Peter Morales, 69, was arrested after allegations of sexual molestation in the classroom were made against him. Morales worked as a substitute teacher for Santa Ana Unified School District According to the allegations, the abuse occurred at Adams Elementary School; Morales molested the four female students individually at different times of the day. The victims are between the ages of 8 and 9 years old.
The school district emailed parents informing them of Morales’ removal from their substitute lists as soon as they became aware of the allegations. The school district is cooperating with the authorities and the investigation.
Considering that Morales worked as a teacher in the same district for eighteen years before becoming a substitute teacher, it is very likely that there are many other victims. The authorities are asking anyone who has any additional information to come forward.
This is an unfortunate situation for the students and families involved. Regrettably, sexual abuse in schools is very common. Boys and girls, alike, are abused by teachers, substitute teachers, and other school staff; these adults take advantage of their access to children to abuse them. Molestation in a school setting can cause long-lasting trauma and can lead to a number of other issues.
If your child was molested by Peter Morales, it is absolutely essential that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible. You might have grounds to file a lawsuit for the sexual abuse that your child suffered at the hands of a teacher. If your child was molested at another school, do not wait to get legal help.
Here at the Normandie Law Firm our lawyers are more than ready to help you with your student sexual molestation lawsuit against the school or school district. Our lawyers have decades of experience and are more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to take action. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with the experts at our law firm, contact us today.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$2.5 Million
$600,000
$1.5 Million
$54 Million
$525,000
$1.2 Million
Sexual Abuse in Schools
The sexual molestation of a student is considered child sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse covers any sexual activity with a minor. Some examples of child sexual abuse include the following:
- Exposing oneself to the minor
- Masturbating in front of a minor
- Forcing the minor to masturbate
- Fondling, massaging, inappropriate touching, etc.
- Explicit conversations, text messages, phone calls, etc.
- Any sexual acts with a minor
- Any sexual contact with a minor
Child sexual abuse does not always involve physical contact between the perpetrator and the child. In the incident involving the Santa Ana substitute teacher, there were allegations of inappropriate touching, specifically.
Liability for School Sexual Abuse
Many victims of sexual abuse blame themselves. Likewise, many parents also blame themselves for the sexual abuse that their children suffered at school. In these cases, neither students or parents are to blame for school sexual abuse. After all, schools are supposed to be safe spaces for students, and the adults who work at these schools and with students are supposed to keep them safe.
Can schools and school districts be liable for child sexual abuse? Yes – schools and school districts can be liable for the harm resulting from a teacher or substitute teacher molesting or abusing a student in the classroom. This is because the school districts have a duty to keep their students safe. One of the most important steps in keeping students safe is making sure that the staff does not pose a threat to students. Therefore, all prospective employees must be subject to background checks. Additionally, all employees must have the appropriate training (including acceptable interactions with students and how to respond when there is suspicion of inappropriate interactions between staff and students). In addition, school districts and schools also have a duty to supervise their employees (and their interactions with students). Without a doubt, schools/districts also have the duty to respond appropriately whenever there are allegations of sexual abuse.
Let’s consider the incident discussed above. The Morales was a teacher in the district for eighteen years before becoming a substitute teacher; four separate female students were molested at different times during the day (it is unclear whether the molestation occurred on the same day). It is possible that there have been many victims during the years that Morales has worked with the Santa Ana Unified School District. If the district failed to identify any abuse, failed to address abuse that was reported, or covered up any abuse, then the district could be found liable.
For more information about establishing liability for school sexual abuse, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance with the experts at our law firm.
Can I Sue?
Do you have the right to file a lawsuit for the sexual molestation that your child suffered at school? Yes – you could have grounds to file a lawsuit. For more information about the legal options available for you and your family after school sexual abuse, do not hesitate to contact our experts as soon as possible. We can handle your lawsuit appropriately and help you hold the negligent parties accountable.
School Sexual Abuse Class Action Lawsuit
In cases where there are multiple victims, class action lawsuits might arise. If you believe your child was a victim of Peter Morales, it is essential that you seek legal help as soon as possible. You could have grounds to participate in a class action lawsuit. Our expert attorneys can help you participate in a school sexual abuse class action lawsuit. Contact us today for more information.
Contact Normandie Law Firm Today
Here at the Normandie Law Firm, our attorneys are completely dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and their families. Our attorneys have experience in school sexual abuse and are ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to take action against the negligent entities that contributed to the harm that your student suffered. To make our legal services accessible, we offer free consultations and free second opinions. No matter whether you want to begin or continue your claim, our lawyers will be able to answer all your questions and address all your concerns. We offer a Zero-Fee guarantee, so you will never have to pay upfront legal costs. We also work on contingency, so you will not pay unless you win.
If you are ready to discuss your school child sexual abuse case with our lawyers, contact us today.
