Dax Rankine, Fl Teacher Faces Lawsuit After School Failed to Protect Students

Dax Rankine, 47, a physical education teacher at Sunset Palms Elementary School in suburban Boynton Beach, Florida, is facing allegations of grooming and grooming and raping a student between the second and fourth grades. The school’s investigation failed to lead to Rankine being removed from his teaching position, even after a separate investigation by school police, resulting in recommending charges of a felony sexual battery on a person younger than 12. State prosecutors declined to take the case, citing a lack of evidence.

Palm Beach County School Board allowed Rankine to return to the classroom.

The victim is filing a lawsuit accusing the Palm Beach County School Board of willfully ignoring Rankine’s criminal past. Including arrests for a hit-and-run crash, simple battery, driving under the influence, and drug possession. A criminal record that once caused the Florida Board of Education to deny his application for a teaching license. Palm Beach County School hired him anyway.

We want survivors to know they are not alone and have options.

How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced By Dax Rankine?

A civil lawsuit can serve as a crucial avenue for victims seeking justice and redress from the trauma of sexual abuse, especially when organizations are implicated in the wrongdoing. By initiating legal action, survivors can hold both individual perpetrators and the institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse accountable. Civil suits allow victims to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they have endured.  Thus helping to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical and therapeutic expenses.

Additionally, these lawsuits contribute to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse. Legal proceedings also offer survivors a platform to share their experiences, thereby challenging the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse and empowering others to come forward.

Can I File A Lawsuit Against The School?

Yes. If you were a victim of Dax Rankine, you might have rights.

Andreozzi + Foote is a leading sexual abuse law firm in the nation. Please reach out to us today to discuss your possible legal rights.