Schools and school districts have ethical and legal obligations to provide safe environments for the students who pass through their doors. This also extends to other school-sponsored activities, like when your child takes a school-sponsored bus to school or is away from campus with a sports team. The bottom line is that your children should be adequately supervised, the facilities where they are should be safe, and policies should have been enacted that will protect them from foreseeable harm. If your school or district fails in its responsibilities, children may suffer injuries as a result, and that could negatively impact their educational, emotional and physical development. Schools are meant to be safe havens where children can learn, grow and thrive. Has misconduct or negligence resulted in your child getting injured at school? Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C. can help. We have earned a reputation for holding powerful institutions, such as school districts, accountable and will seek justice for what your child experienced because of this lack of care and consideration. What Happened? There are several potential scenarios that could have resulted in your child getting injured at school. Examples include slip-and-fall incidents, food poisoning, bullying, playground accidents, assaults by staff, a school bus crash and a sports-related injury that occurred as a result of negligence. What To Do if a Child Is Injured at School What are the steps that you should take if your child was injured at school or in a school-sponsored activity that took place elsewhere? Seek Medical Attention Before focusing on anything else, ensure that your child is safe, healthy and away from what caused the incident. As part of this process, have a healthcare professional evaluate them, taking note that some injuries may not be apparent but could still be serious. A concussion is an example, as are injuries related to your child's mental health. This may be the case if bullying or another source of trauma occurred. Note that not seeking treatment could result in your case being disqualified on procedural grounds or two weak to proceed. Consider Getting the Police Involved If the police have not been consulted and should be, contact them. If they do get involved, make sure to get a copy of the police report. Document Relevant Details Take photos of your child, particularly of any visible injuries, record the scene where the incident happened, take notes of all details, including relevant times and dates, and secure witnesses' contact information. Also keep records of all medical treatment, not only from the immediate aftermath of what happened, but in the days and weeks that follow as well. Notes should also be kept in reference to all relevant communication. When in doubt, document something. It is always best to have too much information rather than too little. Speak With the School or District If a report has been filed by the school or district in relation to your child, request a copy of that as well as details about any staff members who were involved in or witnessed it, at least their names. Additionally, if there is any security footage that caught the incident or anything related to it, request that footage. Ask What Will Change When speaking with officials, you should not only discuss what happened in connection with the incident, but you should also ask what is being done to ensure that those types of circumstances do not repeat, both related to your child and to the other children at that school and district. Keep detailed records of these interactions as well. Keep in mind that schools may need to undergo legal proceedings before being willing to make substantial changes to how things had been done prior to your child's incident. File a Notice of Claim Within 90 Days In most circumstances in New York State, you will need to file a Notice of Claim against your school or district within 90 days of the incident. This is essential as far as what to do if your child suffered an injury at school. Failing to do this could result in you having no legal standing to sue. After this has been handled, it might take some time, potentially years, in order for a lawsuit to be settled or go to trial, but none of that is likely if this initial timeline has not been met. Consult a Lawyer Dedicated to Children's Rights As soon as possible, consult a personal injury attorney who is dedicated to children's rights and has the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure that your school and district will be held accountable for any physical or mental harm that occurred. Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C. offers that. In fact, GDPC has garnered a tremendous track record in previous cases against the New York City Department of Education and many other districts throughout New York State. What Are Schools Liable For? A school has a duty of care for its students, and if that duty has been breached and your child was harmed as a result, the district should be liable. In addition, schools are required to provide adequate supervision, have responded in an appropriate manner if previously notified of dangerous circumstances, including bullying behavior, and ensure that proper safety protocols are in place. Note that schools will likely deny responsibility and shift blame, whether to your child or otherwise, which is one of the main reasons why you should secure legal representation as soon as you can. What Compensation Could Be Received? Your child's injuries could result in an award of damages. Damages can refer to costs that are directly connected with your child's injuries, such as medically related expenses. This is one of the reasons why detailed records of medical treatment should be kept, to ensure that you are reimbursed as fairly and completely as possible for that. Also, if your child's property was damaged or destroyed as a result of an incident, reimbursement could be awarded for that. Other examples of potential damages include your child now needing educational services or transportation that was not necessary before the incident. In addition, if you as a parent have lost wages while caring for your child or otherwise needed to sacrifice time related to this incident, you could be reimbursed for that as well. Other damages could be based on the physical pain and emotional suffering that your child experienced and may still be enduring. Terms related to this include "loss of enjoyment of life" and "emotional distress." Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C. There are numerous legal options that you can pursue if your kid was injured at school, and Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C. will make sure that all options that help your case are pursued. In fact, we have a particular focus on children's special education needs, so if you are looking for a special education attorney to represent you, GDPC will ensure that your child with disabilities receives the legal representation necessary. Regardless, we will ensure that all relevant steps are taken once you reach out to us and secure our services, which could involve a personal injury claim, a federal complaint, an administrative grievance, complaint, or claim, or a school transfer request. In addition, we will ensure that all legal deadlines are met, all evidence will be collected, any settlement negotiations will be done with maximum compensation in mind and we will be ready, willing and able to go to trial, if needed.

