Bullying can result in serious injury

As Putnam County students settle into their new routine and the excitement of a new school year, some of those students may also be forced to deal with something a lot less pleasant. We’ve all heard terrible stories of bullying and this year the problem will touch many local families.

According to stopbullying.gov, Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.

If your child is harassed or bullied by another student at school or on the bus, you should take immediate action. Speak to your child’s teacher or school administrator and file a complaint. If they do not act, you should follow up with a written letter to the school principle in which you outline the facts of the case and request that action be taken.

If your child was physically assaulted, make sure he or she gets the medical care that is needed. Then contact the police to file a report. This will be important if the bullying does not stop and you wish to seek a restraining order.

If your child suffers serious physical or psychological injuries, you may have options under the law. Often, serious injuries mean medical bills and it is possible that your child may have permanent injuries that will affect his or her quality of life.

Regardless of whether the injury occurs at school, on the bus, on the playground or even at another student’s home, you may have options. Not every student who was bullied is entitled to monetary compensation, so speaking to an experienced attorney is the only way to know for sure what your options are.

Attorney Greg Bagen has been helping victims in the Putnam County community for almost 40 years. In some cases, taking legal action can not only compensate you and your child for the injury, but help protect your child from future bullying.