Teacher Disabled After Student Attack Seeks Justice

A special needs teacher, Michelle Stone, sustained life-altering injuries in 2019 when a student threw a desk chair, impacting her spine severely. The assault resulted in broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, and significant spinal damage, ultimately leaving her in a wheelchair and unable to continue her profession. Stone recounted the harrowing experience on a television program, emphasizing the urgent need to address violence within educational settings and enhance protection for educators.

Following the incident, Stone underwent multiple surgeries, including spinal fusions, to alleviate nerve pressure and manage chronic pain. The prolonged recovery and ongoing medical needs have profoundly affected her family, particularly her children who have taken on caring responsibilities. Despite the school's alleged awareness of the student's violent tendencies and prior warnings from staff, Stone claims inadequate safety measures were in place. She recently secured a six-figure settlement, with her legal team asserting that the school must proactively address risks to prevent future harm to staff and students.