Multimillion-Dollar Settlement Secured for Survivors of Abuse by Former Teacher

Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan law firm secures $6 million settlement for three survivors abused by ex-Parkland High School teacher and coach Christian Willman

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan law firm has secured a $6 million settlement on behalf of three survivors who were sexually abused by former Parkland High School teacher and coach Christian Willman. The lawsuit alleged years of grooming, manipulation and abuse, as well as significant institutional failures by both Parkland High School and Palisades High School, where Willman went on to abuse additional students after leaving Parkland.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating consequences of schools failing to protect students from predatory teachers and coaches, even when there were clear warning signs. The settlement holds Parkland High School accountable and underscores the importance of institutions taking every sign of risk seriously in order to safeguard children's safety.

The details

The lawsuit alleged that Parkland High School administrators and staff observed concerning behavior by Willman over many years, including him repeatedly removing students from class, spending extended time alone with female students, and being found alone with one of his victims in a compromising position. Despite these warning signs, no meaningful action was taken, and Willman was later able to obtain employment at Palisades High School, where his abuse continued.

  • The lawsuit was filed in Lehigh County in 2026.
  • The $6 million settlement was secured on February 13, 2026.

The players

Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan

A Philadelphia-based, trauma-informed personal injury law firm that represented the three survivors and secured the $6 million settlement.

Christian Willman

A former teacher and coach at Parkland High School in Lehigh County who sexually abused multiple students, and later went on to abuse students at Palisades High School in Bucks County.

Parkland High School

The high school in Lehigh County where Willman was employed and where he abused multiple students, despite the school's administrators and staff observing concerning behavior over many years.

Palisades High School

The high school in Bucks County where Willman obtained employment after leaving Parkland High School, and where he continued to abuse additional students.

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What they’re saying

“This settlement represents accountability that was long overdue. 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.”

— Stewart Ryan, Partner at Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan

“This case revealed years of missed warnings, ignored reports, and systemic inaction that allowed this abuse to continue. 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.”

— Alexandria MacMaster, Partner at Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich and Ryan

What’s next

The related lawsuit against Palisades High School for Willman's abuse of students there remains pending.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of schools taking all warning signs of potential abuse seriously and acting swiftly to protect students. The multimillion-dollar settlement highlights the devastating consequences when institutions fail in their duty to safeguard children's safety.