California Wrongful Death and Injury Attorney
Is it possible to file a civil lawsuit for hazing in California against a fraternity, sorority, athletic department or the University, College or educational institution itself? What is the difference between a civil lawsuit and charges under California’s criminal code?
My name is Rivers Morrell and after more than 40 years of experience as a trial attorney in civil lawsuits I can tell you it is absolutely appropriate to file a civil lawsuit if your dependent is the victim of hazing while attending a college, university or any private or parochial school in California.
It doesn’t matter if the results of the hazing were intentional in nature or simply a result of negligence or a situation getting out of hand.
Rivers Morrell is an experienced and proven civil lawsuit and trial attorney based in Mission Viejo and Irvine for over 40 years. Serving all of California including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and the Inland Empire, Mr. Morrell is highly respected by insurance companies, his peers, the legal industry and his clients alike.
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(949)305-1400
The Difference Between Criminal and Civil Penalties for Hazing
Hazing is against the law in California. Those who are responsible for causing any injury, loss of life or sexual assault and battery will face misdemeanor or felony criminal charges based upon the severity of the hazing and the impact it had upon the victim. Criminal charges carry the risk of prison as well as substantial fines.
As a personal injury and civil litigation attorney I am not involved in pursuing or defending criminal charges. However, California law also specifies civil remedies in hazing cases. A civil lawsuit holds the offenders and associated entities and educational institutions financially accountable for what has happened.
A civil lawsuit for hazing will hold the college, university or educational institution as well as any associated fraternity, sorority, athletic department or associated organization financially accountable for what has happened.
The Basis for a Civil Lawsuit for Hazing
The basis for a civil lawsuit in a hazing case can result in a financial recovery which includes, but is not limited to:
Wrongful Death – in California if a person loses their life due to the negligence of another it known as a “wrongful death.” Nothing can replace the loss of a beloved family member. A wrongful death lawsuit allows the family of a wrongful death victim to recover financial damages to compensate for the loss of all the time, love, companionship and experiences the family would have shared with their daughter or son.
Sexual Assault and/or Battery – Many hazing cases unfortunately involve sexual assault or sexual battery. If there was any type of sexual component to the underlying hazing it results in not only potential physical consequences but long term emotional harm as well.
Physical Assault and/or Battery – any physical attack, such as spanking or lashing of the body, punching or other physical harm could result in a financial recovery for having to endure the attack itself as well as any associated past, present and future medical expenses, physical therapy, counseling and other related expenses.
Intentional or Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress, Embarrassment or Humiliation – Negligent or Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress or IIED is the portion of a civil claim which holds those responsible for the hazing financially accountable for inflicting emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation or other non-physical injury to the victim of the hazing.
Punitive Damages – California’s hazing statutes also specify the opportunity for punitive damages in a civil lawsuit for hazing which punishes the fraternity, sorority, organization and educational institution for malicious, oppressive or reckless actions associated with the school or organization.
Experienced California Hazing Civil Attorney
Has your son or daughter been the victim of hazing at a California university, college, private or parochial school or other educational institution? The Law Firm of Rivers Morrell will pursue all civil remedies for hazing to ensure your child and your family receive full and fair compensation for what has happened.
Are you seeking an experienced, proven attorney for a civil lawsuit for hazing in California? Rivers Morrell has more than 40 years of trial and legal experience in California civil lawsuits and personal injury cases. We invite you to review the strong recommendations of former clients as well as the recognition of the legal industry and contact the Law Firm of Rivers Morrell or call 949-305-1400 to speak with Rivers personally for a free, private and confidential consultation.
There is no cost to you or your family out of pocket for our services as we work on a contingency fee basis. We will help you to hold the fraternity, sorority, club, university, college, private or parochial school or educational institution accountable for what has happened to your son or daughter.
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