Pacific Justice Institute Represents Family in Texas Lawsuit Arising from Alleged Abuse of Special Needs Student

Civil case seeks accountability following alleged incident involving 7-year-old child in educational setting

FORT WORTH, Texas - Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) is representing Whitney Price, acting as next friend of her minor son, in a civil lawsuit arising from an alleged incident involving a 7-year-old special needs student in Texas.

The case, Cornelius, et al. v. Martin, et al., stems from events that reportedly occurred while the child was enrolled in a specialized educational environment designed to support students with unique learning needs. According to the lawsuit, an educator employed by the school physically struck the child, resulting in injuries that required medical attention.

The lawsuit further asserts that the incident was not immediately reported to the child's mother or to law enforcement authorities. Following the family's report to law enforcement, criminal proceedings were initiated against several individuals associated with the matter. Those criminal cases remain pending.

PJI represents Ms. Price and her son in related civil proceedings seeking damages and other relief. The family contends that the alleged incident caused physical injury and emotional harm and may have lasting effects on the child.

The litigation has undergone significant procedural developments. Earlier claims asserted against the school district, school officials, and administrators were dismissed by a federal court. The remaining civil claim focuses on allegations that an educator acted outside the scope of permissible disciplinary authority under applicable law.

According to court filings, the parties are currently scheduled to participate in mediation concerning the remaining claims.

The case raises important questions concerning student safety, accountability within educational settings, and the protections afforded to children with special needs.

Brad Dacus, founder and president of Pacific Justice Institute, emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable students:

"Every child deserves a safe educational environment, particularly children with special needs who rely upon adults for care, instruction, and protection. Families should have access to justice when serious allegations involving student safety arise, regardless of their financial circumstances."

Alejandro Cevallos, an attorney with Pacific Justice Institute representing the family, added: "This case seeks to ensure that the facts surrounding the alleged incident receive full and fair consideration through the legal process. Our clients are pursuing accountability and appropriate remedies on behalf of a child whom they believe suffered significant harm."

The matter remains pending, and the allegations contained in the lawsuit have not yet been adjudicated by the court.

Pacific Justice Institute continues to defend individuals and families seeking justice through the legal system.

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