Holding Schools and School Districts Accountable for Abuse by Teachers, Coaches, and Staff
Schools should be safe environments for children to learn and grow. When a teacher, coach, or school staff member commits sexual abuse, the damage can be lifelong. At O’Brien Law Firm, our experienced sex abuse attorneys fight for survivors, holding both perpetrators and the schools or districts that failed to prevent the abuse accountable.
Led by Missouri attorney Grant Boyd, a compassionate child sexual abuse attorney, our firm provides confidential representation for survivors harmed in public or private schools, athletic programs, or extracurricular activities. Whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, we pursue justice through the civil legal system.
Why Survivors Choose to File Civil Lawsuits Against Schools and Districts with the Help of a Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
Sexual assault by a trusted authority figure such as a teacher, coach, or counselor is a betrayal that cuts deep. Survivors turn to civil lawsuits and sexual assault attorneys for several important reasons:
Accountability Beyond the Perpetrator
Schools or districts often overlooked warning signs, prior complaints, or inappropriate behavior. A lawsuit forces these institutions to answer for their failures.
Preventing Future Abuse
Civil claims push schools to strengthen oversight and reporting policies, reducing risks for future students.
Compensation for Lifelong Harm
Abuse disrupts education, careers, relationships, and mental health. Survivors deserve financial recovery for treatment, lost opportunities, and pain and suffering.
Validation and Empowerment
Working with a child sexual abuse attorney helps survivors reclaim their voice, ensuring their experiences are recognized and believed.
Missouri’s Civil Statute of Limitations for School Abuse Case
Missouri law varies on the timelines for survivors or their families to file civil claims. The timelines can range from 180 days to a lifetime depending on the circumstances.
Suing the Perpetrator
Most claims against perpetrators, such as a teacher or coach, must be filed by the time the survivor turns 31 years old, but sometimes shorter or longer deadlines can apply.
Suing the School, District, or Organization
Claims against negligent institutions, like schools or camps or athletic associations or sports organizations, are generally allowed until the survivor’s 26th birthday. However, some very limited claims against public institutions, such as public school districts, may need to be initiated within 180 days of the sexual assault, but other claims have longer deadlines.
Federal Claims
Federal law claims can have longer windows to file claims depending on the circumstances, including the entirety of a victim’s life.
Wrongful Death Claims
In the event of a victim’s tragic death as a result of sexual abuse, including by suicide, most claims must be filed within 3 years.
Given the complex nature of statute of limitations and how much they can vary depending on the circumstances, type of abuse, and types of defendants, the deadlines above are only some of the deadlines and guidance. Consulting with sexual assault attorneys like Grant Boyd will help survivors, victims, and their families ensure that no opportunities for justice are missed based on the unique circumstances of every single case.
Examples of School Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
Our sex abuse attorneys represent survivors across many school-related settings, including:
Teachers Grooming Students
Teachers who blur boundaries through favoritism, private messages, or gifts may escalate to abuse.
Counselors and Administrators Misusing Authority
Those responsible for student welfare can exploit access to harm vulnerable students.
Volunteers or Contractors on Campus
Schools must vet and monitor third parties allowed on school grounds.
Coaches Abusing Student Athletes
Coaches often hold significant authority. Abuse may occur under the guise of training or travel supervision.
Bus Drivers, Janitors, or Staff
Any employee with unsupervised access may pose a risk if schools fail to screen or supervise them.
Even if the abuse occurred years ago, survivors should speak with a child sexual abuse attorney to explore their options.
Missouri’s Civil Statute of Limitations for School Abuse Case
Schools sometimes fail students by ignoring sexual abuse signs or dismissing complaints. Our firm pursues claims where institutions:
These failures show how schools prioritized reputation over safety.
Compensation for Survivors of School Sexual Abuse
Working with an experienced sexual assault attorney ensures survivors seek full compensation,
which may include:
Mental Health Treatment Costs
Counseling, therapy, and medications for long-term trauma.
Pain and Suffering
Courts recognize the emotional toll of child sexual abuse, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Medical bills, relocation, or security expenses.
Educational and Career Losses
Abuse often derails studies and future career opportunities.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Survivors may struggle with relationships or activities they once loved.
Punitive Damages
In cases where schools ignored repeated warnings or protected abusers, punitive damages may apply.
How O’Brien Law Firm Supports School Abuse Survivors
Attorney Grant Boyd, a trusted child sexual abuse attorney, approaches each case with compassion and discretion. Survivors benefit from:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront fees — we only get paid if we win
- Trauma-informed handling of sensitive matters
- Thorough investigation of school and district failures
- Experienced sexual assault attorneys who fight for accountability
What to Expect When You Contact Us
You Are Not Alone. You Deserve Justice.
Sexual abuse in schools is a devastating betrayal. Survivors often recognize the trauma only later when they or others identify sexual abuse signs or signs of sexual abuse in children.
You deserve to be heard. You deserve accountability. And you deserve healing.
Attorney Grant Boyd and O’Brien Law Firm stand with you. Our sex abuse attorneys are here to help you seek justice and lasting change
Contact Missouri School Sexual Abuse Lawyer Grant Boyd Today
If you or someone you love was harmed by a teacher, coach, or school staff member, contact our office today. Speak with a dedicated sexual assault attorney for a free, confidential consultation. We believe survivors. We fight for survivors.