Derek Smith Law Group / Student Sexual Harassment / Student Sexual Harassment Attorney Philadelphia

Student Sexual Harassment Attorney Philadelphia

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Student Sexual Harassment in Philadelphia
Contact Our Experienced Philadelphia Student Sexual Harassment Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation.

Student sexual harassment in Philadelphia affects your ability to not only learn but succeed in school and the world. It can cause severe anxiety, low self-esteem, embarrassment, and an overall sense of shame, among other issues.

Whether sexual harassment occurs on a college campus, in an elementary, middle, or high school, or even an event that may result in an unbearable education environment, the behavior is illegal.

Sexual harassment in a school can occur between 2 students, a student, and a professor or teacher, or a student and an administrator or school employee, it is illegal and is never acceptable.

For over 25 years, the experienced attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group has helped students who have been sexually harassed get the compensation they deserve.

Student Sexual Harassment in Philadelphia

Student sexual harassment in Philadelphia occurs when a student experiences unwanted sexual contact, advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. The harassment can come from a fellow student, teacher/professor, administrator, or employee of a school.

It can also occur at any age. A child in grade school can be the victim of sexual harassment in school in the same manner a college student can be the victim of sexual harassment. The harassment may occur on school property, at a school-sponsored event, or even in a place where the student will experience an extreme distraction to his learning environment following the harassment, such as a frat party.

What Laws Protect Student Victims of Sexual Harassment in Philadelphia?

Federal and state laws are in place to protect students from sexual harassment.

1. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.. Under Title IX, it is illegal to discriminate against any student or school employee based on sex. This includes sexual harassment. The law impacts any educational institution that accepts federal funding This is basically all colleges as long as they accept federal student financial aid payments and grant money from federal entities.

2. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. The PHRC protects students in Pennsylvania from all forms of discrimination in school, including sexual harassment. The laws states that a student has a right to learn without worrying about discrimination.

What Evidence is Needed to Prove Student Sexual Harassment in Philadelphia?

In order for a student to prove sexual harassment in a learning environment, one of two things must occur: a quid pro quo relationship or a hostile environment.

1. Quid pro quo. The literal meaning of quid pro quo is “this for that.” When proving a quid pro quo student sexual harassment case, you must show that you were offered something in exchange for sexual favors.

2. Hostile Environment. The other way you can prove sexual harassment as a student is through showing you are learning in a hostile environment. This could be due to retaliation or a culture of sexual harassment and sexism in your school.

What Are Examples of Student Sexual Harassment in Philadelphia?

Student sexual harassment or Title IX claims in Philadelphia can take many different forms. Some examples of student sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

A professor promises you an A in the class if you sleep with him
A fellow student repeatedly asks you for a date and refuses to take no for an answer
A student begins stalking you and leaving notes under your dorm room door
At a frat party, you are told that you cannot stay unless you take off your shirt and bra. You are then ridiculed for leaving
Your teacher gropes you every time you pass by her in the hall
You’re kicked out of a club because you complained to the administration that the teacher in charge was using gender slurs against women
A fellow student constantly says he is going to rape you and then says it is a joke
A teacher sends lude and sexist jokes out through the student email database monthly
You are expelled from school because you refused to go on a date with your principal
You are not allowed to play football because you complained to the administration about your coach’s sexist attitude towards the cheerleaders, including sexual comments

What Is the Statute of Limitations to File a Student Sexual Harassment Claim in Philadelphia?

Under Title IX, you have two options. First, you can file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). You must do this within 180 days of the last incident of sexual harassment. The OCR will then investigate the claim.

The other option is to file a lawsuit in federal court under Title IX. Pennsylvania law provides a time limit of 2 years to file a lawsuit for student sexual harassment.

Another option is to file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Commission of Human Rights (PCHR). The Commission allows you a time limit of one year to file a claim of student sexual harassment.

What Are the Remedies Available to Victims of Student Sexual Harassment in Philadelphia?

