When a Teacher Hurts a Child: Holding Schools Accountable for Physical Abuse
Trimble & Register – Trusted New Jersey Student Abuse Attorneys

There are few greater betrayals than when the very people entrusted to protect and educate children become the source of their pain. Parents send their children to school believing they will be nurtured, challenged, and kept safe. But when a trusted adult in their school crosses the line—whether through physical force, emotional abuse, or repeated harm—the damage runs deep.

At Trimble & Register, we represent children who have been physically abused by teachers, aides, or other school personnel. We hold schools, districts, and individuals accountable when they fail to protect the most vulnerable among us—our kids.

John Trimble is a lifelong resident of Gloucester County and a father of four. He’s raised his children in the same communities we serve. Katrina Register, raising her two young children in Camden County, is not just a lawyer—she’s a mother who fiercely advocates for children who can’t yet speak for themselves. We know what it means to send your child to school with trust. And we know the heartbreak that follows when that trust is shattered.

This Should Never Happen—But It Does

Physical abuse in schools can take many forms:

• Unjustified grabbing, pushing, or hitting
• Use of physical restraints without justification or proper documentation
• Locking students in rooms as punishment
• Excessive force under the guise of “discipline”
• Retaliatory behavior for academic or behavioral challenges
• Targeting of special education or disabled students

No child deserves to experience fear, humiliation, or pain in their classroom. And no parent should be left in the dark by a school that’s trying to protect its own.

The Clock Is Ticking – New Jersey’s Tort Claims Act

If your child has been physically harmed by a teacher, school employee, or administrator, do not wait. In New Jersey, claims against public schools and school employees fall under the Tort Claims Act, which requires victims to file a notice of claim within just 90 days of the incident.

That deadline is strict, and missing it could prevent you from seeking justice through a civil lawsuit.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In many cases, it’s not just the individual teacher or aide who is responsible. The school district, administrators, and Board of Education may all bear legal responsibility if they:

• Failed to properly train or supervise staff
• Ignored prior complaints or warning signs
• Retaliated against students or parents for reporting abuse
• Violated New Jersey laws protecting students, especially those with disabilities

Our team conducts thorough investigations, reviews security footage, interviews witnesses, and brings in experts to build a strong case for your child.

Signs Your Child May Have Been Abused at School

Children don’t always come home and say, “I was hurt.” As parents, watch for:

• Sudden fear of going to school
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking, nightmares)
• Increased aggression or anxiety
• Avoidance of certain teachers or staff
• Complaints of being locked in rooms, grabbed, or physically handled

If something feels off—trust your instincts. We will help you investigate and take immediate steps.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Ensure your child is safe – Remove them from the environment if needed.
2. Document everything – Dates, photos, names of involved staff, and what your child told you.
3. Seek medical care – Even for emotional trauma, counseling or therapy may be vital.
4. Report to appropriate authorities – Notify the school, the superintendent, and possibly law enforcement.
5. File a claim – Contact us immediately so we can preserve your child’s rights under the 90-day Tort Claims Act deadline.

Call Trimble & Register – Attorneys Who Understand Because We’re Parents Too

We don’t just practice law—we live these values. We know what it feels like to trust someone with your child and to learn that trust has been broken. Let us help you protect your child, hold wrongdoers accountable, and push for changes so this never happens to another student.

Call Trimble & Register at 856-232-9500 for a confidential, no-cost consultation.

We’ll listen. We’ll act. And we’ll stand with you every step of the way.

Don’t delay in seeking legal representation after suffering a school abuse in New Jersey. Call Trimble & Register at 856-232-9500 or contact us through email.