The Firm You Go to When the 
Stakes Are High

College Sexual Assault Lawyers

Nationwide Representation for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Schools, Colleges & Universities

Colleges and universities across the nation have come under intense scrutiny over sexual misconduct. In addition to campus sexual assaults committed by students, colleges are also facing an increasing number of lawsuits for failing to protect students from abuse and covering up crimes.

Today, our laws and social climate are much different than they were in the past. Students are now courageously stepping forward to share their stories, and new laws, including those in New Jersey and New York, are providing additional time for survivors to bring claims.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault that occurred at a school, college, or other educational institution, Levy Konigsberg can provide the support and representation you need to seek justice.

Why Choose Levy Konigsberg?

  • Over $3 billion in compensation recovered for clients.
  • Historic and record-setting verdicts and settlements.
  • Award-winning attorneys with experience in high-stakes cases.
  • A commitment to personal attention and client confidentiality.

Levy Konigsberg is a U.S. News “Best Law Firms” ranked trial practice that’s recovered billions in compensation for victims. Our college sex abuse attorneys have the resources to take on powerful defendants and are passionate about helping survivors make their voices heard.

Call (800) 315-3806 or contact us to request a confidential consultation.

College Sex Abuse Settlements Make National Headlines

Amid the #MeToo movement and groundbreaking progress in the fight for victims’ rights, schools and higher education institutions have been embroiled in high-stakes sexual abuse lawsuits. Some notable cases include:

  • University of Michigan: In January 2022, the University of Michigan agreed to pay $490 million to over 1,000 survivors, many of whom were male football players, who claimed they were sexually assaulted by former sports doctor Robert Anderson. The settlement calls for $460 million to be split among 1,050 survivors and $30 million to be set aside for future claims. Anderson worked for the University for nearly 40 years (1966-2003) and served as the Health Service director and physician for multiple athletic teams, including football.
  • Michigan State University: In 2018, Michigan State University reached a $500 settlement with 332 survivors who were sexually abused by Larry Nassar, a former associate professor and doctor whose victims included women and girls on the school’s gymnastics team. Per settlement terms, $75 million was be set aside for future claims against Nassar.
  • Penn State University: In 2013, Penn State agreed to pay $59.7 million to 26 men who were sexually abused by the school’s former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky in a settlement equating to nearly $2.5 million per plaintiff. In total, Penn State has paid approximately $113 million in settlement payouts to claimants alone.

These are only a few of the many settlements American colleges have paid in sexual abuse cases, and they serve to highlight the profound pain and suffering endured by survivors. Our attorneys at Levy Konigsberg can help explore your options for pursuing a potential claim involving these institutions or other universities in the U.S.

Liability in College Sex Abuse Cases

College sexual abuse lawsuits are claims brought in civil court that seek justice, accountability, and financial compensation for the damages endured by survivors. They often involve abuse committed by teachers, coaches, doctors, and other school employees and commonly implicate major universities and school systems accused of failing to protect students.

Here are some important facts about civil sex abuse lawsuits against colleges and universities:

  • Defendants: School sexual abuse lawsuits may name multiple parties as defendants. This includes not only the alleged wrongdoer (such as a teacher, coach, or team doctor), but also parties which bear responsibility for employees and which failed to uphold legal obligations owed to students, such as the school or university where the abuse occurred, school administrators, and school districts.
  • Fault and Liability: Sexual abuse lawsuits focus on who is at fault and liable for the damages suffered by victims. As matters handled in civil court, they are separate from any criminal proceedings against a wrongdoer. And because civil cases use a lower burden of proof than that used in criminal cases (preponderance of the evidence vs. beyond a reasonable doubt), the outcome of any criminal case does not determine the outcome of a civil case; defendants can still be held liable in civil suits even if they are found not guilty (or even never charged) in criminal court.
  • Negligence and Failures: Plaintiffs in sex abuse and sex assault lawsuits will generally need to prove that defendants were negligent or otherwise failed to uphold the legal obligations they owed students. This may include failing to properly screen teachers, coaches, or staff prior to hiring, negligent supervision of employees and students, and failures to appropriately handle complaints, conduct investigations, notify law enforcement, or follow school policies.
  • Compensation: When a sexual abuse lawsuit is successfully settled or litigated, survivors will be entitled to financial compensation for the economic and non-economic damages arising from their abuse. This can include the costs of therapy and mental health care, lost income and earnings, and pain and suffering.

FAQ: College Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

How Long Do I Have to File a College Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

Like other civil claims, sexual abuse and assault lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, which is essentially a deadline by which claims must be filed. If victims do not file claims before the statute of limitations expires, they are typically unable to recover compensation.

Statutes of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits vary by jurisdiction. In some states, the statute of limitations can be as few as 2 years from the date of the incident. In others, including those which have passed new laws expanding the statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases, the time limit is longer. New Jersey, for example, now has a 7-year statute of limitations for most abuse cases and allows survivors who were abused as minors to bring claims until the age of 55, or within 7 years after realizing that abuse caused them harm, whichever is later.

Because it can be difficult to determine the deadline for your sexual abuse lawsuit, it is best to have your case reviewed by an experienced attorney. Our team at Levy Konigsberg can evaluate your options and the applicable statute of limitations for your potential claim during a free consultation.

What is Title IX and How Does It Relate to Sexual Abuse or Assault?

