Virginia Teacher Shot by 6-Year-Old Can Proceed With $40 Million Lawsuit, Judge Rules

Abby Zwerner, a teacher shot by her 6-year-old student, attends a hearing for a civil lawsuit she filed against the Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, Va., on Oct. 27, 2023. Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot via AP

NEWPORT NEWS, Va.—A teacher who was shot by her 6-year-old student in Virginia can press forward with her $40 million lawsuit against a school system over claims of negligence by school administrators, a judge ruled Friday.

The surprise decision by Newport News Circuit Court Judge Matthew Hoffman means that Abby Zwerner could get much more than just workers’ compensation for the serious injuries caused by January’s classroom shooting.