If you are a victim of student sexual harassment in Philadelphia, you are entitled to compensation. Some of the remedies available through the courts include:

Reenlistment in school, athletic teams, clubs
Reimbursement of medical and other related expenses
Attorney’s fees
Removal of the individual responsible for the harassment
Reviewing and revamping the sexual harassment policy
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages

Testimonials

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Olivia is the best! Oliva was very thorough, patient, and very detailed and descriptive regarding the process. She was very supportive of my sexual harassment case. From the very beginning, she communicated and would provide me with any updates and she was always available when I needed anything. More importantly, she always extended that comfort level of trust which always made me feel at peac... Read Full Testimonial

Desirae Gallardo

Casey Barkhordarian is a fabulous attorney to work with. He explained everything to me about the case (including the millions of questions I asked) right from the start of our very first meeting. He did so in a way that I could understand and was very prompt and clear with communication the entire time. Casey Barkhordarian is a very competent and knowledgeable lawyer to have on your team. I def... Read Full Testimonial

Chelsi Ferrini

Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired! From the outset, it was evident that he was not just another lawyer; Matt is nothing short of extraordinary. He possesses the ability to do his job phenomenally while somehow managing to give me hope during one of my darkest of hours. Matt consistently returned my calls promptly, regardless of my questions, confusion, or self-doubt ... Read Full Testimonial

Tanya Scheer

I cannot speak highly enough about my experience working with Matt Finkelberg. From the very beginning, Matt approached my case with an incredible level of professionalism, knowledge, and dedication that immediately put me at ease. It is rare to find an attorney who not only possesses an impressive depth of legal expertise but who also truly cares about the well-being and best interests of thei... Read Full Testimonial

Keely Mettlen

Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonialwon't be disappointed! 10/10

Rae Millstone

This law firm is absolutely amazing!!! They went so above and beyond for me!!! I am so grateful for all their help with my difficult case!!! If you need a lawyer, you will be in great hands with their firm!!! And wait until you see the office! The building is so high tech I couldn't figure out how to get in the elevator lol!

Stacey Marie Norton

It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial

Corey Kientz

matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough

Seedie Whiser

matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough 🙂

Seedie Whiser

Matt handled a suit against the City of LA and members of the a Neighborhood Council for racial discrimination and harassment. Ths was the first suit of this type filed on a Neighborhood Council Matt handled it with poise and above all professionalism. He walked me through the 3 year process and above all provided moral support and encouragement as I still experienced racism and harassment duri... Read Full Testimonial

Anthony Scearce

Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial

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Corey Kientz

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What Is the Length of Time a Student Sexual Harassment Lawsuit May Take to Settle?

As a student victim of sexual harassment, you will likely want the case to be over as quickly as possible. A typical sexual harassment lawsuit may take 4 to 6 months to 1 year or longer to settle. If your school is willing to negotiate a fair settlement before going to trial, the case may be settled in as little as 4 to 6 months.

However, if your school refuses to negotiate a fair settlement, you may need 8 months to a year or longer to prepare for trial and the trial may take another few days to several weeks or more until a judgment is entered.

A Few Things You Can Do Right Now

As a student victim of sexual harassment in Philadelphia, it is not always easy to decide whether or not to pursue legal actions. However, while you are making that decision, here are a few things you can do to help your case move along.

Consult an experienced student sexual harassment attorney immediately.
If your school has a policy related to sexual harassment, follow it.
If your school has a point person for you to report the sexual harassment, report it in writing.
Gather evidence. Document every incident, including what occurred, when and where it occurred, who was involved and any witnesses.
Do not waste time. You have a limited window to file a claim before it is too late and the statute of limitations runs out. Do not wait until you are out of time.

Verdicts & Settlements

Our results speak for themselves

$4.9 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Catherine Lowry Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $4.9 million settlement on behalf of multiple employees of Schuylkill County who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment,…

$1.5 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$2.78 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Zachary Holzberg United States District Court, Eastern District of New York…

$4.050 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$1.6 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate…

Contact Our Experienced Philadelphia Student Sexual Harassment Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation.

No one should have to deal with sexual harassment while they are trying to learn. It is immoral, distracting, and illegal. If you are the victim of student sexual harassment, our team of prior sex-crimes prosecutors and all of our attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group in Philadelphia can help.

We have already secured a settlement in excess of $15,000,000 on behalf of a client and we would be happy to help do this for you. Contact us today at (215) 391-4790 for a free consultation. We do not collect any money until we help you win your case.