Gina DeCrescenzo and her team are widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities in special education law, particularly in the highly complex and evolving field of dyslexia litigation. Dyslexia litigation is unique in that many kids with dyslexia mask their deficits and overcompensate with their strengths. After all, many kids with dyslexia are not only of average intelligence, but are gifted! So the first thing you’ll hear from the district is that the child is smart and doing just fine. But what about the red flags? The inability to rhyme, the inability to read, the struggle with writing, the slow, laborious homework assignments that take their peers a fraction of the time to complete? What about the accumulation of deficit over time? The gap between the dyslexic child and their peers widening? The increased struggle as the curriculum gets harder? What about the child’s self esteem because they know that they are smart, but they struggle with basic reading? What about when this gifted child starts to hate school? We need to fight back. The districts know better. We need to hold them accountable. The scientific literature is clear and has been clear for decades. Children with dyslexia are very bright, but require specialized reading instruction that is structured, multi-sensory, and sequential. Known as the “Orton-Gillingham approach” it has been packaged over the years by doctors and teachers who have tried to make the instruction easier for teachers to implement. For example, we have the Wilson Program, PAF, Lindamood-Bell, Barton, Sonday and others. These programs have been peer-reviewed and they have been determined to be effective with dyslexic brains, BUT they must be implemented with fidelity. The instructor needs to be sufficiently trained and the instruction needs to be either 1:1 or within a small enough, homogenous group, that it follows the research. It also needs to be at a frequency and duration that shows results. This is precisely what Gina DeCrescenzo and her team need to get to the bottom of. What has the district been offering? What testing have they done to truly understand the intricacies of the child's deficits? And if the district is not providing a research-based method of instruction that has been proven effective through the science, we fight for something different, a highly credentialed reading specialist or even a full wrap-around program in a private school. For example, our firm has sent countless kids to Windward in NYC and Westchester, Windward’s summer program, The Kildonan School, The Forman School, John Cardinal O’Connor School, The Sterling School, and The Churchill School, among others. All paid for by the child's home district. With a steadfast commitment to securing the rights of students with learning disabilities, Gina has built a reputation for fearless advocacy, legal precision, and groundbreaking success in obtaining placements at premier schools specializing in dyslexia, including The Windward School and others. What It Takes to Win a Dyslexia Case Winning a dyslexia case—particularly in New York—requires more than simply identifying a learning disability. It demands a strategic, evidence-based approach that combines: Comprehensive evaluations: Demonstrating that the student has a specific learning disability in reading that has not been properly addressed by the district, despite intervention. Clear documentation of educational harm: Showing that the student has failed to make meaningful progress due to the district’s inadequate programming. Expert testimony and clinical support: Leveraging neuropsychological, educational, and language-based evaluations to build a compelling case. Deep knowledge of procedural safeguards under IDEA and Section 504. Proven litigation experience, including impartial hearings, appeals, and federal court actions.  Gina and her team have successfully litigated and negotiated placements and tuition reimbursement for students at top-tier schools that specialize in dyslexia instruction, including but not limited to: The Windward School, https://www.thewindwardschool.org The Forman School, https://www.formanschool.org The Landmark School, https://explore.landmarkschool.org The Gow School, https://www.gow.org The John Cardinal O’Connor School, https://johncardinaloconnorschool.org The Eagle Hill School, https://www.eaglehill.school The Kildonan School The Churchill School, https://www.churchillschoolnyc.org The Sterling School, https://www.sterlingschool.com These victories not only changed the lives of individual students, but also set precedents for other families navigating similar battles. Gina’s work is grounded in a deep understanding of the science of reading, the legal intricacies of special education law, and the emotional impact these cases have on families. Whether your child needs science-backed tutoring for dyslexia or a private school, contact us without delay. All of the science emphasizes the need for early intervention.

