Tennessee Law Blog

This week I was interviewed by a local news station, Fox 17, to discuss the sexual assaults which recently occurred on school buses. Unfortunately, my office has handled several inadequate security cases and school liability cases. These cases never come to my office until the damage has been done. As such, I would like to share a little advice to prevent these tragic events before they happen.

I have found that in almost all my school violence cases ofter, there was a lack of communication between the student, parents and school before the accident occurs. Many times this happens in cases where considerable warning signs existed. As such, if you have a child or friend that is dealing with a bully or aggressive student I would suggest you consider the following advice:

Whenever a serious case of bullying occurs, make a personal visit to the teacher, principal and follow up with certified letters or emails to the principal of the school, school board members, and the superintendent. Include the full names of all of the bullies, what the bully or bullies did, and the date the incident occurred. Request a response and a plan of action.

With any serious bullying you should call the police immediately.

You also want to document everything that happens. Write copious notes about every aspect of the bullying. If there are bruises or injuries, take pictures. Use a notebook to write down any doctors visits, calls to the school, visits to the school, letters sent, and also all responses that you receive.

If you have any questions, feel free to call my office.

Today (9/25) is Nashville’s first observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

The memorial for murder victims is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today in Centennial Park in the Children’s Garden. There will be music and shared memories of friends and family of murder victims. A flag commemorating children who have died due to abuse will fly and the garden’s entrance will be decorated with purple and maroon ribbons symbolizing the number of people who were murdered in Nashville this year.

If your loved one was a victim of a murder or violent crime, HHP’s thoughts go out to you today. For crime victims or their survivors still dealing with a wrongful death, our and premise liability attorneys may be able to monetarily help ease some of the financial pain from your loss.
Tennessee law holds property owners liable when they allow violent crime to occur on their premise.

Our attorneys focus on obtaining moneys from insurance companies when violent crime victims are assaulted, raped, or killed while in a business's parking lot, a poorly-managed apartment or hotel, and other places where property owner could have prevented violent crime from occurring. Most times insurance companies settle these inadequate security lawsuits out of court.