Not all injuries result from accidents. Unfortunately, when people act wrongfully and assault or bully others, victims can sustain serious injuries and psychological harm. This can lead to considerable physical and emotional damage, as well as significant financial hardship as victims often require medical attention and counseling in the wake of an assault or severe bullying.
If you or your child has suffered bodily injuries, mental and/or emotional harm, and other damages due to an act of violence or bullying, you could have grounds for a Personal Injury claim. The Arkansas bullying and assault injury lawyers at Caddell Reynolds Law Firm can help. Since 1989, we have been standing up for victims of negligent and wrongful conduct, and we are ready to advocate for you or your loved one, too.
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OPTIONS WHEN YOU CALL US AT 800-671-4100. WE OFFER FREE CONSULTATIONS AND THERE ARE NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN COMPENSATION FOR YOU.
Bullying-Related Injuries & Damages
Bullying can take many forms. From playground teasing to workplace harassment, the long-term effects of bullying on victims can be severe—regardless of the age of the victim.
Bullying often leads to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Isolation
- Loneliness
- Physical injuries, including broken bones, cuts, scrapes, etc.
In very severe cases, bullying can lead to attacks that may result in catastrophic injuries, such as brain injuries or spine injuries. In the most tragic of cases, severe bullying can lead to a victim taking his or her life.
Studies have shown that child and teen victims of bullying are at risk of suffering ongoing harm, including health complaints, poor performance in school, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, and other problems extending into adulthood. And adult victims of bullying are not immune. Those who suffer bullying in the workplace are likely to experience similar psychological harm, as well as poor work performance, problems in work and personal relationships, and retaliation for reporting harassment.
Who Is Liable For Bullying-related Harm?
Everyone has the right to a safe school environment or workplace, free of harassment, bullying, intimidation, and other conduct that could cause physical and/or psychological harm. Under Arkansas’s Antibullying Statute (Code § 6-18-514), every student in the state who attends public school “has the right to receive his or her public education in a public school educational environment that is reasonably free from substantial intimidation, harassment, or harm or threat of harm by another student.” Public schools that negligently fail to take reasonable measures to prevent and/or address bullying could be held legally liable for damages.
Additionally, victims of workplace bullying may have legal recourse against an employer that failed to properly prevent or address harassment. You could also have a claim against an employer if you were wrongfully terminated after reporting bullying or were the victim of other forms of retaliation. Reach out to our Arkansas bullying injury lawyers today to learn more during a free, private consultation.
Workplace Bullying vs. Discrimination & Sexual Harassment
Workplace bullying is different than discrimination and sexual harassment. While discrimination based on protected classes (such as race, color, religion, sex, and others) and sexual harassment of any type is prohibited by federal and state laws, bullying is not. Rather, you could have a negligence claim or workers’ compensation claim if you can prove that workplace bullying caused you physical and/or emotional harm, as well as other economic and/or non-economic damages.
Examples of workplace bullying include:
- Unreasonable work-related demands
- Exclusion from work-related events
- Gossip and rumors about an employee
- Intimidation and/or aggressive behaviors
- Failure to provide an employee with necessary tools, training, etc.
- Unreasonable teasing or hazing
Generally speaking, for behavior to be considered bullying, it must be unreasonable in nature and cause harm to the victim. Reasonable workplace demands and normal employee conflicts are not considered workplace bullying.
Filing A Personal Injury Claim After An Assault
Whether stemming from bullying or a single, isolated event, acts of physical violence against a victim often leave the victim with severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries and emotional trauma. Assault (and battery) is a crime, meaning offenders face criminal penalties ranging from jail time to fines to probation. Offenders also face civil action when victims are injured and/or suffer damages due to the defendant’s wrongful actions.
If you were assaulted, or if your child was sexually abused, you have the right to take legal action against the offender to seek justice and a fair recovery. Additionally, you may be able to file a claim against an institution or organization that harbored or failed to adequately protect you from the offender.
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to file a claim against:</b
- A property owner or manager who failed to implement adequate security measures
- A school or educational facility that failed to conduct background checks on teachers or aides
- A religious institution or organization that failed to properly protect members/children
- A youth or adult sports program that failed to prevent abuse and/or assaults
Our Arkansas assault injury attorneys can help you understand all available options and determine the best course of action for your unique situation. We understand the sensitive nature of these claims, which is why we work directly with our clients and provide compassionate, confidential legal counsel every step of the way.
Fighting For The Fair Recovery You Deserve
If you were the victim of someone else’s wrongful, harmful behavior, you should not have to simply suffer the consequences on your own. Caddell Reynolds Law Firm can help you stand up for justice and fight for the financial compensation you deserve. While no amount of financial recovery can undo or negate the physical and emotional suffering you have endured, a successful Personal Injury claim can provide you with the resources you need to obtain proper medical care, counseling, and other treatment. It can also compensate you for lost income, as well as intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and distress.
At Caddell Reynolds Law Firm, we are passionate about fighting for the rights of innocent victims who have suffered immense harm due to the negligent and wrongful actions of others. Our team is ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
CONTACT US ONLINE OR BY PHONE AT 800-671-4100 TODAY FOR A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.