Schools bear moral and legal responsibilities to provide every student a safe environment. This duty extends to school districts, and it encompasses implementing safety policies, appropriate facility maintenance, and adequate supervision in all school-related activities. If this obligation isn't met, a child might be injured because of negligence or misconduct. In these circumstances, parents can exercise their right to pursue legal action against the district to hold responsible parties accountable. Especially families in New York City and Yonkers, New York need to understand what to do if a child is injured at school. An experienced education attorney can provide support and knowledge of the complex legal system. The following guide outlines crucial steps that parents need to take after a school-related injury. It also explains some of the legal options families have available to them. The School's Duty of Care "Loco parentis" is a Latin phrase that means "in place of a parent." It's a legal term stating that both private and public schools are legally required to take reasonable precautions to supervise children and prevent harm. They must do so as a reasonably prudent parent at home would. Staff need to be qualified, vetted, and properly trained to effectively manage student safety. Instances of harassment and bullying should be addressed quickly and effectively. Students need to have adequate supervision during lunch, field trips, recess, and class changes. Safe facilities must be maintained, ranging from ensuring secure premises to repairing broken pieces of playground equipment. If these obligations aren't met and any student is harmed, the district or school might be liable for misconduct or negligence. Common Causes of School Injuries Children can sustain school injuries in various situations, but many of them stem from preventable issues, including inadequate supervision during gym class or recess and unsafe equipment or facilities. Failing to address harassment or bullying can result in student conflicts, and handling those improperly puts children at risk. Unsafe transportation is another potential risk due to inattentive drivers and poorly maintained buses. In many cases of student harm, a lack of proper oversight is the root cause; this is frequently known as inadequate supervision. For instance, a school might be held accountable if a student gets injured in a fight that was otherwise preventable because of staff intervention that could or should have happened but didn't. What To Do if a Child Is Injured at School When a student is injured during a school-sponsored event or on school grounds, parents need to take strategic and immediate steps to protect their child and start gathering evidence that might be essential later on. The following five steps are a recommended potential course of action. 1. Seek Medical Attention The top priority after an injury needs to be the health and wellness of a child. Parents must ensure their children receive a prompt medical evaluation and any necessary treatment. This is true even for injuries that seem minor. Maintain records for every medical visit, diagnosis, treatment, and any involved costs or related expenses. Failing to have a medical checkup, even for a child who doesn't seem that injured, might be grounds to disqualify a case on procedural grounds. For injuries related to mental health (like bullying) make sure you seek out a private counselor or therapist to ensure the child is getting adequate mental health care. That provider or doctor will prove to be invaluable down the road, explaining the social/emotional impact of the bullying or mental health incident. 2. Document the Incident Gather all possible information about the incident. Start with the date, time, and location of the specific injury. Include the names of all witnesses, including teachers, staff, school nurse and/or students. Take photographs of the area where the injury occurred, the injury itself, and any equipment that was involved. Get copies of the written reports that emergency personnel or the school make. Documentation is essential in establishing whether misconduct or negligence occurred. If you don't have the documents already, ask for them and don't stop until you get them. 3. Report the Injury to School Officials and/or Police Parents need to notify school administrators in writing as quickly as they can. If the school creates an incident report, request a copy. Keep copies of all relevant communication. Ask the school for their version of events. Correct any inaccuracies in the official reporting. If the incident rises to the level of a crime, don't be afraid to reach out to the police. Tell them what happened and maintain a copy of the police report. 4. Request a Meeting Request school officials to schedule a formal meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the injury. Ask questions, and ascertain what steps the district or school is taking to avoid similar events in the future. Write down a list of concerns to bring to the meeting. Request copies of any applicable school policies. 5. Consult with an Education Lawyer Injuries from negligence can be serious. Consulting an experienced NY education lawyer is worth it. These legal professionals understand the nuances involved with school liability laws thoughout NYS, but espeically in Yonkers and New York City, and they can help a family determine if they have sufficient grounds to take legal action. They can investigate the incident and start gathering additional witness statements and evidence. Identification of all liable parties might start with school staff and administrators but expand to third-party contractors. Education lawyers can file claims against schools, districts, and other responsible parties and then represent families in litigation or settlement negotiations. Legal Standards for School Liability New York schools can face liability for student injuries if it's proven those injuries happened because the school's duty of care was breached. In many cases, a school or its district will try to shift blame or deny responsibility, making early legal intervention essential. Proving a student's school injury includes several key elements. It starts with establishing the school's duty of care and legal obligation to supervise and protect students. Next, the breach of duty needs to be established by demonstrating how the school failed in upholding this obligation, such as inadequate supervision. Causation shows how the breach caused the student's injury as a direct result, and the concept of damages