If you suffered a sexual assault while living, working, or studying at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), our Nevada sexual assault lawyer will help you qualify for compensation via a UNLV sexual assault lawsuit. Read on to learn more about seeking economic justice for sexual abuse injuries.
What Is Sexual Assault Under Nevada Law?
Nevada defines sexual assault as forced penetration, according to NRS § 200.366. Therefore, sexual assault is rape. Sex abuse crimes also include any other type of unwanted, forced, or coerced sexual contact, including fondling, groping, molestation, or trafficking.
Sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence are punishable in criminal court. Survivors of abuse may also seek compensation for their financial losses and pain and suffering in civil court via a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
While criminal action taken by the state is separate from civil proceedings, NRS § 41.13965 states that a criminal conviction is “conclusive evidence” in a lawsuit that an assault occurred.
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UNLV Has Seen a Recent Spike in On-Campus Sex Crimes
According to the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), UNLV saw a spike in reported sexual assaults in 2019. That year, there were 15 reported on-campus rapes, including nine incidents that occurred in student housing. This number is nearly double the amount of sexual assaults reported in 2018.
To address the rise in sexual abuse on college campuses, Nevada lawmakers approved Senate Bill 347 in 2021. The legislation introduced several measures to combat sexual violence across the NSHE, including the creation of a task force and the implementation of training for students and faculty regarding sexual misconduct and how to address allegations.
Since the law took effect, reports of sexual assault have decreased. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas reported zero on-campus rapes in 2020, three in 2021, and zero in 2022. However, sex crimes continue to be widely underreported, so these numbers may not reflect the actual number of incidents that occurred.
Sexual Assault Survivors Can Seek Financial Compensation
Sexual assault survivors can seek personal injury compensation from the perpetrator who harmed them or from institutions, including universities, whose actions contributed to their assault. If you sustained injuries and financial losses due to an assault on campus, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses, including emergency treatment, medical procedures, hospitalizations, doctor’s visits, medications, physical therapy, and mental health care
- Lost income, including compensation for reduced earning capacity
- Loss of or interruptions to your education
- Personal property damages
- Pain and suffering, including physical and chronic pain, scarring, disfigurement, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, fear, loss of enjoyment, and diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death compensation if your loved one died because of a sexual assault
How Long Do You Have to Take Legal Action?
States across the nation are lengthening their civil statutes of limitations for sex crimes, including Nevada. Previously, survivors had only two years from the time of their assault to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. However, in 2023, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 129, eliminating the statute of limitations for rape and sex trafficking. The law is retroactive, so those previously barred from taking action can now pursue a claim for compensation.
Changes in the laws reflect a growing understanding of the challenges sex abuse victims face when coming forward. According to Psychology Today, fear, shock, confusion, and familial and societal pressures can all lead to a delay in disclosure.
Resources for Survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence and need support or information about services, contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) on the organization’s 24/7 confidential hotline at 800-656-4673. You can also chat with RAINN online.
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Liability for UNLV Sexual Assaults
You may have grounds for a UNLV sexual assault civil lawsuit if the university’s (or its employees’) negligent or wrongful actions contributed to (or helped to cover up) your rape. UNLV may be liable if it:
- Covered up an employee’s record of sexual abuse allegations or convictions
- Disregarded reports of sexual misconduct
- Failed to take reasonable actions to prevent abuse and assault on campus
- Harbored or protected an employee or student accused of rape or sexual violence
- Neglected campus security
- Engaged in negligent hiring practices
- Fostered an unsafe or hostile environment
College Sexual Abuse Case Evidence
To win your civil case, you must support your claim with evidence. Proof in a college sexual assault lawsuit may include the following:
- Police reports
- Campus incident reports
- Internal campus communications
- Records from university-run disciplinary hearings or proceedings
- Surveillance or cell phone video
- Eyewitness accounts
- Expert testimony
- Medical records
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How Can a Sexual Abuse Attorney Assist With Your UNLV Lawsuit?
Sexual assault lawsuits can be emotionally trying for survivors. Working with a lawyer can take the legal burden of your case off your shoulders so you can focus on your well-being. Our team can:
- Investigate your assault
- Prove the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is financially liable for your losses
- Identify and calculate your damages
- Complete and file insurance claims and legal paperwork
- Communicate with involved parties on your behalf
- Protect you from intimidation or bad-faith tactics
- Aggressively negotiate for the maximum compensation possible
- Answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide you with frequent and timely updates
- Represent you at trial if necessary
Our law firm assists survivors of rape, molestation, sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. We understand the challenges of facing a large and powerful defendant like UNLV, and we have the skills and experience to take them on.
Contact Van Law About Pursuing a UNLV Sexual Assault Lawsuit
A sexual abuse attorney with Van Law can guide and support you through every step of your UNLV sexual assault lawsuit. We will protect your rights and fight for full and fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Our firm has won over $150 million in successful settlements and verdicts for personal injury clients. We will fight to hold those who harmed you financially accountable so you do not suffer further due to medical bills, lost wages, and other assault-related losses. Our services cost nothing upfront or out of pocket. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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