Category Archive for : ‘New York State Child Victims Act’

News 12 Long Island
By Kevin Vesey
12/18/24

Bay Shore School Board Approves $35 Million Settlement for Alleged Sexual Abuse Victims

The Bay Shore School Board voted unanimously Wednesday evening to approve a $35 million settlement for 12 former students who allege they were sexually abused by retired elementary school teacher Thomas Bernagozzi. The settlements are part of claims made under New York’s Child Victims Act, which allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice even if the abuse occurred many years ago.

Bernagozzi faces accusations from 45 former students. He has been criminally

TBR News Media
By Lynn Hallarman
11/07/24

Port Jefferson School Board Approves $16.5M to Settle Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

The Port Jefferson Board of Education announced approval of a total payout of $16.5 million to resolve lawsuits brought by seven people alleging sexual abuse that occurred years ago. The announcement was made in a statement posted on the district’s website late Friday night, Nov. 1.

In the statement, the board describes the settlement as the “best outcome for the district taxpayers” by avoiding a prolonged court trial that could result in “significantly greater overall costs.” Payment amounts