Title IX is a federal law that applies to any school or education program that receives federal funds. It protects against discrimination based on sex and prohibits sexual assault, sexual harassment, and rape among students, faculty, and staff.

Universities and other educational institutions subject to Title IX have obligations to appropriately handle and investigate claims of sexual misconduct and can be held liable when it is determined that the institution knew, or reasonably should have known, of misconduct within its programs but failed to appropriately act or follow policies.

Colleges and universities often have their own processes for handling sexual misconduct complaints, referring matters to law enforcement, and imposing disciplinary actions against wrongdoers. Our attorneys can help survivors with issues related to Title IX proceedings in addition to our focus on pursuing a civil lawsuit.

How Much is My Claim Worth?

The potential value of any civil lawsuit depends on the unique facts and circumstances. In general, survivors who prevail in their civil lawsuits, either by securing a settlement or an award at trial, are entitled to a financial recovery of their damages. This can include expenses for therapy or mental health treatment and other economic losses arising from their abuse, as well as a victim’s pain and suffering and non-economic damages that can be difficult to equate into monetary sums.

At Levy Konigsberg, we know sexual abuse lawsuits deal largely with the profound and intangible emotional trauma endured by survivors, and work to meaningfully convey our clients’ pain and suffering when negotiating settlements or seeking awards at trial. We can discuss the potential value of your case and how we fight for the maximum recovery possible during a consultation.

Call to Request a FREE & Confidential Consultation: (800) 315-3806

Levy Konigsberg has been trusted by clients and colleagues across the country to handle some of the most difficult and delicate cases. We draw from decades of experience, a deep pool of resources, and an unrelenting passion for helping victims make their voices heard.

If you have a potential sexual abuse or assault lawsuit against a school, college, or university, our team wants to help. We proudly serve clients nationwide and offer FREE and confidential consultations.

A TEAM COMMITTED TO DOING WHAT IS RIGHT

Find out whether you have a case by speaking to one of our experienced lawyers via our 24/7 toll-free hotline or by submitting an email inquiry. Our attorneys will be quick to respond to you and happy to answer all of your questions.

Know the Difference

Committed to Doing What's Right
  • Over $3 Billion Won

    We have represented numerous individuals and groups of workers, winning for them multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts.

  • There's No Case Too Big

    Our team has achieved groundbreaking victories in highly complex cases and has gone up against some of the toughest defendants in the country.

  • Trial Attorneys

    Our attorneys excel in the courtroom and are not afraid to bring a case in front of a jury if a fair settlement for the client has not been reached.

  • A Thought Leader in the Industry

    Our firm's knowledge and experience are in high demand, and many news outlets have asked us to share our legal expertise.

  • Access to World Class Resources

    Our experienced attorneys use cutting-edge technology and highly regarded experts to help us achieve the best possible result for our clients.

  • Changing the World for Good

    We not only want to achieve the best possible results for our clients, but we also strive to prevent future harm by changing public health policies.

Thousands of Clients Helped

Hear What They Have to Say
  • Professional, responsive and very good at their jobs.

    “From the first visit to my home, to my last visit to the office to collect my settlement, I was very happy with the services provided by this firm. They are professional, very responsive and very good ...”

    - Lisa Ross
  • They have truly gone above and beyond.

    “I have been beyond pleased how Levy Konigsberg is handling my matter. They answer my questions in a timely matter and when warranted, ease my worries and concerns. They have truly gone above and ...”

    - Anne Fahey
  • I put my Faith and Trust into Corey Stern!

    “Selecting a Law firm to represent me was one of the biggest decisions I've had to make in my life. I put my Faith and Trust into Corey Stern, and he exceeded all my expectations.”

    - Dennis McGowan
  • With this team on my side we came out on top.

    “Levy Konigsberg and team are a group of men and women that give their all, down to the receptionist. I had a case that was almost unbeatable but with this team on my side we came out on top. They keep ...”

    - Angie Garrido
  • Very happy with our settlement.

    “My husband and I were VERY happy with our experience with this firm. They were always caring and really helped us go through this in a very hard time in our lives .We continue to be in touch with the ...”

    - Lori Rosa
  • Wow is all I can say.

    “It has been a few years now but I needed to post this. My dad suffered so much from Mesothelioma. My brother looked into the law and our rights. Unfortunately he died also before anything was done. It ...”

    - Carol N.
  • Their dedication to receive the highest results for their clients was amazing.

    “Working with Levy Koningsberg LLP was a very positive experience. Their professionalism and curiosity was outstanding. I was a pleasure working with this firm. Their dedication to receive the highest ...”

    - Emily DeRogatis
  • Such a great team!

    “The whole team at Levy, Konigsberg LLP have been extremely professional and kind during our most difficult time. They keep you informed during the process, check in often asking if there are any ...”

    - Kevin Kober
  • We definitely got the right law firm!

    “Levy Konigsberg represented my daughter Linda, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma at 16 years old. She endured many surgeries and chemotherapy including HIPEC. She traveled the country seeking ...”

    - Mark Wells
  • Levy Konigsberg continued to help my family fight for the justice my father deserves.

    “Levy Konigsberg was there for my father as soon as he was diagnosed with mesothelioma they helped him get medical treatment in another state that specializes in his condition and even provided housing ...”

    - Stephanie Vitale
LEVY KONIGSBERG IN THE NATIONAL MEDIA

CHOOSE LEVY KONIGSBERG

Start with a FREE Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.