The School & NYC Department of Education

If your child has been physically or emotionally harmed due to bullying, you may be able to pursue legal action against several parties.

Public and private schools have a legal duty to provide a safe learning environment. If teachers, administrators, or staff knew about the bullying and failed to act, they may be liable for negligence.

Key questions in proving school negligence:

✅ Did the school ignore previous complaints about the bully?

✅ Were anti-bullying policies in place and properly enforced?

✅ Was there proper supervision in hallways, playgrounds, buses, and other areas?

✅ Did the bullying involve harassment based on race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation, violating federal anti-discrimination laws?

Under DASA, schools must investigate and respond to reports of bullying. If they failed to take reasonable action, they can be sued for failing to protect your child.

The Parents of the Bully

Parents may be held responsible for their child’s actions, especially if they knew about the bullying and failed to take corrective action. New York law allows victims to file civil lawsuits against parents for:

✔ Negligent supervision (if the parents ignored their child’s violent behavior)

✔ Contributing to the harm by encouraging or enabling the bullying

If the bullying involved serious assault, threats, or criminal behavior, parents may also face liability for damages.

The Bully (If Age-Appropriate)

In severe cases, the bully may be personally liable for:

✔ Physical injuries caused by assault

✔ Emotional distress from harassment or threats

✔ Cyberbullying leading to reputational damage or psychological harm

While minors typically cannot be sued like adults, courts can hold them accountable in cases involving serious harm, criminal charges, or repeated harassment.

What Compensation Can You Seek for Your Child’s Injuries?

If your child has suffered due to bullying, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:

💰 Medical Expenses – Hospital visits, therapy, counseling, or psychiatric care

💰 Pain & Suffering – Physical and emotional trauma caused by the bullying

💰 Lost Wages – If a parent had to miss work to care for their child

💰 Education Disruptions – Compensation for tutoring or special schooling needs

💰 Punitive Damages – In extreme cases, to punish schools or negligent parents for failing to stop the bullying

New York courts take school bullying cases seriously, especially when the school knew about the bullying and failed to intervene.

How to Prove School Negligence in a Bullying Case

Filing a case against a school, parent, or bully requires strong evidence. Schools often try to avoid responsibility, so having the right documentation is crucial.

Key evidence in a school bullying case:

✅ School Records – Did the school receive complaints about bullying?

✅ Medical Reports – Proof of physical injuries or emotional trauma

✅ Witness Statements – Testimonies from teachers, students, or other parents

✅ Surveillance Footage – If available, video evidence of bullying incidents

✅ Social Media Screenshots – Cyberbullying messages, threats, or harassment

If the school had prior knowledge of bullying and failed to take reasonable steps to stop it, they may be legally responsible for your child’s injuries.

Recent NYC School Bullying Case – $260,000 Settlement

At Lockamy & Associates, we’ve successfully represented families in school negligence and bullying cases.

📌 Case Example: G.C. v. NYC Department of Education – $260,000 Settlement

Our client, a young student, was physically assaulted on school grounds after dismissal. The school failed to prevent the incident, despite prior warnings. We fought back and held the NYC Department of Education accountable, securing a $260,000 settlement to cover medical treatment and emotional distress.

If your child has been harmed at school, you don’t have to fight alone—we’re here to help.

Why You Need a NYC School Injury Lawyer

Taking legal action against a school, another parent, or the NYC Department of Education is not easy. Schools have legal teams ready to defend them, and many will try to avoid liability by claiming they did all they could.

At Lockamy & Associates, we:

✔ Investigate what the school knew and when

✔ Gather evidence to build a strong case

✔ Negotiate with the school district or responsible parties

✔ Take legal action to ensure your child gets justice

If your child was bullied and suffered physical or emotional harm, we can help you fight back.

Take Action – Protect Your Child’s Future

If your child has been injured due to bullying and school negligence, you have rights—and we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Call us today for a FREE consultation: (212) 931-6363

No child should have to suffer because of a school’s failure to protect them. Let’s fight for justice together.