quantifies the measurable financial, emotional, and physical harm. Filing a Legal Claim Parents who believe that one or more of their children were injured because of school negligence need to act fast. The state of New York requires claims against school districts or public schools to have a Notice of Claim filed within 90 days of the specific incident. Failing to file by this deadline risks losing any right to sue. Working with an education lawyer helps ensure claims are filled on time, correctly, and in alignment with all procedural requirements. If a claim proceeds, a family might be entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, tutoring or educational accommodations, emotional distress, and therapy or long-term disability needs. Preventing Future Incidents Holding schools accountable may allow a family to receive compensation, but the benefits don't stop there. These legal actions often encourage or mandate institutions to improve their safety practices and stay constantly vigilant. Parents who want to advocate for change can do so in many ways. First, they can voice their concerns when they attend PTA or Board meetings. Second, they can review current school safety protocols and support active anti-bullying initiatives. Third, they can encourage accountability through staff training and culture shifts. When parents speak up at every opportunity and take pertinent legal actions as necessary, they help make educational environments safer for every student, for years to come. A Necessary Safe Haven Every school should be a safe environment where students grow and learn instead of a place where vulnerable children suffer preventable harm. If that trust gets broken because of misconduct or negligence, families deserve accountability and answers. For families throughout NYS, but especially living in Yonkers and New York City, knowing what they should do when their children are injured at school is critical. A qualified education attorney can support families in seeking justice and protecting their children's rights. If one of your children has suffered an injury at school and you think negligence or misconduct was involved, consult with an education lawyer as soon as you can. Early legal guidance makes a world of difference in achieving a positive outcome and making sure your child gets the care and compensation they deserve. The consequences of misconduct and negligence during the school day can be devastating. The law offices of Gina DeCrescenzo PC have built a reputation for holding educational institutions and their powerful organizations accountable. Count on their practice to represent your children if you need to file a personal injury claim against a school or school district.

Every parent sends their child to school expecting a safe learning environment. Yet sometimes schools fail to protect students from potential harm through negligence and misconduct. Such failures can result in serious physical or emotional injuries that impact a child's well-being and future. The law practice of Gina DeCrescenzo PC appreciates the critical nature of school safety. We also understand the legal protections available to families when educational institutions don't meet the expected standards of care. Schools have a legal responsibility to maintain a secure environment where children can learn without facing needless risks. We will work hard to ensure you know and can protect your rights and those of your child. Legal Responsibilities of Schools  Schools have significant legal responsibilities to protect the students under their supervision. The duty of care represents a core legal concept that requires institutions to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm from negligence. For districts, this means creating and maintaining a safe environment that anticipates and mitigates potential risks to students who could be injured in school. In educational settings, the duty of care extends beyond basic physical safety. School administrators must protect students from reasonably predictable dangers including bullying, unsafe physical conditions, inadequate supervision and potential abuse. Students injured in school may have legal recourse. Most municipalities recognize that schools face complex liability challenges. To manage potential legal risks, large school districts like the ones in New York City or Yonkers, New York typically carry comprehensive insurance policies. Such insurance policies provide financial protection for settlements and judgments that might arise from negligence claims. This means you shouldn't worry about depriving the school district if you pursue a claim. Key Legal and Safety Responsibilities of Schools Schools have comprehensive responsibilities to ensure student safety across nearly all aspects of student life. Adequate supervision stands as the cornerstone of protecting students from potential harm. This means maintaining appropriate staff-to-student ratios. It also requires consistent and attentive monitoring during school hours, including: Classrooms Playgrounds Hallways School events Field trips Extracurricular activities Facility safety is another major responsibility. Schools must maintain buildings and grounds in a condition that minimizes risks of injury. This involves regular maintenance inspections, prompt repair of hazardous conditions, securing potentially dangerous areas and ensuring compliance with building and safety codes. Broken equipment, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting or poorly maintained spaces create environments where students might be injured in school. Addressing bullying and harassment requires proactive strategies. Schools must develop clear policies that define unacceptable behaviors, establish reporting mechanisms and implement consistent consequences for violations. Likewise, schools need to track behavior patterns and address repeat offenders before they harm others. Anti-bullying policies should protect students from physical, emotional and online forms of harassment. The goal is to create and maintain a safe learning environment that supports students' physical and psychological well-being. Even if the bullying is happening off of school grounds or over a computer in the comfort of your own home, the district may still be liable. Proper hiring and training of staff is fundamental to safety. Schools must conduct thorough background checks, verify professional credentials and provide ongoing training in student safety protocols. The training should include understanding the following: Child development