Were you or a family member sexually abused on a college campus in Chicago, Illinois? You may be entitled to compensation by filing a civil claim. Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can help you take legal action.
Our Chicago sexual abuse attorneys have decades of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million for our clients. If you hire us, we’ll treat you like family and make sure your case receives all the resources and attention we can provide.
Contact our law office in Chicago today at (312) 726-1616 to get started. Your initial consultation is completely free of charge.
How Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help Survivors of Sexual Abuse on a College Campus in Chicago, IL
Coming forward about sexual abuse takes courage. The legal process that follows can feel virtually impossible to deal with, but the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices can handle your case from beginning to end as you focus on what matters most: your health and well-being.
If you hire our legal team, we can:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the abuse
- Identify all of the potentially liable parties, including the institution itself
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Handle all of the communications and negotiations
- Negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf
- Take your case to trial in a Chicago courtroom if that’s what it takes
Reach out to us today in Chicago, IL, to set up a free consultation. Our Chicago sexual abuse attorneys will do everything we can to maximize the value of your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Campus Sexual Abuse in Chicago?
One question many survivors have is who exactly can be held responsible. The person who committed the abuse is an obvious answer, but they’re often not the only party that may share liability.
Colleges and universities in Chicago have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect their students from sexual assault and other similar types of harm. When a school fails to do that, it may be held liable as well. Some of the ways an institution might share responsibility include:
- Failing to properly investigate prior complaints against the abuser
- Failing to provide adequate campus security
- Allowing a known offender to remain on campus
- Ignoring reports and discouraging students from coming forward
- Violating Title IX obligations related to sexual harassment and abuse
In some cases, other parties, such as fraternities and third-party event organizers, may also bear responsibility depending on the facts.
What Damages Are Available in Chicago Campus Sexual Abuse Cases?
Survivors of campus sexual abuse in Chicago may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages by filing a civil claim. Note that you can bring and win this type of claim regardless of whether there are any related criminal proceedings, as the burden of proof is lower.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Medical expenses
- Lost academic opportunities
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages account for the more personal impact of the abuse, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damage to personal relationships
- Mental anguish
Depending on the facts of your case, punitive damages may also be available under Illinois law. However, your case must generally go all the way to trial for these to be awarded.
How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law places time limits on how long certain survivors have to file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse. These deadlines can vary depending on factors like the age of the victim at the time the abuse took place. In cases involving minors, for instance, the statute of limitations may be extended until the victim turns 38 years of age.
However, some cases might not have any deadline at all, while others might have a much shorter limitation. It’s best to reach out to our sexual abuse lawyers as soon as you can for help taking legal action on time.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chicago College Sexual Abuse Attorney
If you or a loved one have experienced sexual abuse on a college campus in Chicago, IL, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys has the experience and track record of success to fight for you no matter what it takes.
Contact our Chicago sexual abuse lawyers today for a free consultation. We can advise you of your legal rights and options at that time with no obligations.
