Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyers Assisting High School Students and Their Families

High school is a time when young people are meant to transition into adulthood. Schools are meant to be a supportive environment in which this transition can occur. It is an unfortunate truth, however, that instead of receiving this support many high school students are subjected to sexual abuse. This abuse can come from teachers, school administrators, other school employees, and fellow students. When such a situation arises, it may be possible to hold the school district responsible for what has occurred. If your family is in need of assistance, then contact us today to speak with a Florida high school sexual abuse lawyer.

Schools Can Be Held Responsible for the Sexual Abuse of a Student

School districts have a duty to provide a safe environment for the children under their care. When they breach this duty and a child suffers harm, then the child and their family may be able to recover damages. Defendants in the case can include the perpetrator, teachers, administrators, coaches, and more. Common examples of such situations include:

• Teachers and coaches who take advantage of students – Teachers and coaches sometimes abuse their authority to take advantage of a student. This can include threatening a student with bad grades, a lack of playing time, etc.

• Administrators who abuse their authority – School principals, deans, and other administrators may have abused their authority by making threats against a student. They may also tell the student who is having problems at school that they can avoid suspension or otherwise stay out of trouble if they succumb to the administrator’s wishes.

• Other school personnel may abuse their positions – Other school employees, such as librarians, security staff, janitors, etc. may very well abuse their position and find a way to take advantage of a child. The failure to screen and supervise such employees may very well fall on the school district.

• Failing to protect a student from other students – A student may have reported that they were being harassed, threatened, or otherwise intimidated by one of their peers. If the school does nothing and allows this conduct to go on, then the school district may be liable when the conduct morphs into sexual abuse

If your child has been the victim of sexual abuse at school, it is important that you report the incident(s) to law enforcement immediately. Crimes of a sexual nature often go unreported and this is true in the high school setting as well. No justice can be had for your child if the proper authorities are not made aware of what has happened.

Our Florida Sexual Abuse Attorneys Assist Families Whose High School Student Has Been Harmed

If your high school student has been the victim of rape, sexual assault, or other abuse, then it is important that you take immediate steps to protect their rights. One of these steps is to retain a lawyer who will get your child the compensation they deserve. While it is true that a financial award cannot erase what has happened, it can help your child in other areas of life so that they may get past this trying time. Our Florida high school sexual abuse lawyers understand the situation you are facing and we are ready to assist you. Contact us online or by email at lewisteam@searcylaw.com. You can also reach us by telephone at 800-780-8607. Call today for an initial consultation.