Signs of abuse, bullying and harassment Appropriate guidelines for interacting with students How to respond to threats and other safety issues Emergency preparedness demands detailed planning and regular practice. Schools must develop protocols for many potential emergencies including medical incidents, natural disasters, potential security threats and other unexpected situations. Districts need to have clear evacuation plans, staff training in emergency response, essential medical supplies and communication systems that can quickly alert parents and authorities when incidents occur. What Is Negligence in a School Setting? Negligence and misconduct in schools represent serious breaches of institutional responsibility. In legal terms, negligence occurs when a school fails to exercise reasonable care that a prudent institution would typically provide under similar circumstances. This means the school did not take appropriate steps to prevent foreseeable harm to students. To establish a negligence claim, four key elements must be present. First, the school must owe a duty of care to the student. Second, the school must have breached that duty through action or inaction. Third, the breach must have directly caused an injury.F inally, the student must have suffered demonstrable damages, such as medical bills, as a result of the breach. In New York City, complex urban school environments create unique challenges. Specific scenarios might include inadequate supervision during physical education classes, failure to address known safety hazards in school facilities, ignored reports of persistent bullying or improper screening of staff members with access to students. Common examples of school negligence and misconduct include: Leaving young students or students with special needs inadequately supervised or unsupervised Ignoring repeated complaints about dangerous conditions Failing to intervene in clear cases of student harassment or bullyingN ot providing necessary medical assistance during emergencies If you child suffered any injuries as a consequence of these or any other form of negligence or misconduct (physical/sexual), do not hesitate to file a claim. Examples of School Negligence and Misconduct School environments present multiple opportunities for potential negligence. Playground injuries are a common source of claims. Inadequate supervision, poorly maintained equipment or unsafe surface designs can lead to serious accidents. Children might sustain injuries from falls, improperly secured playground equipment or lack of appropriate safety monitoring or supervision. Bullying and harassment are ever-present challenges for student safety. New York state anti-bullying laws provide legal frameworks for addressing these issues, but implementation remains critical. Persistent patterns of harassment that go unaddressed can cause long-term psychological harm, transforming schools from learning environments into sources of significant emotional trauma. Transportation accidents present another complex negligence scenario. School buses and transportation systems require rigorous safety protocols. Driver training, vehicle maintenance, student supervision and adherence to traffic regulations become essential in preventing potentially catastrophic incidents. Unsafe facilities represent a direct threat to student well-being. Structural defects, electrical hazards, improper maintenance and unaddressed environmental risks can create dangerous conditions. Large urban school systems like those in New York City and Yonkers, New York face particular challenges in maintaining aging infrastructure across numerous locations. Faculty misconduct encompasses a range of serious issues. While most educators are dedicated professionals, instances of inattention, inappropriate behavior or abuse can cause significant harm. Sexual abuse, physical misconduct and systemic neglect represent severe violations of student, parental and public trust. Every incident requires thorough investigation and accountability. School negligence extends to seemingly mundane situations like inadequate cafeteria supervision. Moments of inattention can escalate quickly, with horseplay or uncontrolled interactions potentially leading to serious injuries. There are also choking risks associated with cafeterias. Likewise, kids are sometimes close to food service equipment which can injure them. In large urban school systems, individual students can easily fall through administrative cracks. However, that reality demands a proactive legal response from parents. No institutional, political, economic or social challenge justifies compromising your child's physical or emotional well-being. Common Challenges in Bringing Claims Against Schools Pursuing legal action against schools involves navigating complex legal obstacles. New York's legal landscape presents unique filing requirements. Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules , claimants face deadlines for notifying schools of the intent to file a claim. A short filing window demands swift action. Oftentimes, families must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the incident . Evidence collection is critical and challenging. Schools frequently won't volunteer documentation of their potential negligence. Families must proactively gather comprehensive evidence immediately after an incident. This includes collecting: Incident reports Medical records and doctors' reports Photographic evidence Witness statements Surveillance videos Phone recordings Institutional resistance creates additional barriers. Large schools, municipalities and their insurers have extensive legal resources and established defense strategies. Many families feel intimidated by the prospect of challenging a government entity or don't want to start a legal fight with people they'll still have to deal with. Despite these obstacles, holding institutions accountable is essential for protecting the safety and rights of your child and other students. Just turn the case over to Gina DeCrescenzo PC so that we can take the reigns. Conclusion The office of Gina DeCrescenzo PC stands with families navigating school negligence claims. Our firm provides comprehensive case evaluations, builds strong legal strategies and advocates tirelessly for justice. We understand the emotional challenges families face and offer our clients compassionate support at every step of the process. If your child has been harmed due to school negligence or teacher misconduct, contact us to learn about your legal options and to protect your family's rights.

