Justice for Survivors: EPIC Attorney Reaches $1.1M Settlement in University Place School District Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

In a significant development for survivors of institutional abuse, the University Place School District (UPSD) in Washington has agreed to a $1.1 million settlement with former students, represented by EPIC Law, who alleged sexual abuse by volunteer wrestling coach David O’Connor during the mid-2000s. This settlement is one of multiple that UPSD has agreed to in the past few years, as more and more survivors of O’Connor’s abuse have come forward. The school district has now paid more than $13 million in compensation to nine former students. 

At Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel (EPIC Law), we commend the courage of these individuals to come forward. We continue to represent victims of O’Connor’s abuse and other institutional sexual abuse lawsuits.

The Allegations Against David O’Connor

David O’Connor served as a volunteer wrestling coach at Curtis Junior High and Curtis High School from 2003 to 2010. According to court documents, between 2005 and 2007, he allegedly sexually abused students aged 14 to 16 during off-campus weightlifting and conditioning sessions he organized. It’s believed he may have also abused children outside the school.

Notably, O’Connor had a prior conviction from 1977 for indecent liberties involving minors, yet he was still allowed unsupervised access to students. This raises serious concerns about the district’s hiring and supervision practices.

Institutional Accountability and Oversight Failures

The UPSD’s failure to conduct thorough background checks and adequately supervise O’Connor allowed him to exploit his position and harm students. The district’s negligence in this regard underscores the importance of stringent hiring practices and vigilant oversight to protect students from potential predators.

In response to the settlement, the district expressed sorrow for the pain experienced by the students but did not admit liability.

The Courage of Survivors

The survivors’ decision to come forward and pursue legal action has been instrumental in holding the district accountable and bringing attention to systemic issues within educational institutions. Their bravery serves as an inspiration to others who may have experienced similar abuse.

One of the plaintiffs initially reported the abuse to Tacoma police in 2014, but the criminal statute of limitations had expired. This highlights the challenges survivors often face in seeking justice and the importance of civil litigation as a means of accountability.

EPIC Law’s Commitment to Sexual Abuse Survivors

At EPIC Law, we are dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse and holding institutions accountable for their failures. Our experienced attorneys provide compassionate, confidential legal representation, guiding clients through the complexities of the legal system to seek justice and healing.

We understand the profound impact that sexual abuse can have on individuals and are committed to advocating for systemic changes to prevent future incidents.

Understanding Institutional Sexual Abuse Cases

Institutional sexual abuse occurs when a person is abused in a setting where they should have been safe—such as a school, church, youth sports league, hospital, or foster care program. Often, these institutions fail in their legal and moral duties to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. Abuse may be committed by employees, volunteers, or other individuals connected to the organization, and it is often enabled or concealed by systemic negligence.

When Is an Institution Liable?

Institutions can be held legally responsible (liable) when they fail to prevent foreseeable harm. Liability may arise due to:

• Negligent hiring: Employing or allowing volunteers who pose a risk to others, such as individuals with prior criminal convictions or inappropriate behavior patterns, without proper vetting.

• Inadequate supervision: Failing to monitor employees or volunteers who have access to vulnerable individuals, especially minors.

• Failure to act on warnings: Ignoring reports, complaints, or red flags about inappropriate behavior or abuse.

• Creating or enabling access to victims: Allowing perpetrators to spend unsupervised time with children or other vulnerable people, particularly off-campus or during overnight stays.

• Lack of protective policies: Failing to implement or enforce safeguards, training, or reporting mechanisms meant to prevent abuse.
  

In the Curtis High School case, for example, the school district allowed David O’Connor—a man with a known prior conviction for indecent liberties with minors—to work unsupervised with students for years. That institutional negligence created the conditions in which repeated abuse occurred.

Civil Justice and Potential Compensation

While criminal prosecution punishes abusers for their actions, civil lawsuits aim to secure justice and compensation for the survivors. Filing a civil lawsuit against an institution can help survivors:

• Hold institutions accountable for their role in enabling abuse
• Recover financial compensation for the long-lasting effects of trauma
• Push for systemic change to protect future generations
  

Compensation in civil sexual abuse cases can vary depending on the circumstances, but may include:

• Medical and mental health expenses (including long-term therapy)
• Loss of income or earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
  

Settlements and jury awards can vary widely—from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars—depending on the severity of the abuse, the harm caused, and the institution’s level of culpability. In recent years, large settlements like the $9.5 million agreement with the University Place School District reflect a growing recognition of the deep and lasting harm caused by institutional sexual abuse.

Taking the First Step Toward Justice

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse within an institutional setting, know that you are not alone. EPIC Law is here to listen, support, and advocate for your rights. Our team is committed to providing a safe and confidential environment where survivors can share their experiences and explore their legal options.

Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Together, we can work toward justice and healing.