Wilson Intermediate School Teacher Arrested For Choking Disabled Student In Pekin

Personal Injury - April 30, 2022

Wilson Intermediate School Teacher Arrested For Allegedly Choking Student With Physical Disability

Wilson Intermediate School Teacher Arrested For Choking Disabled Student In Pekin

PEKIN, ILLINOIS (April 30, 2022) – A teacher at Wilson Intermediate School  was arrested on charges of aggravated battery involving a disabled student.

Tazewell County police officials are saying that the alleged incident took place on March 25 at Wilson Intermediate School. A student claimed that they were choked by a longtime Special Education teacher at the school.

The Wilson Intermediate School teacher involved in the incident is scheduled to appear in court on May 23. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability In Pekin Student Assaults

Assaults involving teachers in the k-12 school system are far more common than many people may realize. Nearly 10% of students will experience sexual misconduct at the hands of teachers during their K-12 experience. Many other students will experience physical violence. Students with physical or intellectual disabilities  tended to be at the greatest risk of being assaulted. There are a number of steps that schools should take in order to prevent students from being assaulted at school.

  • Schools should properly vet prospective teachers.
  • Schools should properly monitor teachers and all school employees.
  • School teachers should be properly trained how to handle students with disabilities.

Students have a legal responsibility to properly monitor school employees. Physical violence against students can often be prevented when school employees are properly trained and monitored. If a school district fails to properly monitor a teacher who goes on to assault a student, this could form the basis of a civil claim. According to Jane Doe-3, et al., v. McLean County Unit Dist. No. 5, et al., 2012 IL 112479, a school can be held liable for school officials who make false statements about a former teacher who abuses students when that teacher goes on to abuse other students. There are many signs that a student may be the victim of abuse at school.

  • The abused student may become withdrawn.
  • The abused student may have a sharp decline in academic performance.
  • The abused student may develop anxiety or depression.

The family of any student that is abused at school may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages can help cover medical bills, psychological care and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are. It’s important to act within the statute of limitations.

Investigating A Pekin Student Assault

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the student and family affected by this incident. Disabled students can be very vulnerable to bullying and violence by teachers. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other incidents at Wilson Intermediate School.

Have you or someone that you love been harmed by a teacher at Wilson Intermediate School? There are  a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of student’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.