Maison Law represents the victims of sexual assaults and rape that occur on or around California State University campuses. Our personal injury lawyers demand compensation for injured victims when the leaders of colleges, fraternities, and sororities fail in their duty to keep students, members, and guests safe from harm. We provide a free, no-obligation consultation for all victims and their families. Contact us to set up a confidential case review.
Sexual Assault Risks on California State University Campuses
The California State University System (CSU) is the largest 4-year public university system in the United States. Through campuses like CSU Bakersfield, Fresno State, and San Diego State the system educates almost half a million students every year.
It’s an amazing educational achievement for the state, but unfortunately, university campuses end up the scenes of sexual assault and rape each school year. Victims can be ignored and rapists can go unpunished. And it’s another sad fact that sometimes universities and school organizations are guilty of covering up tragic incidents and turning their backs on victims.
The AP reported on failures at the highest levels of the university system over seven years from 2016 to 2022. A state audit revealed that almost a dozen sexual harassment cases, including sexual violence and stalking, were closed during that time without proper explanation. The cases involved incidents in the Chancellor’s office, at Fresno State, San Jose State, and Sonoma State.
NBC7-TV reported that during the 2023-2024 school year, CSU San Marcos recorded five sexual assault incidents.
These types of incidents are in the news each year, and victims can end up without the support they require to have a chance to seek justice and find closure. Maison Law doesn’t allow victims to end up victimized yet again. We go after large, faceless universities and force them to do what’s right for victims and their families.
Do I Need a Lawyer After Being Sexually Assaulted on a Cal State Campus?
Sexual assault victims must receive the care they need and the support necessary to begin rebuilding their lives. Nothing can undo the trauma that’s occurred, but victims must seek justice and secure support to help them rebuild their lives.
Sometimes it’s necessary to force large entities like The California State University System to accept blame for sexual assault and properly support victims.
Victims suffering sexual abuse due to the negligence of Cal State Administrators and employees should speak to a California State University Sex Assault Lawyer about their options. We provide confidential, no-obligation case consultations for victims and their family members.
Universities and fraternities will be protected by teams of lawyers all trying to help the school avoid accountability. A Maison Law lawyer is a safeguard against their heartless tactics. Maison Law leads a full investigation into what happened while allowing victims and their families to focus on healing and recovery. A lawyer acting as an advocate for victims demands the maximum in support available while causing as little disruption to a victim’s life as possible.
Do Victims Have to Wait on a Criminal Investigation to File a CSU Sex Assault Claim?
No. Victims of physical and sexual assault can file civil claims as soon as the evidence is in place and they are ready. The criminal trial is decided separately. Victims can seek financial support through a civil claim no matter where the criminal investigation stands.
In a criminal trial, perpetrators may be found guilty and face jail time, fines, and expulsion from school. However, a civil case would focus on the financial burdens of the victim and the liability of any individual or organization that contributed to the factors that led to the assault.
The victim’s lawyer establishes a few necessary factors in the case…
- That CSU owed the student a “duty of care.”
- That CSU failed to provide that duty of care.
- That CSU allowed the victim to be harmed due to the failure.
- That the harm allowed by CSU caused damage to the victim.
These are the standard measures used in trials, but they fail to communicate the loss and trauma that victims must endure. Victims must count on their attorneys to help communicate to a judge and jury the magnitude of the harm sexual assault causes. Only then can a public institution receive proper punishment as victims receive the support they need to begin recovery.
How Can California State University Fail Rape Victims?
The California State University System or an associated fraternity or sorority might be 100% liable for the damaging effects of an assault if they contributed to factors that lead to a crime. These are just a few of the types of negligent and dangerous lapses in judgment CSU could be found guilty of:
- Failure to provide a secure environment for guests, students, faculty, and pledges.
- Failure to take action if Greek organizations or student groups are accused of permitting activity that can lead to sexual assault.
- Failure to act on reports that a student, faculty, or staff member has threatened assault or had committed assault
- Failure in background checks and admitting a student or employee with a history of sexual assault.
- Caused additional shame or embarrassment for victims.
You can visit our informational page for more on the difference between rape and sexual assault in California.
Information on College Sexual Harassment and AB 1905
What Type of Support Can College Sexual Assault Victims Receive?
Victims must hold California State University fully liable for the physical, emotional, and financial devastation a frightening attack will cause.
These are just a few of the economic damages associated with such a tragedy that could also be the responsibility of the university system:
- The costs of current medical treatment and any care expected to be necessary in the future.
- Costs for trauma therapy now and in the future.
- Costs relating to dealing with the pain experienced as a consequence of the assault.
- Potential future income loss if permanently disabled and unable to work.
- Setbacks to the educational progress of a student. Perhaps money for a victimized student to enroll at another college.
A Maison Law representative will also demand support for the emotional toll such a tragedy will take on victims.
- Support for emotional trauma a frightening attack causes.
- Emotional trauma involving humiliation and embarrassment.
- Support for any suicidal thoughts a victim may have.
- Support for the violation of privacy that’s occurred from a sexual assault and during an invasive investigation.
- Support for PTSD symptoms victims often must deal with for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will I have to wait on a criminal trial to file an injury claim against a fraternity?
No. Victims file a civil claim after an incident results in an injury or death. Any criminal charges filed over what happened would be settled separately. Victims and their families can file a civil lawsuit whenever they are ready.
How Long Do I Have to File a Sex Assault Claim against California State University?
Victims generally have up to 10 years after the assault occurred to file a civil claim. Additionally, victims who didn’t find out immediately that they were victimized would have three years from the date they found out.
What if I can’t afford to pay a lawyer to handle my campus sex assault case?
You won’t need any upfront money to hire Maison Law. Our lawyers don’t get paid unless they win your case for you and your family. Then our fee comes out of the settlement or judgment your family is awarded.
Contact a California State University Sexual Assault Lawyer
The victims of college sexual assaults can feel shame and doubt about filing a claim and seeking recovery help.
Maison Law safeguards victims and loved ones at such a vulnerable time. We want to handle the frustrating negotiations with cold, faceless state universities. Our California State University Sexual Assault Lawyers fight for justice while victims are allowed to focus on healing.
Maison Law offers a free and confidential case consultation to all victims who suffer harm on campus, off campus, and at a Greek house. Contact us today and let us answer your questions and go over the best options for holding a school responsible after a tragic lapse in their duty to protect.
Additional Information on Sexual Assault on Other Cal State Campuses:
Fresno State Sexual Assault Lawyer
CSU Bakersfield Sexual Assault Lawyer
Cal State Stanislaus Sexual Assault Lawyer
Cali Polytechnic University Sexual Assault Lawyer
