Virginia Teacher Shot by 6-Year-Old Cleared to Proceed with $40 Million Lawsuit Against School Officials

Judge overrules Newport News Public Schools' claim that the shocking classroom shooting falls under workers' compensation coverage, paving the way for Abby Zwerner to pursue her negligence case amid allegations that school officials ignored warnings the student had a gun.

Abby Zwerner, a teacher in Virginia, has been permitted to proceed with her $40 million lawsuit against Newport News Public Schools over claims of negligence by school administrators after being shot by a 6-year-old student in the classroom.
The school board's attorneys had argued that Zwerner's injuries, and resulting lawsuit, should be covered only under workers' compensation, which stipulates up to 10 years' wages and lifetime medical care for injuries.
Newport News Circuit Court Judge Matthew Hoffman disagreed with the school board, ruling that Zwerner's injuries did not stem from her employment and thus did not fall under workers' compensation, as being shot by a student isn't a unique risk for a first-grade teacher.
Zwerner alleges that school administrators dismissed multiple earlier warnings about the student's violent behavior and knowledge that the boy had a gun on the day of the shooting. Zwerner's attorneys have stated this lawsuit victory as an important step towards justice for Zwerner.
The school board attorneys have stated their intent to appeal the ruling, maintaining that Zwerner's injuries directly relate to her job and should be covered under workers' compensation. A tentative trial date for Zwerner's lawsuit has been set for January 2025.

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