When you send your child to school, you might worry about bad grades or even childhood bullies, but you probably trust that their teachers will look out for their safety. But what happens when your child’s teacher or another faculty member is the one who abuses them? Sexual abuse at the hands of teachers and other trusted adults is a devastating problem that can have life-altering consequences.
If you believe your child’s teacher abused them sexually, you should consult with our Fort Washington teacher sexual abuse injury lawyers. We work all throughout the state of Pennsylvania, and our sexual abuse injury attorneys can hopefully make the process less burdensome for your family.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse covers a wide range of inappropriate actions and can include the following:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual exploitation
- Sexual touching
- Bribery by exchanging sexual favors for privileges, such as higher grades
- Sexual violence
- Sexual misconduct
Our seasoned Fort Washington attorneys have successfully handled civil claims involving many different types of teacher sexual abuse. We know this is incredibly difficult for both the student and the family, which is why we keep your case as private as possible. You deserve compensation for medical expenses, the effects on your child’s education, and any other psychological harm.
Who Could Be Held Liable for Teacher Sex Abuse?
If your child suffered injuries because a teacher or other adult in a trusted role sexually abused them, our Fort Washington attorneys want to be your advocate. We can pursue a legal claim directly against their abuser. However, your child’s injuries and losses might be so extensive that they exceed what the individual abuser is able to pay. If the abuser does not have sufficient assets, you might not collect your rightful compensation.
In some situations, your family might also be able to sue the institution or organization in charge of the abuser, depending on the relationships between the parties, what happened, and where it happened.
Lack of Supervision or Training
You can argue that the school or facility failed to properly supervise the teacher’s interactions with the children. Schools should also have policies so staff can recognize and report suspected sexual abuse.
Lack of Background Checks
If the school had prior notice or should have had prior notice of the abuser’s history at other institutions or of the abuser’s criminal record of sexual abuse, they would be liable. In that situation, you could argue that they failed to properly screen teacher candidates during the hiring process or they concealed critical evidence.
Lack of Disciplinary Action
If a student reveals sexual abuse, the school should investigate and take appropriate action, such as by reporting it to the authorities and terminating employment.
If your child’s abuser was a public school teacher, you could potentially file a lawsuit against the municipality that employed them. If the abuser was a day care teacher, you could potentially sue the individual day care center that employed the teacher. If your child’s abuser was a sports coach, you might be able to sue the organization that employed or supervised the coach and players. Our attorneys will review the evidence and help you search for justice against all potentially legally responsible parties.
Contact Our Fort Washington Attorneys If a Teacher Committed Sexual Abuse Against a Student
When teachers and other educators violate your trust, they should be held accountable. Our experienced Fort Washington sexual abuse injury lawyers can help guide your family through a civil lawsuit. We understand how sensitive these matters can be and we work hard to protect your child and your family. Contact Friedman Shuman Layser today for a private consultation.