Fighting for Justice: Representing Children in Personal Injury Claims Against Schools According to US government statistics, each year, more than 206,700 children under 16 report injuries occurring on the playground. But when parents learn that their child is involved, it’s more than a statistic. It becomes a cause for concern. Parents rightly expect their children’s school to keep them safe. Sadly, that’s not always the case. However, they’re not helpless when their child is injured. There are valid, legal options to pursue with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney specializing in child safety. Typical Places for School Injuries All parents should be aware of the numerous locations a child can encounter dangerous situations while at school. A few of the more common include interiors, playgrounds, athletic facilities, and the school bus. Interiors Occasionally, the school building’s materials are the cause of injury. Harmful substances such as asbestos, lead paint, and mold can pose a severe threat. Both the school and the district could be held accountable for a child’s health problems. Additionally, building contractors and material manufacturers could be at fault. Playgrounds It’s reasonable to expect that a school would provide mature, reliable teachers to oversee young students on the playground. Failure to do so could legally imply neglect. The district should never allow students on a playground where the equipment is defective. This too, is an example of neglect. Athletic Facilities Not all injuries are part of the game. A coach or assistant may have neglected their responsibilities, allowing the injury to take place. For example, the court might consider it negligent if swim instructors failed to notice a student in distress. They would be guilty of offering inadequate supervision. Injuries are common when student-athletes are pushed beyond their limits. Sprains, dehydration, and fractures are typical with over-training. School Bus Who might be at fault if a child is injured in a school bus accident? The first person who comes to mind is the driver. Was the driver unqualified or irresponsible? If so, then the school district could also bear responsibility for not properly screening or training its bus driver applicants. Was mechanical failure the cause of the accident? Once again, the school district is obligated to make sure its buses are well-maintained and meet all safety requirements. Negligence or Misconduct To file a lawsuit claiming personal injury against schools, a person must be certain the injury is the school's fault. The injury can’t be the result of ordinary circumstances that could happen to anyone. In the legal system, there are various types and degrees of negligence. If a parent feels someone has neglected their responsibility to keep a child safe, it’s best to discuss the matter with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Bullying and Harassment The US Department of Education says bullying includes three distinctive features: aggressive behavior, a power imbalance, and the high likelihood of repeat behavior. Bullying and harassment can take the form of physical beatings or emotional distress. Both types of attacks leave scars that are sometimes permanent, with adults still suffering the effects of their childhood trauma. Bullying is so common that nearly one out of every five US school kids in middle school and high school report being victims. The problem is even worse in middle school than in high school. But there’s no reason a child should have to go to school in fear. If the bullying and harassment occur on school property, there's obvious reason to seek legal help. However, bullying and harassment can also take place elsewhere during an activity overseen by the school. A good example is a class field trip or sports-related travel. Common Sites of Bullying Because bullying can happen anywhere in school, eliminating it requires the determination and cooperation of a wide range of school officials, including principals, teachers, bus drivers, and administrative staff. The most common places are the classroom, followed by a hallway or stairwell, and the cafeteria. Next comes outdoor locations on school grounds. Not surprisingly, cyberbullying makes online activity and texting dangerous areas. There’s also the bathroom or locker room, the gym or weight room, and the school bus. Bullies Stereotypically, people think of school bullies as fellow students. But they can also be adults who work at the school. It’s not uncommon for students to report bullying at the hands of teachers and coaches, but anyone can be a bully. Sometimes, a bullying culture has become entrenched within the school. A victim’s family can seek damages from a variety of individuals in such a case. Defendants can be specific perpetrators but also the school and the district that allowed the bullying to become institutionalized. Institutionalized Bullying An example of institutionalized bullying is aggressive forms of hazing. Hazing is a form of bullying designed to initiate someone into a group, such as a sports team or a social club. Newcomers to the group might be forced to eat or drink disagreeable items, perform humiliating tasks, or be required to do demanding physical labor. They are also often made the target of frightening or embarrassing pranks. Many educational institutions have made steps to distance themselves from hazing, especially when it involves physical beatings. However, hazing in one form or another can still exist when individual school groups see themselves as preserving their tradition. Child Victims Act Historically, in New York state, the statute of limitations for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to report the crime typically ran for five years, beginning with the victim’s 18th birthday. During that time, victims could file both criminal and civil lawsuits against their abusers and institutions, such as schools, that didn’t do enough to prevent or stop the abuse. Unfortunately, victims of bullying and harassment, especially when it includes sexual abuse, may remain quiet for years before reporting to authorities. Sometimes, the statute of limitations can expire before a victim is ready to discuss the past. To confront the problem, New York State passed the Child Victims Act (CVA). The CVA expands the timeline for the statute of limitations. If victims were abused after the legislation was passed on January 18, 2019, they can file a claim up to the age of 55. Damages When courts rule in favor of the victim in a civil suit, the victim is typically entitled to receive compensation, known as a damage reward or simply damages. The damage amount is selected by the court and could include both compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory Medical bills are a primary reason for