You were promised a brotherhood or sisterhood—a source of friendship, community, and support. When that trust is shattered by sexual assault, the sense of betrayal can be profound and isolating. If you are reading this while grappling with what happened, please hear this first: It was not your fault.
It is completely understandable to feel confused, scared, and unsure of what to do next, especially when the person or organization responsible was supposed to keep you safe. Know that you have options. Seeking justice through a civil lawsuit is a powerful way to take back control, hold all responsible parties accountable, and secure the resources you need for your healing journey—and you can explore this path while protecting your privacy.
A compassionate fraternity/sorority sexual assault lawyer can confidentially help you understand your rights and support you every step of the way. The legal team at Fight for Survivors is here to provide that support. We offer a safe, confidential space to listen to your story and help you understand your options, with no pressure or obligation.
Why Choose Fight for Survivors for Your Fraternity or Sorority Sexual Assault Case?
At Fight for Survivors, a division of Greenberg Gross LLP, our mission is to provide a strong voice for those who have been silenced. We are a team of accomplished trial attorneys who focus on representing survivors of sexual abuse in high-stakes civil litigation. We understand the courage it takes to come forward and are committed to creating a supportive and confidential environment where you can share your story. Our approach is built on a foundation of compassion and a relentless pursuit of justice.
We believe that your story deserves to be heard and that responsible parties must be held accountable.
- A Record of Success: Our sexual abuse attorneys have secured over $300 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients, demonstrating our ability to handle complex and challenging cases.
- Trial-Ready Representation: We prepare every case with the expectation that it will go to trial. This meticulous preparation puts our clients in the strongest possible position, whether their case settles or proceeds to a verdict.
- No Upfront Costs: We handle sexual assault cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees unless and until we successfully obtain compensation for you.
Our firm was founded to provide the highest level of service to clients, and we are known for taking on powerful individuals and institutions. We take the time to understand your personal goals and will stand by your side at every step.
Holding Fraternities and Sororities Accountable for Sexual Assault
When a sexual assault occurs at a fraternity house or a sorority event, the responsible parties may extend beyond the individual perpetrator. The Greek organization itself, its national chapter, and even the university may share liability for creating an unsafe environment. This is a legal concept known as institutional liability, where an organization can be held responsible for harms that occur due to its actions or, just as importantly, its inaction.
A fraternity or sorority may be held accountable if it was negligent. Negligence, in this context, means the organization failed to take reasonable steps to protect its members and guests from foreseeable harm.
Some examples of negligence that can lead to institutional liability include:
- A history of sexual misconduct complaints against a member or the chapter that were ignored.
- Promoting or enabling the excessive use of alcohol or drugs at parties and events, which can incapacitate guests.
- Failing to provide adequate security at events or maintain a safe physical environment in the chapter house.
- Having hazing rituals or traditions that foster a culture of violence, misogyny, and disrespect.
An experienced fraternity/sorority sexual assault lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to determine if the organization’s failures contributed to the assault.
Your Rights and Options After a Sexual Assault in Greek Life
After experiencing a traumatic event, understanding your options can feel like a difficult task. It is important to know that you have several different paths you can pursue simultaneously, and one does not cancel out the others. A civil lawsuit is a distinct process that focuses on your rights as a survivor.
- University Title IX Process: Most colleges and universities have a process for reporting sexual misconduct under Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs. This is an administrative process handled by the school. Its goal is to determine if school policy was violated and to issue sanctions like suspension or expulsion.
- Criminal Justice System: You have the right to report the assault to the police. This can initiate a criminal investigation, where the state prosecutes the perpetrator. The goal of a criminal case is to punish the offender with penalties like jail time. The standard of proof is very high ("beyond a reasonable doubt").
- Civil Lawsuit: A civil lawsuit is an action that you, the survivor, file in court against the perpetrator and/or responsible institutions. The goal is not to send anyone to jail but to obtain financial compensation (known as damages) for the harm you have suffered. Unlike civil vs. criminal cases, the standard of proof in a civil claim is lower (“a preponderance of the evidence”), meaning it is more likely than not that the assault and/or negligence occurred.
You can file a civil lawsuit for compensation even if the university found the student not responsible or if the district attorney declined to press criminal charges. A civil case provides a separate and independent path to justice.
How a Fraternity/Sorority Sexual Assault Attorney Can Help
Taking on a powerful Greek organization and its national chapter can seem like an immense challenge, but you do not have to do it by yourself. A lawyer focused on these cases acts as your advocate, guide, and champion throughout the entire legal process.
Your attorney and legal team will handle the complex aspects of your case so you can focus on your well-being. This includes:
- Conducting a Confidential Investigation: We will carefully and discreetly gather evidence to build a strong case. This can include interviewing witnesses, obtaining records from the university and the Greek organization, and collecting any digital evidence.
- Identifying All Responsible Parties: The assault may have been enabled by more than just one person. We work to identify every individual and entity whose actions or failures contributed to the harm you suffered, which could include the chapter, its alumni board, the national organization, and the college.
- Managing All Legal Communications: We will handle all interactions with the opposing parties, their lawyers, and their insurance companies. This shields you from having to deal with them directly.
- Fighting for Full Compensation: Our goal is to secure the financial resources you need to support your recovery. We will build a comprehensive case detailing the full extent of your damages and fight for the justice you deserve.
