Child abuse is a dark subject many find too difficult to watch in movies, shows, or the news. However, the reality is that there are children who face abuse at school every day, but may not come forward out of fear or shame. It is important for them to know it is not their fault. For parents, it is not your fault either.
If your child has experienced abuse at the hands of someone they trusted at school, a Charleston school abuse attorney will help you and your family through this difficult time. The legal proceedings in a child abuse case can seem overwhelming, typically involving criminal prosecution and a civil claim.
At Salango Law, PLLC, we approach every school abuse case with the sensitivity and compassion it deserves. Our dedicated attorneys will help guide you through the process while shielding your family from unscrupulous defense tactics. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced school abuse lawyers today by clicking here or calling (304) 342-0512.
Why Choose Salango Law, PLLC?
For over 20 years, Salango Law, PLLC has successfully represented injured victims in abuse and negligent claims. Our compassionate and trustworthy school abuse lawyers in Charleston have recovered over $150 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. If your child has suffered abuse at school, Attorney Ben Salango and his powerful team will fight for your right to accountability.
Why Have a Charleston School Abuse Attorney Handle Your Case?
Abuse and liability in a school setting have proven to be very complicated in civil cases. While criminal charges are brought against your child’s abuser, civil cases focus on negligence. Often, the negligent party in a school abuse claim is not the abuser but the school board or district who failed to protect your child.
In other instances, the abuse may happen elsewhere, but their teacher or coach failed to recognize the signs or failed to report suspected abuse. Teachers, among others, are considered mandated reporters and are required by law to report suspicions of child abuse.
Additionally, if another student has abused your child, their parents can be held liable in certain situations.
Every abuse claim is unique. To truly hold all responsible parties accountable, it is crucial you obtain the counsel of a skilled school abuse attorney.
How Is School Abuse Defined in West Virginia?
School child abuse falls into a few different categories;
Bullying
Bullying can be from teachers, school staff, coaches, superintendents, or other students. The act of bullying may be physical abuse;
- A student habitually assaults another student by pushing, hitting, or otherwise causing physical harm
Or, bullying may take the form of emotional abuse;
- The Vice Principal routinely humiliates young girls for dress code violations in front of the school as a disciplinary tactic
Physical abuse
Physical abuse is any harm inflicted upon another person’s body;
- A teacher shakes a special needs student in frustration
Emotional or Mental Abuse
Emotional abuse and mental abuse are arguably the most difficult to define due to the lack of physical damage and various scholarly characterizations. In most cases, emotional and mental abuse can occur when a child experiences;
- Denied sense of self-worth
- Isolation
- Intimidation or threats of harm
- Being ignored
- Being encouraged to engage in unsafe behavior.
Sexual Abuse in Schools
According to the new Civil Rights Data Collection, sexual violence in K-12 schools has increased by 55% in one year. Shockingly, the majority of reports were for rape. Unfortunately, criminal charges in sexual assault and abuse allegations seldom hold. If the abuser or rapist is in a position of authority, like a teacher, there are numerous bureaucratic steps to evade responsibility. They may move school districts, states, or go through lengthy appeals if their misconduct is reported to the West Virginia teaching licensing board.
Filing a civil claim may be the best recourse your family has to find closure. Our compassionate and confidential team of school abuse attorneys is here to represent your child’s best interests. Reach out and call Salango Law, PLLC today for a free and confidential consultation.
Call Our Charleston School Abuse Lawyers to Protect Your Family’s Rights
At Salango Law, PLLC, our Charleston school abuse lawyers understand that no amount of money can take away the trauma your child has suffered. It is important to know that filing a civil claim for child abuse is not about financial gain but about designating responsibility. The amount of compensation represents the extent of responsibility that was owed to your child.
Contact our Salango Law, PLLC, today to discuss your options online or by calling (304) 342-0512.