compensatory damages. The size of the award reflects more than the cost of the doctor and hospital care victims have received so far. It will also consider how much medical attention victims are likely to need for the remainder of their lives. For example, an injury could cause a lasting disability that requires around-the-clock nursing. Emotional injury is also compensated. The trauma could trigger depression that impacts school and family life. A victim could also suffer from debilitating fear that makes it difficult to attend school or socialize. Punitive Punitive damages punish the responsible parties. They also serve as a warning for others not to engage in or enable similar behavior. A court might want to send a message to the school, its district, and other districts in the state. For example, a ruling in a case in Yonkers New York would be felt throughout Westchester County and possibly throughout the state. Courts don’t award punitive damages automatically. They tend to reserve them for cases where the defendant's behavior could be considered horrific. Why Victims Need a Personal Injury Attorney Never attempt to sue a school system without legal expertise. It’s not as simple as it may appear on television. The best legal representative to have when a child suffers an injury at school is a successful, experienced personal injury attorney. For starters, personal injury attorneys will be up-to-date with the latest legislation relevant to their case and their specific area of legal practice. Importantly, they’ll have battle-tested experience with the state’s civil court system. Personal injury attorneys will also have ongoing working relationships with everyone from judges to filing clerks, which can help expedite proceedings and paperwork. Their connections may extend throughout the state, not just in New York City. They’ll also be familiar with the insurance companies and know the tendencies and tactics of the insurance companies’ legal departments. Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer Parents can even narrow their choices of personal injury attorneys by focusing on the ones who specialize in child injury cases involving schools where they live. A leading example is Westchester County’s Gina M. DeCrescenzo, whose numerous accomplishments include a seat on the Children’s Rights Litigation Committee for the American Bar Association. Leave child personal injury cases in the hands of a leading authority on children and the law by contacting the offices of Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C. Education Attorneys today.

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Navigating the world of special education services in New York City (NYC) can be daunting for parents, especially when faced with the challenge of securing appropriate services for their children through the Department of Education (DOE). One of the main tools at parents’ disposal is the use of Related Service Authorizations (RSAs), but these can come with their own set of complications. This blog will explore the common problems parents face with RSAs and how enlisting an attorney can help negotiate an enhanced rate to ensure that children receive the services they need. RSAs are documents issued by the NYC DOE that allow parents to obtain special education services (such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling) from independent providers when the DOE cannot provide these services directly or in a timely manner. While RSAs are meant to bridge the gap between the need for services and their availability, several issues frequently arise: Limited Provider Availability : One of the most significant challenges parents face is finding a provider who accepts RSAs. The standard rates offered by the DOE for RSA services are often lower than what many private providers typically charge. This creates a shortage of available providers willing to accept RSAs, leading to delays in service p rovision. Quality of Service : Even if a provider accepts an RSA, parents may find that the quality of service varies. Higher-quality providers may refuse RSA assignments because the rates do not match the level of expertise and resources they offer. This means parents may have to settle for providers who may not be a perfect fit for their child’s needs. Delays and Administrative Hurdles : Obtaining an RSA is only part of the process. Parents often face bureaucratic hurdles and delays when trying to schedule services or manage the paperwork required by the DOE. This can be frustrating and can impact the timely delivery of necessary educational support. The Role of Attorneys in Securing Enhanced Rates Given these challenges, parents often turn to attorneys to help advocate for their children’s rights. Here’s how an attorney can assist in the process and help secure an enhanced rate for RSA services: 1. Legal Knowledge and Advocacy Attorneys who focus on special education law like Gina DeCrescenzo understand the complexities of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how it applies to services within NYC. They can advocate for your child’s needs by navigating the DOE’s systems and procedures, ensuring that your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is upheld. 2. Requesting Enhanced Rates One of the most impactful roles an attorney can play is requesting an enhanced rate for RSA services. Enhanced rates can be crucial for accessing high-quality providers who do not normally accept RSAs at the standard rate. Attorneys can make a case to the DOE that a higher rate is necessary to secure services that meet the specific needs outlined in the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Instead of the rate being unreasonably low, an enhanced rate reflects the "prevailing rate" in the community - what qualified providers are actually charging! Why Hiring an Attorney Is Worth It While hiring an attorney may seem like an additional expense, the benefits often outweigh the costs: Access to Better Providers : By securing an enhanced rate, parents can access a broader range of qualified providers, ensuring that their child receives the level of service necessary for progress. Saving Time and Stress : Attorneys streamline the process, reducing the stress and time commitment required by parents who would otherwise have to navigate these challenges alone. Advocacy for Future Needs : Having an attorney who is familiar with your child’s case can be helpful for future IEP meetings, hearings, or any subsequent negotiations with the DOE.  Final Thoughts Parents should not hesitate to reach out for legal assistance if they find themselves struggling with the RSA process. With the right help, you can navigate the system more effectively and ensure that your child’s educational needs are met with the quality and consistency they deserve. Call us TODAY!

