The Expensive Price Tag For Missing Warnings of Teacher Abuse

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second largest school system, has been plagued in recent years by a series of lawsuits for missing indications of teacher misconduct. In some cases, this even includes continuing to employ teachers and staff who were under a cloud, or ignored or overlooked direct complaints of abuse and/or sexual assault. This has resulted in massive payouts surpassing $300 million in just the last four years, in addition to a trail of victimized students.

LAUSD paid $40 million to abused victims at Telfair Elementary School after plaintiffs claimed the district overlooked earlier molestation allegations made against a teacher. Another $58 million settlement was paid out in the case of a George De La Torre Elementary School teacher who faced numerous accusations of touching students that the district ignored. The biggest payout of $200 million is linked to the Miramonte Elementary School teacher whose abuse of numerous students dates back to 1983 when the district first learned of the complaints.

Los Angeles is not far from being the only school district to grapple with allegations of molestation by teachers.

Holding School Districts Liable

School districts may not be liable for the criminal acts of their teachers involving abuse and sexual assault. However, they can be held liable for what they failed to do to prevent or further prevent these horrid acts from happening.

In other words, in these sexual abuse cases brought against the schools, it is not the allegations against the teachers that are the center of the lawsuits. Rather, these lawsuits mainly focus on whether school officials missed or ignored warning signs about the teachers that prolonged the alleged abuse.

Steps To Take If You Suspect Teacher Abuse

If you suspect that your child or a loved one has been abused or sexually assaulted by a teacher, it is imperative that you take immediate measures to protect your loved one’s legal rights. Below are important steps you should consider:

• Report the alleged abuse or sexual assault to the proper law enforcement authorities
• Report the alleged abuse or sexual assault to the proper authorities in school
• Seek mental or emotional help for your child or loved one to help them properly deal with the alleged abuse or sexual assault
• Seek the legal assistance of a Los Angeles teacher abuse lawyer who can help protect your loved one’s legal rights

Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Teacher Abuse Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Samer Habbas, our Los Angeles teacher abuse attorneys are experienced in compassionately handling all types of involving teachers abusing or assaulting student getting our clients the compensation that they deserve. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our lawyers, please call us at 888.848.5084.