Discovering that your child has been physically abused at school is an incredibly traumatizing experience, evoking intense feelings of anger, helplessness, and sadness. At Arias Sanguinetti, we’ve handled numerous cases of school physical abuse and are committed to holding abusive teachers and administrators accountable. Students with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse due to the challenges they face in articulating what may have transpired. They can encounter dehumanizing treatment within the school system, exacerbating their already difficult situations. Our team of child abuse attorneys understands the struggles these students endure and will work with you to demand justice in a manner that meets your child’s unique case.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we bring over 300 years of combined experience in civil rights cases such as child abuse in schools. Our child abuse attorneys have a proven record of winning millions of dollars in settlements for our clients whose children have been physically abused at school. Our team understands that there is a lot of healing to do following this trauma. Our child abuse attorneys are dedicated to helping your family move forward by seeking financial relief and the sense of closure that justice can bring. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
How do I know if my child is being physically abused at school?
Physical abuse of children at school occurs when school personnel act in a way that results in physical harm to a child under their care. It is important to understand that child abuse at school is a serious violation of your child’s rights and is subject to legal action.
Some teachers and school administrators may operate from an outdated understanding of what is proper treatment of children and try to persuade you that corporal punishment and physical abuse are appropriate. This is not true. Physical abuse is illegal under any circumstances. If your child is being physically abused at school, they may:
- Demonstrate increased anxiety.
- Cling to you more than usual and avoid going to school.
- Have unexplained bruising or cuts.
- Socially withdraw.
- Eat less.
- Act out.
- Wet the bed.
- Demonstrate extreme hunger after school.
- Run away.
If you discover that your child has suffered physical abuse at school, immediately notify school administration, the police, Child Protective Services, and the experienced child abuse attorneys at Arias Sanguinetti.
What should I do if my child is being physically abused at school?
It is urgent that you act when you discover that your child is being physically abused at school. Once you have notified the appropriate authorities and your Los Angeles child abuse attorney at Arias Sanguinetti, there will likely be an investigation. Whether or not you have contacted an attorney, it is essential that you keep all documents related to that investigation and take notes about what is happening every day. These will be essential resources for your legal team should you choose to seek justice and monetary compensation.
You should also immediately remove your child from the care of that teacher. There are resources available for you to help you transfer your child to another school that will fulfill their right to a high-quality education. Additionally, many parents have found professional counseling to be a valuable resource for their children who have endured physical abuse, with payments often covered as part of financial compensation.
Can I sue a public school?
While government entities like public school systems make enormous efforts to uphold the appearance that they cannot be held liable for instances of abuse in their schools, the reality is that many public school systems – including the Los Angeles Unified School District – have paid out millions of dollars in financial settlements in cases like yours.
In California, it is essential that you file a claim for the abuse within 6 months of discovering it. California law protects public institutions from lawsuits that concern incidents reported more than 6 months after having been discovered. Even if you are unsure about taking legal action, filing a government claim will keep your options open.
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How do I stop this physical abuse from happening again?
At Arias Sanguinetti, we have experience litigating against school administrations that have refused to take action to help children being physically abused at school. This refusal can leave parents feeling helpless. Our child abuse attorneys can help you demand fair treatment and expeditious provision of a high-quality education for your child. Furthermore, if school administration is directly involved with denying your child their rights, this can have an impact on the potential liability the school and/or school district may face.
It is unfortunate that many school districts only increase their vigilance for physical abuse in their schools once they face legal action. Your choice to file a lawsuit may have an even greater effect than bringing your family the resources to compensate your child for the harm they suffered. Our child abuse attorneys’ lawsuits also have a proven track record of forcing school districts to work to prevent future abuse, guaranteeing a safer future for children throughout the system.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we understand that as a parent of a child who has been abused, you are enduring an immensely painful experience. We want to be your resource to ensure that you are compensated for these damages. Contact us today to better understand your legal options and how to seek justice for your child.
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