The New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) serves over 1.1 million students, including more than 200,000 with disabilities. Despite efforts to provide equitable services, there are significant challenges in the delivery of special education, which continues to be a pressing issue for families, educators, and advocates. The problems facing the NYCDOE’s special education programs are multi-faceted, affecting everything from service delivery to resource allocation and legal compliance. But you are not alone. GDPC can help! Some examples of what our firm can help you with: 1. Delayed or Insufficient Services One of the most pervasive problems in NYCDOE’s special education system is the delay in delivering critical services to students with disabilities. Federal law mandates that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, many students in NYC experience delays in receiving services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or special education teachers. Delays in evaluations and the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) compound these issues. Parents often report that their children wait months, or even years, to receive the services they are legally entitled to, causing setbacks in academic and social development. 2. IEP Compliance and Quality While IEPs are intended to be tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, many parents and advocates argue that the quality and specificity of these plans vary greatly. IEPs may not fully reflect the individual needs of students, and some are written so vaguely that they fail to guarantee appropriate support. There are also concerns around compliance. Reports suggest that many students do not receive the services outlined in their IEPs, with gaps in communication between schools, therapists, and families. The lack of accountability exacerbates these problems, leaving many parents to resort to legal action to enforce their children's rights. 3. Resource Shortages The NYCDOE faces significant resource shortages, particularly when it comes to staffing. There is a shortage of qualified special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers, which limits the department’s ability to meet the demands of its special education population. This shortage is most evident in overcrowded classrooms, where students with disabilities may not receive the attention or specialized instruction they need. Additionally, many schools lack the physical resources, such as assistive technology or accessible classrooms, to fully support students with disabilities. These gaps in resources not only hinder academic performance but also contribute to the exclusion of students from meaningful participation in school activities. 4. Inclusion and Segregation Inclusion in general education settings remains an ongoing challenge within the NYCDOE. Many students with disabilities are still segregated in self-contained classrooms, away from their non-disabled peers, which can hinder social and emotional development. While inclusive classrooms are the goal, they often lack the proper support systems—like co-teaching models and adequate paraprofessionals—needed to accommodate all students effectively. The failure to fully embrace inclusive practices also reflects broader systemic issues, such as lack of teacher training and insufficient understanding of how to accommodate diverse learners in a general education setting. 5. Transportation Issues Students with disabilities frequently face challenges in accessing reliable transportation to and from school. Busing problems include long wait times, late arrivals, and insufficient accommodations for children with special needs, such as wheelchair access or aides on buses. These transportation failures contribute to higher absenteeism rates among special education students, further exacerbating the learning gaps they already face. Path Forward Contact GDPC today. We have served thousands of families throughout NYS and our record is unmatched. If you or someone you know needs help, do not delay in seeking advice from experts in the field.

What happens if my child is injured at school? Take action immediately! Get medical attention (and ASK for and RETAIN all documents/medical records/discharge summaries). Get incident report(s) from the school/teacher/school nurse and/or anyone who witnessed what happened. Ask your child to write down (or relay to you to write down) everything that they remember about what happened leading up to the incident, during the incident, and after the incident. Ask them for specific staff names and names of kids who were involved or who may have witnessed what happened. Ask to see video footage. Take notes while you view it and ask for a copy. Call a personal injury lawyer with knowledge of education law immediately to learn what your rights are and if you are entitled to compensation. This must be done immediately so that you don’t make any mistakes or miss any deadlines. There are strict deadlines and statutes of limitations for school-related personal injury cases. The Duty of New York Schools in School Injury Claims Schools are not automatically liable for all injuries that occur on campus. There are several factors that an experienced lawyer must consider in making that assessment. Was the property properly maintained? Was the child/children properly supervised? Were the admin/teachers/staff properly trained and did they handle the incident/intervene appropriately? New York districts have a duty to make sure that the school buildings, playgrounds, and all other areas of the district property are safe for their children. If they fail in this tall order, they may be liable for any incidents that result, even if the incidents are unintentional or “accidents.” The school district is responsible for ensuring safety and preventing injuries on school premises. For example, if a child is being bullied or abused (on or off school grounds), the staff must intervene and take appropriate steps to prevent the bullying or abuse in the future. If a district fails to properly supervise or intervene, parents may be able to hold the school accountable and seek compensation for any resulting injuries. What about if a child is injured by the school staff? Either physically or sexually abused? Unfortunately, GDPC has seen these cases all too often and families should contact us immediately to see what can be done to hold the district and those perpetrators liable!