Detroit Public Schools Paying $425,000 to Settle Lawsuit by Family of Special Education Student

A 9-year-old special education student with physical and mental disabilities died of seizures in 2008 after an aide at her school roughed her up.  The Detroit Public Schools recently settled the lawsuit filed by the family for $425,000.  According to the complaint, the aide repeatedly and forcefully pushed the student off the bus despite the child's balance issues.  The girl suffered a seizure on the school floor as the aide allegedly taunted the girl.  The seizure was caused by the girl's head snapping back and forth after being pushed.   The girl died a few days after the incident.  Thankfully, the aide is no longer employed by the Detroit Public Schools.


There is no excuse or justification for the aide's actions under the law.  If your child has trouble walking or keeping their balance, make sure such disabilities are noted in the child's IEP or 504.   Get to know all the people at school who interact with your special education child on a daily basis.  Let them know about your child's disabilities and what their needs are, and most importantly, make sure their needs are being met.  You are your child's advocate and protector.

To read more about the aforementioned case, please click here.

To contact an attorney if your special education student has been physically assaulted at school, please click here.