Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan secured a $6 million settlement for three survivors who were sexually abused by former teacher and coach Christian Willman while he was employed at Parkland High School in Lehigh County. The lawsuit alleged years of grooming and abuse enabled by repeated institutional failures, ignored warnings, and a lack of intervention by school officials. After leaving Parkland, Willman went on to abuse additional students at Palisades High School in Bucks County, where a related lawsuit remains pending. The settlement holds Parkland accountable and underscores the firm's commitment to protecting survivors and holding institutions responsible for failing to safeguard students.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan has secured a $6 million settlement on behalf of three survivors who were sexually abused by former teacher and coach Christian Willman at Parkland High School in Lehigh County. Willman went on to abuse at least two more students at Palisades High School in Bucks County. The lawsuit, filed in Lehigh County, detailed years of grooming, manipulation and abuse, as well as significant institutional failures by both school districts to protect students or intervene despite repeated warning signs. Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan has a second lawsuit pending in Bucks County based on Willman's abuse of students at Palisades High School.
The plaintiffs alleged that Parkland failed to act on multiple reports and obvious red flags regarding Willman's behavior, allowing him continued access to students. The identities of the survivors remain confidential. The matter was resolved as part of a settlement agreement between the parties.
"This settlement represents accountability that was long overdue," said Stewart Ryan, Partner at Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan. "Our clients showed tremendous courage in speaking out about what they endured. Parkland had countless, clear opportunities to protect these students and failed in their most basic duty. No student should ever be left vulnerable to a predator within their own school, much less at the hands of a person who was so open and brazen with their abuse."
Administrators and staff at Parkland High School observed concerning conduct over many years, including Willman repeatedly removing students from class, spending extended time alone with female students, and being found alone by another teacher with one of his victims in a compromising position. Teachers observed this behavior, yet no meaningful action was taken. After students at Parkland reported their own concerns about Willman, he quietly left and obtained employment at Palisades High School, where his abuse continued.
"This case revealed years of missed warnings, ignored reports, and systemic inaction that allowed this abuse to continue," said Alexandria MacMaster, Partner at the firm. "Our clients were failed at every turn. This settlement reflects their strength and sends a message that schools must take every sign of risk seriously. Children's safety must always come first."
Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan remains dedicated to holding institutions accountable and fighting for survivors of crime.
Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan LLP (www.laffeybucci.com) is a Philadelphia-based, trauma-informed personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals who have suffered severe injuries due to negligence. Since 2009, the firm has provided exceptional "leave no stone unturned" representation in personal injury, construction accident cases, workers' compensation, workplace falls, and product liability. The crime victim department, staffed by former sex crimes prosecutors, exclusively represents survivors of abuse, assault, and human trafficking nationwide. Our attorneys have recovered more than $850 million in verdicts and settlements throughout their careers.
Media Contact
Michael Vojtko, Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan, 1 215-399-9255, [email protected], laffeybucci.com
SOURCE Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan
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