and often operate on contingency fees. This means you face no financial risk and do not pay anything until we win your case.

Call Today For A Consultation

To set up your consultation with our Pennsylvania law firm, call us at 610-422-7041 or use the online contact form today. Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, works closely with victims of school and university crimes to defend their rights when they need it most. We offer legal services in both English and Spanish for our clients.