In what could be a precedent-setting case, the parents of a 14-year-old girl have filed a civil suit over alleged classroom bullying. They are seeking $215,000 in damages from another teenager.
The parents claim the girl suffered both physical and psychological set backs at the hands of classroom bully.
The victim claims she was tripped in class, and suffered injuries to her face.
She also claims she was humiliated to a point where the psychological damage held her back in school and extra-curricular activities.
The incident happened back in 2008. Little is known about the victim except that she was 14 years old at the time.
The alleged bully wrote a letter of apology but the attacks allegedly continued, and he was eventually expelled.
Lori Rubin specializes in bullying with the English Montreal School Board. She says a lawsuit could act as a deterrent for bullies.
"Anybody who is perpetrator of this kind of crime, let's say if its considered a crime, needs to know that there are all sorts of ramifications and legal consequences that they may have to live with," said Rubin.
Lawyer Julius Grey says it will open the door for other bully victims to come forward, but believes a line needs to be drawn.
"Civil liability is only worthwhile if the damages are serious," Grey said. "The harassment cannot consist of saying boo to somebody or saying one joke at their expense."
