February 24, 2026 | Sexual Abuse
In a legal victory that resonates far beyond the courtroom, Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC recently helped secure a $3 million settlement for a survivor of sexual abuse committed by Andrew Zaheri, a former Rowan County teacher and coach.
This outcome stands as one of the largest school-related sexual abuse settlements in Kentucky history, underscoring not only the firm’s legal skill but also our dedication to advocating for victims.
A Case That Demanded Justice
The lawsuit was filed by a former Rowan County Senior High School student who alleged that a teacher and coach at the school sexually abused her over an extended period while she was a minor. She claimed that school administrators — including the Board of Education, a former principal, and a former superintendent — failed to act on repeated reports of abuse.
While Andrew Zaheri has already been convicted in criminal court and is serving a federal prison sentence connected to the abuse, the civil case focused on accountability for the systemic failures that enabled the crimes. The lawsuit brought scrutiny to how school officials responded — or didn’t respond — to warning signs and reports, and it raised broader questions about institutional responsibility.
The Significance of This Historic Settlement
This historic settlement is a sobering milestone that highlights both the severity of the harm caused and the importance of civil litigation in obtaining justice. Beyond the monetary value, the case has broader implications, including:
- Accountability for School Authorities. The settlement acknowledges that negligence and inaction by school officials can have tragic consequences and that there must be accountability at every level.
- Support for Survivors. Financial compensation can never erase trauma, but it can help survivors cover long-term medical and psychological needs. It sends a powerful message that survivors deserve acknowledgment and support — not silence or minimization.
- Setting the Stage for the Future: Significant settlements like this can empower other survivors to come forward and pursue justice. They also reinforce clear legal and ethical expectations, signaling to institutions that failures to protect vulnerable individuals will carry serious consequences.
The $3 million settlement not only provides financial compensation but offers a measure of vindication for the plaintiff, a young woman whose life was changed forever by the abuse she endured.
It also sends a message that institutions can and should be held accountable when they fail to protect vulnerable individuals.
Our Broader Commitment to Justice
Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC’s involvement in the case reflects our overarching mission to represent individuals hurt by wrongdoing and to leverage full legal resources to hold defendants accountable. In doing so, we remain committed to advocating for the most vulnerable members of our community.
When systems designed to safeguard children fail, civil litigation becomes not only a means of individual compensation but a mechanism for public accountability and reform.
The $3 million settlement sends a clear message: negligent oversight and failure to act will not be tolerated, and those who suffer due to systemic failures deserve to be seen and heard.
Contact the Kentucky Personal Injury Attorneys at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for Help Today
The $3 million settlement represents more than a financial resolution — it reflects the power of determined legal advocacy in the face of institutional failure. Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC’s role in reaching this settlement highlights the power of dedicated legal advocacy to help survivors achieve meaningful justice.
As communities continue to grapple with the lasting impact of abuse, strong legal representation remains a vital force in protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that justice is sought.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Lexington or Bowling Green, please contact our personal injury lawyers at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation.
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