At ADZ Law, LLP, we stand with survivors. If you’ve experienced sexual assault, harassment, or gender-based violence on a college or university campus, you have rights and legal options. But knowing where to turn after such a traumatic event isn’t always clear.
While many survivors have heard of Title IX, that’s just one piece of a larger legal picture. Our trauma-informed legal team helps survivors navigate the full range of remedies available under both state and federal law—because accountability should never be out of reach.
Campus Sexual Assault Cases
College campuses should be safe places to live, learn, and grow. But far too often, students, faculty, and staff experience sexual violence where they live, work, and study. These incidents might involve a fellow student, a staff member, or even someone in a position of authority. And when schools fail to take meaningful action, the impact on survivors can be devastating.
Campus sexual assault isn’t just a disciplinary issue—it’s a legal one. Survivors may have multiple paths to pursue justice, depending on how the incident occurred and how the school responded. Our team listens carefully to your story and helps determine the right course of action for your situation.
Title IX
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. It requires schools that receive federal funding—including most colleges and universities—to address sexual harassment and assault.
Under Title IX, survivors have the right to:
- Report misconduct to their school
- Receive supportive measures like academic adjustments or housing changes
- Participate in a fair and prompt investigation
- Have an advisor or attorney assist during the process
- Be protected from retaliation
However, Title IX cases can be complex. The process can vary by school, and the legal standard is high. If a survivor chooses to file a federal lawsuit for Title IX violations, the case must be brought in federal court, a setting that is often more demanding and formal.
That’s why our firm takes a strategic approach. We explore all legal options with you, including whether a Title IX complaint, a state tort action, or both may be appropriate. In some cases, pursuing remedies under state law provides a clearer path to accountability.
State Law Remedies
Although many think of Title IX first, some of the strongest legal remedies for campus sexual assault are found in state law. These claims don’t require federal court filings and often provide broader options for recovery, including emotional and financial damages.
Here are some of the most common legal theories used in civil lawsuits against schools, universities, or individuals:
- Negligent Supervision: If a school failed to properly oversee staff, students, or third parties—resulting in preventable harm—it may be liable. This can apply when known risks were ignored or complaints weren’t taken seriously.
- Negligent Failure to Warn: If a university knew or should have known about a risk of harm (like a prior allegation against a dorm supervisor or student) and failed to alert others, that silence may be grounds for legal action.
- Negligent Retention or Hiring: Schools can also be sued if they hired or retained someone despite credible warnings or complaints of inappropriate behavior or misconduct.
- Premises Liability: If an assault happened in a poorly secured building, parking garage, or campus facility, there may be grounds for a premises liability claim under California law.
- Intentional Torts: Survivors may also sue individuals directly for assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
These cases are brought in state court and often provide more survivor-friendly procedures than Title IX investigations or federal litigation. Our attorneys help you evaluate whether these state claims are a better path forward—and we pursue them aggressively when they are.
Holding Schools Accountable for Mishandling Reports
When schools fail to respond appropriately to reports of sexual violence, survivors may suffer additional trauma. Delays, dismissals, or coerced informal resolutions can violate your rights and worsen the harm.
Our firm has extensive experience holding institutions accountable for their failures. We help clients:
- Challenge schools that ignore or mishandle reports
- File complaints with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
- File state or federal lawsuits when appropriate
- Coordinate with law enforcement when criminal charges are also being pursued
Every situation is different. That’s why we take the time to understand your goals and help you choose a course of action that honors your safety, your story, and your right to heal.
Why ADZ Law? Because Survivors Deserve More Than One Option
We built ADZ Law, LLP to serve survivors. Our attorneys come from backgrounds in civil litigation, education law, and trauma-informed advocacy. We don’t just know the law—we know how hard it is to navigate these systems while dealing with trauma.
We also understand that legal representation is just one part of the puzzle. Survivors often need counseling, academic accommodations, and community support. While we focus on the legal aspects, we help you connect to a broader network of resources so you’re never facing this alone.
When you work with ADZ Law, you’re not just hiring a law firm. You’re gaining a team of allies who believe in your story and will fight to make sure it’s heard.
At ADZ Law, LLP, we offer confidential consultations to help survivors of campus sexual assault understand their legal choices. No pressure. No judgment. Just honest guidance and committed advocacy.
Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and begin the path to justice.
