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Charleston, WV School Abuse Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in a school setting in Charleston or elsewhere in West Virginia, our experienced West Virginia school abuse lawyers at Warner Law Offices are here to help. We understand the devastating impact school sexual abuse can have on survivors, including profound emotional trauma, difficulty with maintaining healthy relationships, and a lifetime of painful memories. Our compassionate attorneys will fight tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
For decades, our law firm has successfully represented sexual abuse survivors across West Virginia, standing up to school districts, private schools, and other institutions when they fail to protect vulnerable students. We are a small firm dedicated to providing our clients with personalized attention and aggressive advocacy during difficult times.
Let our Charleston, WV, school abuse lawyers even the playing field and help you take the first steps toward healing. Call us at (304) 345-6789 or contact us online to learn how we can help you seek justice.
Why Choose Our School Abuse Attorneys in Charleston, WV?
Handling a lawsuit after experiencing school sexual abuse can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Hiring a skilled attorney is crucial for protecting your rights, building a strong case, and securing justice, accountability, and compensation. You need a legal team with the experience, dedication, and resources to go up against school districts and administrators eager to protect their reputations by masking the truth.
At Warner Law Offices, our seasoned Charleston school abuse lawyers have a proven track record of success advocating for survivors. We are born and raised West Virginians and care about the communities we serve. Our in-depth knowledge of West Virginia’s laws and the local court system allows us to craft compelling cases and anticipate challenges.
We have assembled a top-tier team that is passionate about pursuing justice for sexual abuse survivors. We understand the immense courage it takes to come forward and are committed to providing the support and guidance you need. Our team has recovered millions of dollars for our deserving clients.
What Qualifies as School Abuse in West Virginia?
Sexual abuse in educational settings involves any inappropriate sexual contact or activity between school employees or students, including physical acts like sexual assault, as well as verbal harassment, grooming, spreading sexual images without consent, and sexual exploitation. State and federal laws enforce strict boundaries between school staff and students, which are applicable in all school-related contexts. Unfortunately, sexual abuse by school personnel is not uncommon.
For example, the WVNews reported in 2024 that a basketball coach at a Parkersburg middle school is facing charges for sexually abusing two students. In 2023, the Associated Press reported that a lawsuit filed on behalf of 32 plaintiffs who suffered sexual abuse and other types of abuse at a boarding school in Salem settled for $50 million. Another lawsuit filed on behalf of 29 victims who attended the school settled for $52 million in 2020.
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse by school staff, seeking legal counsel is crucial. Warner Law Offices can help you file a civil school abuse claim and navigate the legal process to protect your rights and seek justice.
Who Can Be Held Liable for School Sexual Assault?
In school sexual abuse cases, multiple parties may face liability for the survivor’s physical, emotional, and financial damages. The perpetrator can be held accountable through both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. In civil claims, plaintiffs may have grounds to sue:
- The sexual abuser
- The school district or private school that employed the perpetrator
- Administrators who failed to properly screen job applicants or ignored complaints
- Teachers, coaches, or other staff who suspected the abuse but failed to report it
Holding these institutions and individuals responsible for their role in committing or allowing sexual abuse sends a message that student safety is the top priority.
Sexual Abuse in the School System
Sexual abuse in schools is a pervasive problem that often goes unreported. Predators often exploit their positions of trust and authority to “groom” students, building a relationship through special attention, gifts, or privileges before escalating to sexual contact. In schools, perpetrators can include longtime teachers and newer hires, and they may target students of any age, gender, or background.
Unfortunately, K-12 school sexual abuse is more prevalent than many realize. For example, a report from the U.S. Department of Education found that sexual assault complaints at elementary and secondary schools rose 55 percent from the 2015-2016 school year to 2017-2018. Offenders often manipulate students to comply with demands and stay silent. Many sexual abuse victims suffer profound psychological harm, struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
If you are a survivor of school sexual abuse, it’s important to know that you are not alone and that the abuse was not your fault, no matter what the perpetrator may have told you. You deserve to be heard and supported, and coming forward is a brave step. Our Charleston school sexual abuse lawyers will stand by your side. We understand the complex dynamics of these cases and are committed to helping survivors secure justice.
File Your Claim Before the Statute of Limitations Runs Out
Sexual abuse survivors have a limited amount of time to file civil lawsuits seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. The West Virginia sexual assault statute of limitations varies based on the victim’s age. For sexual abuse that occurs before the age of 18, victims generally have to file a claim by their 36th birthday or within four years of the date the abuse was discovered, whichever is longer.
Statutes of limitations are strict deadlines, and missing them can mean losing your right to sue. But these time limits can also be confusing, especially in school abuse cases. Consulting an experienced Charleston school sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible is the best way to understand your options and take timely legal action. Our attorneys can review your case, identify the applicable statute of limitations, and help you hold the abuser accountable.
"A lot of people don't know that you have 18 years after your 18th birthday to file a case against your abuser if the abuse happened to you as a minor. This allows victims more time to understand what has happened to them, seek treatment, and get justice."
Get in Contact With an Attorney Today
At Warner Law Offices, we believe every sexual abuse survivor deserves access to the highest-quality legal representation possible. Our attorneys have spent decades fighting for the rights of the injured and abused across West Virginia, and we are committed to serving as a voice for the voiceless.
Coming forward about school sexual abuse takes tremendous strength, and we want you to know that you don’t have to walk this path alone. Our compassionate Charleston, WV, school abuse attorneys are here to support you throughout the legal process and fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve.
We offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your legal rights and options. Because we operate on a contingency basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (304) 345-6789 or contact us online to schedule your free case review with an experienced school abuse attorney. Together, we can work to hold abusers and enablers accountable and create a safer future for all West Virginia students.
Consultation
Charleston, WV 25301
Bobby has received many accolades throughout the years from both his peers in the legal community, as well as the media. The National Trial Lawyers association named Bobby a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and he has been selected as a Member of the Nation’s Top One Percent. Additionally, he has been named a Best Attorneys of America by Rue Ratings, which also named Warner Law Offices to its Best Law Firms of America.
We represent clients across West Virginia and surrounding areas, providing compassionate client service and relentless advocacy in and out of the courtroom.
Call us 304-345-6789 or
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