Las Vegas, NV – Attorneys at Arias Sanguinetti filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a young boy with autism and a convulsive disorder who was physically abused by his speech language pathologist at a Clark County elementary school. The complaint details a disturbing pattern of misconduct, neglect, and systemic failure to protect a vulnerable child.
According to the lawsuit, on January 31, 2023, a seven-year-old autistic student referred to as B.H. was subjected to a shocking and traumatic act of physical abuse during a routine school day. Despite having a documented disability and an Individualized Education Program (IEP), B.H. was taunted, physically restrained, and sat upon by his speech language pathologist, in front of other staff members at Raul Elizondo Elementary School.
The abuse occurred after B.H., who was not being combative, had trouble following instructions. The speech pathologist reportedly mocked the child, asking if he was a ‘little baby’ and threatening to make him cry, before forcibly yanking B.H. out from under a table and sitting on top of him. He crossed the child’s arms and pinned his legs, physically restraining B.H. for up to two minutes while telling him he would not let go until the boy calmed down.
This illegal and abusive act, as outlined in the complaint, was not only traumatizing for B.H. but has caused lasting damage. In the days and weeks following the incident, B.H. began experiencing increased seizures and expressed an ongoing fear of returning to school.
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“This is one of the most egregious cases of school-based abuse we have seen,” said Gregg Hubley, partner at Arias Sanguinetti. “A child with known disabilities was taunted and assaulted by a trusted professional, and it was done in front of witnesses. More disturbing, we believe that there was a history of this type of conduct.”
Despite a legal obligation under Nevada law to report suspected child abuse within 24 hours, school administrators waited days before notifying B.H.’s mother and the authorities. The complaint further alleges that CCSD has failed to provide the compensatory education services it promised in a prior settlement agreement and that the speech pathologist remains employed by the district.
Claims involving sexual abuse in district-run schools may require guidance from a Las Vegas Public Schools Sexual Abuse Lawyer.
About Arias Sanguinetti
With offices in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and the Bay Area, Arias Sanguinetti is the premier trial firm representing individuals who have been injured through no fault of their own. The firm’s trial lawyer team regularly represents people injured in Clark County and throughout Nevada and the Country in school abuse, civil rights, personal injury, sexual assault, medical malpractice and elder abuse cases.
