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 Texas School Abuse Attorneys

Our school abuse attorneys know that few things are more painful than discovering a child was harmed by someone entrusted to protect them. That’s why we stand with families seeking accountability and justice under Texas’s new laws, helping them navigate what comes next with compassion, strength, and purpose.

Texas School Abuse Lawyer

When you send your child to school, you trust they’ll be safe. But what happens when that trust is shattered by abuse, and the school does nothing?

For years, Texas families faced an impossible barrier: discovering their child was abused at school, only to learn they couldn’t hold the school accountable. Unlike other states, Texas public schools were shielded by sovereign immunity, even when administrators ignored red flags or failed to report abuse. That changed in 2025.

Under House Bill 4623, the Texas Legislature developed a new approach and gave parents a path to justice. The Ammons Law Firm represents families of children who have been victims of misconduct, negligence, and abuse in the school systems. Under this law, our attorneys assess each claim and help families determine their options for seeking recovery.

Texas House Bill 4623: Ending School Immunity for Abuse and Misconduct

On June 21, 2025, Governor Abbott signed HB 4623 into law. It creates Chapter 118 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code and takes effect September 1, 2025.

According to the Texas Legislature Online Bill Analysis, it is now legal to sue a professional school employee for sexual misconduct or for failing to report suspected or known child abuse or neglect. Civil actions can now be directly instituted against both the employee and the district. When liability is proven, parents can recover actual damages, attorney’s fees, and court costs, but the total amount per claimant is capped at $500,000. Punitive damages are excluded.

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in an accident or some other incident, contact us today. Our personal injury lawyers are known across the nation for first-in-class legal services, resulting in record-setting verdicts and settlements.

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    “I found Mr. Ammons and his associates to be highly qualified ethical attorneys. Mr. Ammons reached out to us often to keep us informed on how our son’s case was proceeding. Mr. Ammons worked to attain the best settlement for us while keeping the best interest of our son in his legal recommendations. Mr. Ammons and his associates are good people, and I am very satisfied with the results he attained for our son.”

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    – Anne P., Former Client

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    “Thank you for everything, this [incident] has been the worst thing that can ever happen to anyone. But thank God we have a great support system. Again thank you sooo much from the bottom of our hearts.”

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    “Rob fought for me like no man has fought for me. The Ammons Law Firm is a law firm that seeks out justice and righteousness for those who have suffered and I can now move forward in my life.”

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    – Sue R., Former Client
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What Kind of Case Do You Have?

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Who the Law Applies To

“Professional school employee” is defined broadly in Chapter 118. It encompasses teachers, substitutes, principals, superintendents, counselors, nurses, coaches, aides, bus drivers, and even members of the school board. The law removes both governmental immunity for the district and official immunity for the employee, establishing accountability where it was previously barred.

Senate Bill 571 and the Duty to Report

Lawmakers enacted Senate Bill 571, which supplements HB 4623 and creates Chapter 22A of the Texas Education Code.

A Texas Education Agency correspondence letter explains that suspected abuse must be reported within 24 hours to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or other law enforcement. Principals must inform their superintendents within 48 hours, and superintendents must report to the Texas Education Agency and the State Board for Educator Certification.

Failing to report or concealing misconduct is now a state jail felony. Together, SB 571 and HB 4623 create a two-part framework: one establishes a duty to act, and the other provides the civil remedy when that duty is neglected.

Filing a Claim Under Chapter 118

Proof such as abuse reports, eyewitness accounts, and internal emails demonstrating school administrators’ awareness of potential abuse can all help construct a case. Our attorneys are experienced in helping clients collect and assemble evidence and navigate reporting requirements under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Cases can then be filed under Chapter 118.

Medical, psychological, and other rehabilitative services supported by documentation can all be claimed. The new statute calls for timely legal consultation, which can help preserve vital evidence and ensure all required notifications are made.

What The Ammons Law Firm Does to Assist

Our personal injury attorneys handle school abuse claims and the legal requirements to help clients pursue their rights under HB 4623 and SB 571.

If a school employed a teacher or administrator who was found abusing or causing harm to a student, or who failed to report abuse, families may wish to seek legal advice regarding the rights granted by the new school liability laws in Texas.

If you or someone you know has suffered from a personal injury, call our Houston personal injury lawyers today at (281) 801-5617. Your initial consultation is completely free and entirely confidential.





Frequently Asked Questions about School Abuse Lawsuits

 

  • What types of school abuse can lead to a civil lawsuit?

    Civil actions may arise from sexual misconduct, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or the failure of school staff to report known or suspected abuse. Under Texas law, claims can be filed when a professional school employee—such as a teacher, coach, or counselor—engages in or conceals abusive behavior that causes harm to a student.

  • Can parents sue a public school district in Texas for ignoring abuse?

    Yes. House Bill 4623 now allows parents to bring civil claims directly against both the employee involved and the school district if administrators failed to act or report suspected abuse. Before this law, most public schools were protected by governmental immunity, but that protection no longer applies in these circumstances.

  • What evidence is useful in a school abuse claim?

    Evidence often includes witness statements, text messages or emails between staff, school disciplinary records, and reports made to law enforcement or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Medical or psychological evaluations documenting the student’s harm can also support a claim.

  • How long do families have to file a school abuse lawsuit?

    The time limit depends on the type of claim and when the abuse was discovered. Generally, Texas civil actions for injury must be filed within two years, but certain circumstances—especially those involving minors—can extend that deadline. Consulting an attorney early helps ensure compliance with the correct statute of limitations.

Joe C., Former Client

"The Ammons Law Firm is a law firm that seeks out justice, righteousness for those who have suffered and I can now move forward with my life."
Joe C., Former Client

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