Round Rock, TX asked in Personal Injury for Texas

Q: Is it possible to sue a university for emotional distress even though I made a mistake?

I made a mistake of cheating on an exam and my professors gave me a 0 now in order to pass the class 100% are needed on the rest of the exams. The amount of anxiety I’m am experiencing is ridiculous I can never seem to calm myself down due to all the pressure I am under and I am thinking of suing the university for emotional distress. I have had to seek counseling to try to deal with my anxiety but the stress just continues. Do you think I have a case?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Evan S. Sloan
Evan S. Sloan
Answered

A: You most likely do not have a case. The infliction of emotional distress would need to be intentional. Here it sounds like you violated a course and/or university policy and were punished for it. I hope this semester ends on a more positive note.

James Michael Moore
James Michael Moore
Answered
  • McAllen, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a difficult semester at school.

To build a good case, you need to have facts that support your case. From what it looks like, unfortunately, you intentionally violated the university's policy and, in all likelihood, the professor is following their own grading procedures to which you'll likely have to earn high scores on the remaining exams in order to pass your class.

In Texas, it's very unlikely that you would have a claim for an emotional distress case.

Some advice, however, is that your mental health is very important, so I implore that you speak to your professors, speak to your university counselors and continue to reach out to your therapist to help you cope with the anxiety and stress.

We all make mistakes, this is not the end, and you're going to be ok. Work hard, study hard, and use this to motivate and prepare you for your next challenge and your next semester.

Good luck!

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