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Countless cell phone video recordings have captured the abuses some passengers have faced in recent years by flight staff, police, and other passengers. From being dragged off a plane that was overbooked, to facing racial harassment and insults, the newfound stress and mayhem of flying has been recorded and reported on routinely in social and mainstream media. Something that has not reported on is the frequent sexual harassment that flight attendants and passengers have been subjected to over the years. But the problem is finally being given the spotlight. Congress is calling on 30 different airlines to address the issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault. While Congress argues that sending a letter to airline representatives will be more effective than passing any legislation, the fact of the matter is that only an attorney can recover financial compensation for in-flight victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and physical assault and/or battery. If you were the victim, either as a flight attendant or passenger, reach out to a Philadelphia personal injury attorney today for assistance.
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment is a Problem for Flight Attendants and Passengers Alike
Sexual assault and harassment is a daily problem for flight attendants, 68 percent of whom report having been the victim of sexual assault or harassment on the job, according to CNN. Furthermore, the same percentage of flight attendants agree that their employers have not taken any steps to address the problem in the past years. And, according to data collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in-flight sexual assaults increased by 66 percent from 2014 to 2017.
What Damages Can I Sue For?
If you were the victim of sexual assault on an airline, you can sue for physical damages as well as emotional damages, including emotional pain and turmoil that you will face in the future. Even if you were not physically injured, you can still sue the responsible party. Furthermore, because the act occurred on the property of the airline, you may be able to receive compensation from that airline for negligent security measures.
What Constitutes Sexual Assault?
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) defines sexual assault as any of the following:
- Rape (penetration of the victim’s body);
- Attempted rape;
- Unwanted fondling, sexual groping, or touching; and
- Forcing or coercing a victim to perform sexual acts, including oral sex or penetration of the perpetrator’s body.
The perpetrator may not have used physical force to cause any of the above types of sexual assault. However, any type of “force,” whether it is psychological, emotional, or manipulative force, is still considered unlawful when forcing a non-consensual victim to perform sexual acts.
An Attorney is Here to Help You Seek Justice
Being the victim of sexual assault can be devastating for the victim, as well as their family members. While the perpetrator may have told themselves that there was no harm done while sexually grabbing you as you walked by, they committed a crime and they deserve to be held financially, as well as criminally, responsible. The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin can help you recover the financial compensation that you deserve by calling us today at (215) 610-3440.
