Being bullied at a Los Angeles school can derail more than just your child’s educational experience. Severe instances of bullying can lead to immense physical harm, emotional damage and psychological trauma. In some cases, victims experience sexual assault or sexualized violence as a form of bullying in grades K-12. In other cases, they suffer from bullying so severe that it leads to suicide.
At The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP, we are here for families dealing with the distressing repercussions of bullying at school. We represent victims of bullying in Los Angeles and throughout California. We are here to help you pursue justice and fair financial compensation for the harm that you or your child has suffered. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying means to deliberately seek to harm, intimidate or coerce someone in a lower position of power than the aggressor, or someone who is perceived as vulnerable. One or more bullies may engage in any of the following acts against a target at school:
- Offensive language
- Insults, name-calling or verbal abuse
- Persistent teasing
- Harassment
- Discrimination
- Sexual assault
- Sexual abuse
- Physical violence
- Hazing
- Threats or intimidation
- Humiliation
- Malicious rumors
- Circulation of explicit images of a victim
- Forced penetration or sodomy
- Rape or attempted rape
Bullying can quickly escalate into acts of tremendous violence against a victim. Students who identify as LGBTQ+ are even more at risk of harmful bullying behaviors than others. If a school failed to protect your child from bullying, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
Who Is Liable for Bullying in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles public and private schools have a legal obligation to prevent bullying. The authority responsible for student safety, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District, legally must enact zero-tolerance anti-bullying policies, as well as provide methods for students to safely and anonymously report bullying. School administrators must respond quickly and appropriately to allegations of bullying. If a school or one of its teachers or staff members fails to take reasonable steps to protect a student from bullying, the school could be held legally and financially responsible (liable) for related harm.
When to Pursue Compensation for Bullying in Los Angeles
Your family may be entitled to financial compensation for a school’s negligent failure to prevent bullying if your child suffered serious harm, such as physical injuries, sexual assault, suicide attempts or wrongful death. A successful settlement or judgment award for bullying in Los Angeles could pay for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Psychiatric care and therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Prescription medications
- Relocation or changing schools
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
While no amount of money can make up for the physically and mentally devastating tort of bullying, filing a claim with assistance from an attorney could bring an end to the issue, hold one or more parties accountable, and help your family move forward with fair financial compensation.
Is Your Child a Victim of Bullying in Los Angeles? Contact Us Today
You may have grounds to bring a tormentor and/or school to justice for a case of bullying in Los Angeles. If your child suffered serious consequences as a result of bullying in grades K-12, the attorneys at The Senators Firm can help. Our experienced school bullying attorneys will evaluate your situation at no cost to determine the best course of action.
If your case has merit, we can help you collect evidence and go up against one or multiple defendants in pursuit of justice. We can overcome any challenges that your claim faces. Call (949) 557-5800 or contact us online today to schedule your free case consultation.