Maison Law helps victims of sexual assaults, rape, and other traumas at California universities and colleges. Our lawyers work tirelessly to hold college leaders, fraternities, and sororities accountable when they fail to protect students, members, and guests. Contact us to schedule a free, totally confidential consultation today.

Why Would You Need a Lawyer?

Whether you’re a student or a guest on the campus of Cal State Stanislaus, you can unfortunately find yourself in a situation where you are sexually assaulted. Despite efforts to raise awareness of the issue, the nature and environment around campus frequently leads to these types of assaults.

While you certainly have legal options in this situation, you might be wondering if you need a lawyer. The answer depends on your circumstances. Sexual assaults are incredibly traumatic, and can be difficult to parse through the details. That’s one of the main reasons you would need a lawyer–to help you through this process and make it easier.

We provide complete legal help: guiding you through complicated processes, explaining injury and sexual assault laws, collecting important evidence, discussing fair settlements or representing you in court, offering emotional support, and protecting your rights during the process. We customize our approach to fit your needs, making sure you receive personal support and protection.

What Options Do You Have After a Sexual Assault at Cal State Stanislaus?

Anytime there’s a sexual assault, it’s an incredibly traumatic and scary situation. This is especially true at colleges like Cal State Stanislaus. Even though a college campus is well-known for hosting parties and other scenarios where there’s fun involved, this changes when there’s a sexual assault.

But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options as a survivor. In fact, the law punishes offenders not just criminally, but civilly. This means you can file an injury claim for financial support against the person that assaulted you and anyone else that was involved. Generally, you can do this by filing an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit. This allows you to recover “damages” from those responsible, like:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
Punitive damages

Even though they’re more serious, there’s still a statute of limitations in place for sexual assault survivors. However, because of the traumatic nature of these types of cases, it’s extended for survivors regarding the time limit:

For incidents after January 1, 2019, you have ten years from the incident to file a lawsuit.

For incidents between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2019, legislative changes under AB 2777 provide an extension until December 31, 2026.

While you have extra time to file a claim, it’s also important to be able to tie your damages to the sexual assault. This, obviously, can take time. But remember, our team can help you by gathering important evidence and giving you the emotional support you need to see your claim through.

Who’s Liable For a Sexual Assault at Cal State Stanislaus?

While sexual assault incidents and resulting injuries occur in a unique environment, the legal protections for injury victims in California are the same as for any other accident. Determining liability for covering your injuries and damages depends on the circumstances, focusing on negligence.

In the context of a sexual assault at Cal State Stanislaus, it depends on where the accident happens. If it occurs off-campus, the university has less of a duty to protect you. However, if it occurs in an on-campus area like a dorm, the university is going to carry at least partial liability. But even sexual assaults depend on the circumstances to totally establish liability. Most of the time, though, the following are going to either be totally liable or at least share some of it:

Perpetrator – The person who committed the assault is legally accountable under criminal and civil law.

Cal State Stanislaus – The university may be liable if it failed to ensure a safe campus environment or adequately handle reports of sexual assault.

University staff or administration – Individuals like administrators, security personnel, or counselors may bear liability if their actions or negligence played a role in the assault or its aftermath.

Third parties – Depending on the situation, other parties such as contractors, event organizers, or fellow students might share liability if their actions contributed to the assault.

Liability is a huge benchmark for your case. It not only tells you who you’ll be filing against, but who is ultimately legally responsible for paying for your damages. But remember, you have to provide evidence of your damages and other losses. That means it’s important to take steps to gather the information you need after the assault.

How Can You Protect Your Sexual Assault Claim?

While it’s legally viewed the same as any other injury claim in terms of your options and rights, a sexual assault is very different in terms of the real-world impact and what you need to do. Because of the trauma involved, it’s very difficult to recall events or even know what happened in some cases.

Get medical help – The first thing you need to do is protect your safety. Get to a safe place and ask for medical attention. This means going for treatment at an emergency room, hospital, or urgent care center.

Let the right people know what happened – Report the accident and injuries to school administration or someone in charge, like your RA. From there, they’ll have to report the incident to their supervisors to make sure nothing further happens to you.
Gather information – Gather as much information and evidence as possible. Use your mobile phone to capture photos or videos and collect contact information from witnesses.

These steps are crucial not just for potential legal proceedings but primarily for prioritizing your health and safety. Once your medical needs are met, you can start thinking about the legal aspects of your case. And we’ll be there to support you through it all.

How Does Sexual Assault Happen at Cal State Stanislaus?

Obviously, sexual assault can cover a wide variety of potential incidents. While it’s generally defined as any unwanted sexual act or behavior imposed upon a person against their will, there’s a wide range of ways it happens at college campuses like Cal State Stanislaus. Most of the time, though, sexual assault happens in the following scenarios:

Lack of supervision – Sexual assaults often happen in dorms and on-campus housing because these places are private and secluded. Assaults can occur during social gatherings, parties, or even regular visits, as perpetrators take advantage of the false sense of security in these settings.

Social events – Social events and parties, especially where there is alcohol or drugs, are high-risk for sexual assault. Perpetrators exploit impaired judgment and vulnerability. The atmosphere, often with peer pressure and little supervision, can lead to crossing boundaries.

Within school organizations – Sexual assault can happen in student groups like clubs or sports teams. These groups often have close relationships and power dynamics that can be misused. Hazing, initiations, and social gatherings can create opportunities for assault.

Public spaces – Although less common, sexual assaults can occur in public campus spaces like libraries, study halls, or secluded areas. These incidents usually happen when these places are less crowded, such as late at night or early in the morning.

Off-campus activities – Off-campus activities organized by the university or involving students can also be settings for sexual assault. This includes field trips, retreats, or off-campus parties, where there is often less oversight.

Online – Sexual assault can also happen online through harassment, sharing explicit images without consent, or coercing someone into sexual activities digitally. These incidents are equally traumatic and violate your consent and privacy.

Free Consultations for Cal State Stanislaus Sexual Assault Survivors

Experiencing a sexual assault or sexual abuse at Cal State Stanislaus can cause lasting trauma and damage. At Maison Law, our team of California college campus sexual assault lawyers understand the profound impact these incidents have on you and many others. We’re here to support you and hold Cal State Stanislaus and anyone else involved accountable.

Cal State Stanislaus Sexual Assault Lawyer