Bullying Lawsuits on the Rise Across the Country

Bullying lawsuits are on the rise nationwide, according to the National School Board Association. Some experts say the increase in these lawsuits might stem from parents having higher expectations of school districts protecting their children from bullying.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 20% of kids are bullied at school. The evolution of smartphones and social media has also made cyberbullying a growing problem among school children. There are no official government statistics on bullying lawsuits. However, the advocacy group Public Justice has tracked 128 settled suits since 1996. In most of the cases, school districts have won.

What Happens in a Bullying Lawsuit?

Bullying lawsuits are unique in that the defendant is usually the school district. Thus, the family pursuing the lawsuit must prove the school district was aware of the harm against the child. They must also prove the school was deliberately indifferent to threats of harm. Proving the school district was deliberately indifferent is a high standard to meet. The family might present evidence such as the exchanges they had with school officials about the issue, the school district’s policies on bullying, and whether or not officials investigated the bullying complaints.

Adding to the difficulty is the fact that school districts, funded by taxpayers, are granted a certain level of immunity due to the nature of the organization. It can be very difficult to prove a case against a government entity.

“Bullying is never acceptable, and school districts must do better at preventing and penalizing bullying. Our firm has represented victims of bullying in schools and we will continue to fight for the rights of students,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

Recent Posts
Popular Tags

Walter Clark Legal Group

Walter Clark Legal Group
N/a
Skip to content