Landmark $6 Million Settlement in Winslow Township School Sexual Abuse Case

In a significant legal development, two former students of Winslow Township High School have each secured a $3 million settlement in a consolidated sexual abuse case against the school district in New Jersey. This landmark settlement, totaling $6 million, was reached in December 2023 and officially announced in February 2024.

The Victims and Their Claims

Michael Delguercio and Matthew Grossman, both residents of Atco, New Jersey, filed separate lawsuits in Camden County Superior Court in the summer of 2021. Their complaints alleged repeated sexual abuse by their former teacher, Nicholas Zaccaria, during their time at Edgewood Regional High School (now Winslow Township High School) between 1998 and 2003.

Grossman's Case: The abuse reportedly began in 1998 when Grossman was 13 years old and continued until 2002, with an estimated 100 instances of abuse over the four-year period.

Delguercio's Case: Delguercio's abuse started in 1999 when he was 16 and persisted until 2001, with the complaint stating over 250 instances of abuse during this time.

The Legal Process and Settlement

The two cases were consolidated before reaching a settlement with the Winslow Board of Education's insurance company, Zurich American. A single mediation session took place on September 12, 2023, led by retired Superior Court Judge Frank M. Ciuffani.

Key points of the settlement:

• The Winslow Board of Education approved the $6 million settlement on December 6, 2023
• Each victim received $3 million in compensation
• The settlement was publicly announced in late February 2024

Impact of New Jersey's Child Victims Act

This case highlights the significant impact of New Jersey's Child Victims Act (Senate Bill 477), which went into effect in 2019. The act:

• Removed the statute of limitations for certain civil actions related to sexual abuse
• Expanded categories of defendants liable in such actions
• Allowed victims to pursue cases that were previously time-barred

John Baldante, attorney for the plaintiffs, emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, "Senate Bill 477 is one of the most progressive and ambitious pieces of legislation in the country with regard to the protection of children regarding child sexual abuse."

Implications for Future Cases

This settlement sets a new precedent for similar cases, potentially increasing the value of settlements for sexual abuse survivors. Baldante noted, "These Winslow Township Board of Education cases prove that these cases have more significant value than they ever had in the past. The paradigm has changed."

Attorney Insights

Laura McLaughlin, Esq., a prominent attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases, provided the following commentary: "This landmark settlement in the Winslow Township case demonstrates the evolving landscape of sexual abuse litigation in New Jersey. The Child Victims Act has been instrumental in providing survivors with a path to justice, even years after the abuse occurred. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holding institutions accountable for protecting children under their care. As we move forward, it's crucial that we continue to support survivors and work towards preventing such abuse from occurring in the first place."

Source:

https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2024/02/29/2vsex-abuse-victims-settle-consolidated-case-against-school-district-for-6m/?slreturn=20240927154143