School Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Our attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors are prepared to pursue legal claims on behalf of children survivors of sex abuse at schools. Sexual abuse, assault, and misconduct at school can be either:

• Abuse by a teacher or other school staff member
• Abuse caused by another student

Both types of cases can be challenging due to schools being generally protected under Title IX and state sovereign immunity laws, which can limit a school’s liability for sexual abuse claims. Our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. Get started with your claim by calling us at (800) 509-9747 or tell us what happened online. All communications are 100% confidential. We’ve helped survivors recover over $1 billion as a result of settlements and verdicts, including claims made against schools and other educational institutions.

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How Our Sexual Abuse Attorneys Fight Against School Immunity

Under sovereign immunity laws, schools have additional protection or “immunities” compared to other organizations. This is because government organizations like schools are immune from lawsuits. Our school sexual abuse lawyers understand that there are exceptions to immunity laws, and we leverage these exceptions alongside our experienced legal team to build a strong case.

• Negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of an employee led to abuse that could have been prevented with proper oversight.
• Failure to report abuse violated mandatory reporting laws under state or federal statutes.
• Gross negligence or willful misconduct occurred, such as ignoring prior complaints or credible warning signs.
• Constitutional violations, such as depriving a student of their right to equal protection or due process, can override immunity.
• Title IX violations, where school officials had actual knowledge of sexual harassment or abuse and responded with deliberate indifference, may allow survivors to sue despite immunity protections.

Our school sexual abuse attorneys overcome legal challenges associated with school immunity. At Kayla’s Survivors, our legal team can help build a strong case against the school to help you recover compensation and hold the school liable for sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct. This includes private schools (such as boarding schools), daycares , and all other educational institutions and learning centers that may be privately or publicly owned.

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Federal Claims of School Sexual Abuse

Federal-based claims made against schools are not subject to the limitations and sovereign immunity laws. These claims are made under Title IX, a federal claim protecting all students from sexual harassment and abuse at school. This allows attorneys to hold schools liable if:

1. The school or educational institution is receiving federal funding
2. Staff was given notice or had knowledge of the sexual abuse, and the school failed to conduct standard protocols that could have prevented the abuse

Our school sexual abuse lawyers handle Title IX cases, and have a proven track record of success. Whether advocating for survivors of gender-based discrimination, addressing issues of sexual abuse or assault, or navigating through complexities within the Title IX framework, our attorneys can help you build a strong claim to hold the school accountable and recover compensation for damages associated with the abuse, assault, or sexual harassment. Request a free case evaluation from our legal team to better understand your legal options – 100% confidential.

Compensation Available to Survivors of School Sex Abuse

Survivors of school sexual abuse may be eligible to recover compensation through a civil lawsuit, which may include the following:

• Medical Expenses: Covers the cost of any medical treatment resulting from the abuse, including visits to pediatricians, sexual assault response teams, or emergency care.
• Therapy & Counseling: Provides for trauma-informed therapy, counseling, or psychiatric care to help the survivor cope with the psychological effects of being abused in an educational setting.
• Pain & Suffering: Compensates for the deep emotional trauma, shame, fear, and anxiety often experienced by students who were abused by a teacher, coach, or peer.
• Future Care Costs: Ensures long-term mental health support for survivors who may continue to suffer from PTSD, depression, or academic-related anxiety well into adulthood.
• Educational Impact: Covers tutoring, academic accommodations, or school transfers if the abuse disrupted the student’s education, grades, or ability to attend school safely.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the trauma affects the survivor’s ability to pursue higher education or maintain future employment, damages may be awarded for that lost potential.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where schools ignored complaints or failed to act on known risks, courts may award punitive damages to punish the institution for gross negligence.

It’s important to understand that each abuse case is unique, and payouts will vary based on many factors including supporting evidence, severity of harm, and applicable state laws.

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Notable School Sex Abuse Settlements

These settlements highlight the significant financial and institutional consequences that educational institutions face in the wake of sexual abuse allegations.​