Working with a dedicated legal team ensures your rights are protected and your voice is central to the process.
Seeking Compensation to Support Your Recovery
While no amount of money can erase the trauma of sexual assault, a civil lawsuit can provide the financial resources necessary for healing and rebuilding. The compensation awarded in a civil case is called "damages," which is a legal term for the money paid to a person for the losses they have suffered. The purpose of these funds is to help restore a survivor to the position they were in before the harm occurred, as much as possible.
A fraternity and sorority sexual assault lawyer will fight for compensation that covers all of the ways the assault has impacted your life.
This may include funds for:
- Therapy and Medical Care: The costs of current and future psychological counseling, therapy, and any other medical treatment related to the trauma.
- Lost Educational Opportunities: Compensation for lost tuition, the need to transfer schools, or a delay in graduation and career entry.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and deep emotional distress caused by the assault.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the ways the trauma has impacted your ability to engage in activities and relationships you once enjoyed.
Securing this compensation can lift a significant financial burden, giving you the freedom and support to focus on your well-being and future.
The Myth of the "Perfect Survivor"
In the search for answers after a sexual assault, it is common for survivors to question their own actions. Society often promotes harmful myths about how a person "should" have behaved to prevent an assault. Please know this is a form of blame-shifting, and it is wrong. The responsibility for sexual assault lies solely with the person who committed it and the institutions that failed to prevent it.
Your right to justice does not depend on being a "perfect survivor."
- It does not matter if you were drinking or using drugs. Being intoxicated is not consent.
- It does not matter what you were wearing or if you were friendly with the person. Your clothing and your kindness are not invitations for assault.
- It does not matter if you went to their room or previously had a consensual relationship. You have the right to say no at any time, for any reason.
Consent must be freely and enthusiastically given, and it can be withdrawn at any point. Your case is not about your behavior; it is about the actions of the perpetrator and the failures of the fraternity or sorority that created a dangerous situation.
The Importance of Statutes of Limitations
Every state has laws called statutes of limitations, which set a firm deadline for filing a civil lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation forever. These time limits can be very complicated and vary significantly from one state to another.
For sexual abuse cases, many states, including California and New York, have recently passed laws that extend or temporarily suspend these deadlines, giving survivors more time to come forward. For example, some states have "lookback windows" that open up the opportunity for survivors of older abuse to file claims that would have previously been barred.
Because these laws are complex and frequently change, it is critical to understand the specific deadline that applies to your situation. Speaking with an attorney as soon as you feel ready can help preserve your legal options.
Protecting Your Privacy During a Lawsuit
The fear of having your name and personal story become public is a valid concern that prevents many survivors from seeking justice. Fortunately, the legal system has protections in place to safeguard your privacy. You do not have to sacrifice your confidentiality to hold a fraternity or sorority accountable.
In many states, survivors of sexual assault have the right to file a lawsuit anonymously.
- As an example, California Penal Code Section 293 gives survivors of specific sexual offenses the right to have their names and identifying information kept out of public court records.
- Your attorney can file the lawsuit using a pseudonym, such as "Jane Doe" or "John Doe," to protect your identity.
- We can also seek protective orders from the court to seal sensitive documents and ensure that details of your case remain confidential.
The decision to proceed anonymously is entirely yours. A compassionate sexual assault lawyer will discuss the benefits with you and take every available measure to protect your privacy throughout the legal process.
Fraternity/Sorority Sexual Assault Lawsuits FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions that survivors and their families have about pursuing a civil case.
What is the difference between a criminal case and a civil lawsuit for sexual assault?
A criminal case is brought by the government (the state) against an individual to punish them for a crime. A civil lawsuit is brought by an individual survivor against the perpetrator and/or responsible institutions to obtain financial compensation for the harm they suffered. These two cases are completely independent and can happen at the same time.
What if I don't have a rape kit or police report? Can I still file a lawsuit?
Yes. While a police report or medical evidence can be helpful, they are not required to file a successful civil lawsuit. Many survivors do not report to the police for very personal and valid reasons. A civil case can be built using other forms of evidence, such as testimony from witnesses, electronic communications like texts or social media messages, and records from the fraternity or university.
Can the national chapter of a fraternity or sorority be held responsible?
In many cases, yes. National Greek organizations often have significant control over their local chapters, including setting policies on risk management, alcohol use, and member conduct. If the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of dangerous behavior at a local chapter and failed to intervene, they may be held liable for an assault that occurs.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a case like this?
At Fight for Survivors, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs to you. We only collect a legal fee as a percentage of the total compensation we recover for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
Will I have to face my abuser in court?
Most civil sexual assault cases are resolved through a confidential settlement before they ever reach a trial. However, if a trial is necessary, your attorney will be by your side to prepare you for every step. We are committed to making the process as safe and manageable as possible for you, and we will fiercely advocate for you in and out of the courtroom.
Fight for Survivors: Trusted Fraternity and Sorority Sexual Assault Lawyers
Confronting the trauma of sexual assault within the Greek system requires immense strength. Taking legal action is a way to reclaim your power, hold accountable the people and institutions that caused you harm, and secure the resources you need for your future.
The dedicated legal team at Fight for Survivors is here to listen to your story with compassion and help you understand your legal options. Your consultation is free, completely confidential, and places you under no obligation. Contact us today at (833) 55-FIGHT or through our online form to take the first step.