Pursuing Justice, Accountability, and Compensation
If your child has been sexually abused by a teacher or school employee, they are not by any means alone. It is a sad reality that many students across New York and throughout the United States have endured sexual trauma at school.
Whether the perpetrator was a teacher, school employee, or even another student, a local personal injury attorney for survivors of sexual abuse can help you seek justice, accountability, and compensation.
Attorney Michael J. McConnell started his own law office precisely to seek justice for people who have been seriously harmed, including children. He is a former prosecutor with jury trial experience in cases involving sex offenses committed against children and truly understands the importance of providing compassionate legal representation for child victims.
You can schedule a free and confidential consultation with the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell by calling us at (914) 810-0510 or booking one below.
What is Teacher Sexual Abuse?
Teacher sexual abuse often happens when a teacher or school employee uses their position of trust and authority to harm a student through sexual misconduct.
These case will usually include several of the following types of conduct:
- Inappropriate touching
- Sexual text messages (including photos and videos)
- Sexual comments
- Grooming
- Sexual contact with a minor
- Sexual Assault (rape and child molestation)
In the school setting in particular, sexual abuse may often start with “grooming” behaviors such as a teacher paying special attention to a student, giving them gifts, texting them outside of school, and building trust with both the child and their parents before the abuse occurs.
How Serious is the Problem of Sexual Abuse in Schools?
According to some statistical surveys, it is estimated that about one in every 10 students in the United States will experience some form of sexual misconduct at school. This is an alarming statistic, especially since the trauma that results can be so devastating and last forever
While most teachers and school employees are dedicated to protecting children, the problem is that even just one sexual predator employed by a school can have disastrous consequences. Sexual predators often do not stop with one victim, and the longer they are employed in a school the more emboldened they feel to victimize children without consequence.
Why is it Important to Hold Schools Accountable?
In many instances where a teacher or school employee sexually abuses a student, a root cause analysis may show a complete “system failure” by the school to protect its students.
This is alarming because we send our children to school with the expectation that the school will do its job to keep our children safe. When they don’t, they can be held accountable through a civil lawsuit.
Here are just three key ways that civil legal action against schools for sexual abuse of children by their teachers or staff members can make a big difference:
First, it empowers the child survivors of sexual abuse and their families to have their voice heard and get justice on their own terms.
Second, it compensates the child for the significant trauma they endured and the past, present, and future expenses they will have for things like therapy and counseling.
And third, it prevents future abuse by sending a very strong message to the particular school as well as others that a failure to protect a child from sexual abuse by their employees will never be tolerated.
Indeed, for many victims of crime as well as survivors of sexual abuse, it can often be the motivation to protect others from the trauma they suffered that gives them the strength to pursue justice through the legal system.
Criminal vs. Civil Justice: What’s the Difference?
It is very important for parents of child victims of sexual abuse at school in Westchester County to understand that there are two different systems for justice: the criminal justice system versus the civil justice system. They each have their own purposes and both can be important for holding sexual predators accountable.
- Criminal justice: A prosecutor employed by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office brings a criminal case against the teacher for a criminal offense such as rape or sexual contact with a minor. If the teacher is found guilty, they can be criminally punished such as by going to prison—sometimes for many years.
- Civil justice: A personal injury lawyer hired by the victim to bring a lawsuit seeking compensation for the harm that was caused. For cases of teacher sexual abuse, the lawsuit can be brought against the school or the individual teacher to seek money damages.
It is also important to know that even if the teacher is never convicted in criminal court (or perhaps never even arrested), it is still very much possible for a survivor of sexual abuse to pursue justice in civil court. Victims should not be discouraged from considering a lawsuit just because the criminal justice system did not ultimately hold the perpetrator accountable.
We’re Ready to Help Your Child if They’ve Been Sexually Abused at School in Westchester County, NY
The legal system exists to hold wrongdoers accountable, including school staff members that sexually abuse children and the school districts that failed to prevent it.
The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is a local personal injury firm in Ardsley, NY that makes it easy for you to speak with us before deciding whether pursuing civil legal action is the right move for your family, and our overall approach to representation prioritizes the client every step of the way.
Free & Confidential Consultations
You can speak with the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell without any cost or obligation. The decision to hire a lawyer is always yours.
Compassionate & Supportive Lawyer
Michael J. McConnell is here to listen and help survivors of sexual abuse through this incredibly difficult time in a way that puts their needs and wellbeing first.
Sincere Commitment to the Client’s Voice
Clients always control the major decisions in their case such as whether to file a lawsuit, whether to agree to an out-of-court settlement, or whether to take a case to trial. An attorney will provide guidance, but the client gets the final say, which can be very empowering and provide a genuine sense of autonomy for survivors of sexual abuse.
Contingency Fee Representation
Hiring Michael J. McConnell costs nothing up front since he works on a contingency fee for personal injury cases, meaning he only gets paid if he wins the case and gets your child compensation.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation Today
If your child has been sexually abused at a school in Westchester County, they deserve justice and we are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation today by dialing (914) 810-0510 or signing up for one below.
Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and the outcome of any legal matter depends on its specific facts and circumstances. If you need legal advice about your particular situation, contact an attorney for a consultation.
This page was last updated on August 29th, 2026.