• University of Southern California (USC) – $1.1 Billion Settlement (2021): USC agreed to pay a total of $1.1 billion to settle claims involving former gynecologist George Tyndall, accused of sexually abusing hundreds of female students over decades. This includes an $852 million settlement with 710 women and a prior $215 million class-action settlement.
• University of Michigan – $490 Million Settlement (2022): The university settled for $490 million with 1,050 victims who alleged sexual abuse by Dr. Robert Anderson during routine medical examinations spanning several decades.
• Michigan State University – $500 Million Settlement (2018): MSU agreed to pay $500 million to 332 survivors of sexual abuse by former sports doctor Larry Nassar, who was also affiliated with USA Gymnastics.
• Ohio State University – $40.9 Million Settlement (2020): OSU settled with 162 men who alleged sexual abuse by team doctor Richard Strauss between 1978 and 1998.
• Tamalpais Union High School District, California – $17.5 Million Settlement (2024): The district settled with four former students who alleged sexual abuse by former tennis coach Normandie Burgos.
• Ninnekah Public Schools, Oklahoma – $7.5 Million Settlement (2024): The district settled with 14 women and girls who alleged sexual abuse by their high school basketball coach.
• Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Illinois – $3.5 Million Settlement (2025): The school settled a lawsuit involving a student who alleged sexual assault during a theater class in 2022.
• Lakewood Public Schools, Michigan – $575,000 Settlement (2017): The district settled with victims of former MLB player and volunteer coach Chad Curtis, who was convicted of sexually assaulting student-athletes.

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse at School

• Digital Exploitation – Sending or requesting explicit messages or images via text, email, or social media.
• Sexual Comments or Advances: Verbal harassment, sexual jokes, or propositions.
• Inappropriate Touching: Unwanted physical contact by teachers, staff, or students.
• Forced Sexual Acts: Any form of sexual assault or rape committed on school property or during school activities.
• Sexual Abuse During Extracurriculars – Abuse by coaches, tutors, or staff during after-school programs, field trips, or sports.
• Exposure to Sexual Content: Showing pornography, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), or engaging in sexual acts in front of a student.
• Coercion or Grooming: Manipulative behavior used to build trust and normalize sexual contact.

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Filing A School Sexual Abuse Claim

In school sexual abuse cases, a parent or legal guardian can file a school sex abuse lawsuit on behalf of a minor student—whether the abuse occurred in elementary, middle, or high school. If the student is over 18, such as in college or university, they can typically file the lawsuit themselves. In some cases, if a minor is in foster care or under court supervision, a court-appointed guardian may bring the claim. The specific grade level may impact the legal strategy, especially in how schools are expected to supervise younger versus older students.

1. Recognizing & Reporting the Abuse: The process often begins when a parent, guardian, or the victim notices signs of abuse and reports it to school officials, law enforcement, or child protective services.
2. Seeking Medical & Emotional Support: The child should receive immediate medical attention and psychological support. Documentation from doctors and therapists may become key evidence later.
3. Consulting an Attorney: A school sexual abuse lawyer reviews the details, explains the legal options, and determines whether the school or other parties can be held liable.
4. Investigating the Case: The attorney conducts a thorough investigation—gathering school records, employee history, witness statements, and expert opinions to build the case.
5. Filing the Lawsuit: A formal complaint is filed in civil court against the school, school district, staff, or any other liable party. This marks the official start of the legal action.
6. Pretrial Discovery: Both sides exchange information and evidence. Depositions of school staff, students, and others may be taken. This phase can reveal systemic failures or negligence.
7. Settlement Negotiations: Many cases settle before trial. The school district or insurance provider may offer compensation to avoid a public trial and additional liability.
8. Trial (if necessary: If a settlement isn’t reached, the case goes to court. A judge or jury hears the evidence and determines liability and damages.
9. Compensation and Accountability: If successful, the victim may receive financial compensation for damages like pain and suffering, medical expenses, therapy, and more. It may also result in policy changes or disciplinary action within the school.

The school sexual abuse attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors are here to help you understand your legal rights and explore your options. If you’re eligible for compensation, our team will guide you through the legal process and work to hold the school, staff, or district accountable for their failure to protect your child.

Get Help From The School Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors

If you or your child has experienced sexual abuse in a school setting, you may be eligible to take legal action and hold the school, staff member, or district accountable. A school sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Take the first step by calling (800) 509-9747 or tell us what happened online. Our legal team is here to listen and provide support.

The lawyers at Kayla’s Survivors law firm have helped recover over $1 billion for survivors of sexual abuse, and have held countless abusers and organizations accountable for their actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can file a school sexual abuse lawsuit?

Parents or legal guardians can file a lawsuit on behalf of a minor. If the survivor is over 18, they can file on their own. In some cases, a court-appointed guardian may also bring a claim.

How long do I have to file a school sexual abuse lawsuit?

Each state has a statute of limitations, but many offer extended timelines (or exceptions) especially for child sexual abuse. Some deadlines don’t begin until the survivor turns 18 or discovers the harm.

Is my child’s identity kept private during a lawsuit?

Yes, courts often allow minors and survivors to remain anonymous in public filings. Your attorney can request confidentiality protections to help shield your child’s identity.