School, Teacher & Daycare Abuse

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Successful Results For Our Clients

Our Team of Former Prosecutors Specialize in Teacher & School Abuse Cases

At LBK, we built a team of former sex crimes prosecutors who are passionate about justice for all victims of abuse. When children are in school they should be safe from harm and certainly protected from abuse. Too often, those we trust with our children take advantage of that trust. At LBK we fight everyday to keep our schools safe. When the unthinkable happens we will be by your side every step of the way; from walking you through the criminal process to vigorously representing your family in pursuit of civil justice as well. Schools must have certain safety protocols in place so this type of abuse does not happen. Unfortunately, far too many schools cut corners, which puts the children in their care at risk. You deserve answers and justice. At LBK we make sure you get both.

Justice In School Sexual Abuse & Assault Cases

Students are often groomed and abused by predators who make their way into schools, daycare centers and other youth organizations. Oftentimes, victims can seek justice in both the criminal and civil justice systems. This is something that most victims don’t know. If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault or abuse, you may be able to get justice in both the criminal and civil courts.
Criminal Courts
In the criminal justice system, a criminal perpetrator can be punished and sentenced to jail or prison for sexual abuse or assault. The victim participates in the criminal justice system as a complainant, providing sufficient evidence to convict the perpetrator. The goal of a criminal case is a conviction. Therefore, in a criminal school sexual abuse case, the perpetrator (teacher, aide, principal, coach, etc.), can be charged with a crime. If there is a conviction, the perpetrator will be sentenced according to the law.

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Civil Courts

In the civil justice system, multiple parties can be punished and ordered to pay financial restitution (monetary compensation) to the victim. One of the key differences between the criminal and civil justice system is that in the civil system, the institution, meaning the school, day care center, or university, as examples, can be held accountable. Direct perpetrators are individuals who commit the acts of abuse or assault. Indirect perpetrators are individuals, businesses and other entities which either hid the abuse or otherwise failed to stop it from occurring. In other words, indirect perpetrators are those who allowed, through their actions or inactions, the abuse to occur.

Victims of abuse in school settings or daycare centers are entitled to make claims for compensation against not only the criminal defendant, but any entity, business, corporation, etc., which caused or contributed to the crime and injury, such as:

The end result of a civil case varies, but usually includes financial compensation for medical bills (past and future) and pain and suffering (past and future). In addition, other terms may be negotiated. For instance, a given settlement may include a written apology or changes to a school’s abuse reporting procedures.

In theory, the criminal justice system is supposed to provide some restitution to crime victims. However, few victims of physical and sexual abuse are provided with monetary compensation for the deeply personal injuries they have sustained – mentally, emotionally and physically through the criminal justice system. At LBK we want to change that.

Results By Our Sexual Assault Lawyers

School/Teacher Abuse

Sexual and physical abuse in schools or daycare centers occurs with alarming frequency in this country. On average 10 percent of children will be either sexually and/or physically abused while at school by an adult who is responsible for their care. It’s such a widespread problem that state and federal legislators have tried to pass laws tightening abuse reporting requirements and making background check requirements for school employees.

Reporting sexual abuse by the victim/survivor is an incredibly difficult thing to do. Shame, guilt, fear of retribution, anxiety, depression – all these emotions, and many others, make it difficult for victims/survivors to report the crimes. This is especially true for students who are abused by a person in a position of authority, such as a teacher, coach or principal. Oftentimes, students keep silent precisely because of the unique dynamic of school sexual abuse. However, with the recent media attention surrounding abuse in schools, more victims may find the courage to step forward and seek justice. We are here to help when you are ready.

Abuse In Daycare Or Childcare Facilities

Small children who are sexually or physically abused are often unable to even communicate the abuse. Parents with children in daycare centers and childcare facilities must entrust their children to others. Unfortunately, the main way for parents to discover daycare abuse of young children is to look for signs of abuse. Many daycare centers and childcare facilities do not inform parents of the signs of abuse. Things to look for include:

Abuse & Harassment By Students
(Hazing, Bullying, Physical/Sexual Violence)

Abuse (sexual, physical, etc.) in school settings may also be perpetrated by fellow students. One of the most common forms of student-on-student violence is hazing. Hazing can occur in any school setting, but is more common in high school and college. Student organizations like fraternities or sororities may engage in hazing rituals which result in serious injury or even death. Alcohol often plays a role in hazing injuries.

Victims of hazing often have criminal and civil legal rights. Students who committed the acts may be held liable in both criminal and civil courts. In addition, schools may also be held liable.

Pennsylvania & New Jersey Laws In School
Abuse & Daycare Abuse Cases

The laws in Pennsylvania and New Jersey clearly provide for liability in child molestation, school abuse, teacher abuse, and bullying cases. In many situations, parties other than the perpetrator are legally liable for the abuse. Any person or business acting through its employees, who failed to report or prevent the abuse after suspecting the abuse or who actively concealed the abuse, is a potential defendant.

In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, laws and court cases establish the standard of care and liability for any of the following actions or inactions:

Legal Help For Abuse Victims
In School Settings from a
Team of Former Prosecutors

At LBK our team was assembled from some of the best attorneys who have devoted their careers to representing victims/survivors of sexual abuse and assault. We provide not only exceptional representation to our clients but also individual attention to each client and often times our clients’ families.  Our attorneys have extensive experience handling sexual and physical abuse cases in the civil courts. Our knowledge and expertise in dealing with defense counsel as well as insurance companies is invaluable when seeking justice.

If you or a loved one experienced sexual or physical abuse or bullying/hazing in a school/daycare facility anywhere in the Country contact us. We are all trauma informed and work with you on your time and when you are ready to share your truth. You will never feel pressured and we do everything we can to make sure you regain control while seeking justice.

"Our schools should be a safe place to learn and play. Keeping our kids safe should never be an afterthought. I know first hand how devastating it can be when the people we trust to protect our children violate that trust. We are hear for you and your family in these most challenging and difficult times."

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, survivors of physical or sexual abuse by teachers, school staff, or daycare center employees can take legal action against the responsible individuals and the institutions that employed them. Schools and daycare centers have a duty to protect the children in their care, and when they fail to do so, they may be held liable for damages.

If you or your child has been a victim of abuse, it is essential to take the following steps:

  • Report the abuse immediately to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or child protective services.
  • Seek medical attention and psychological support for the survivor, as needed.
  • Preserve any evidence related to the abuse, such as clothing, text messages, or photographs.
  • Consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in school, daycare, and teacher abuse cases to understand your legal rights and options.

In a school, daycare, or teacher abuse case, survivors may be eligible to recover various types of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses: Compensation for past and future medical treatment related to the abuse.
  • Therapy and counseling costs: Reimbursement for expenses related to psychological treatment and support for the survivor.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the abuse.
  • Emotional distress: Damages for the psychological and emotional impact of the abuse on the survivor, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the ways in which the abuse has negatively affected the survivor’s ability to enjoy their life.

The attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent have extensive experience representing survivors of school, daycare, and teacher abuse cases. As former prosecutors, our team has a unique understanding of the legal and procedural issues involved in these cases. We can help you:

  • Evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid claim against the responsible individual(s) and the institution that employed them.
  • Investigate the abuse and gather evidence to support your claim.
  • Negotiate with the defendants and their insurance companies to seek a fair settlement on your behalf.
  • Represent you in court, if necessary, to pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

With a national presence and a team of dedicated attorneys, Laffey, Bucci & Kent is prepared to advocate for your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your school, daycare, or teacher abuse case.

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