![Virginia school board wants workers compensation for teacher shot by 6-year-old student](https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2023/01/25/4aa739ba-0923-4f23-b66b-05114d09c8b7/thumbnail/1200x630g2/36cc7fa37a3df77ad4e009c1d969119a/abby-zwerner-2.jpg)
Virginia school board wants workers compensation for teacher shot by 6-year-old student
CBSN
The Virginia school district where a 6-year-old shot his teacher argues that her injuries fall under the state's workers compensation act and can't be addressed through her $40 million lawsuit, according to court documents filed Wednesday.
Abigail Zwerner was "clearly injured while at work, at her place of employment, by a student in the classroom," the Newport News School Board stated in response to her lawsuit, which it wants dismissed.
The school board also rejected Zwerner's claim that she could reasonably expect to work with young children who pose no danger, pointing to numerous incidents of violence against teachers across the U.S. and in Newport News.
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This story previously aired on Feb. 10, 2024. It was updated on Feb. 15, 2025. AMIE HARWICK (video): You can seek therapy to address an issue like depression, anxiety, a breakup. You can also seek therapy to be a better you! GARETH PURSEHOUSE (voicemail): I have so much I need to say. Please give me a chance to just say it. … Please (crying) please.
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