Were you Victimized by John Vigna at Cloverly Elementary School in Maryland?

Who is John Vigna?

John Vigna was convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse against students as a teacher at Cloverly Elementary School. Vigna taught at the school for two decades. He was charged with sexually abusing more than five children. His conviction was recently overturned due to “ineffective assistance of counsel.”  He is awaiting a new trial at home on house arrest. 

This disturbing turn of events is forcing his name back into the headlines causing victims who thought they had justice more duress.

What we know to be true of child sexual offenders is where there is one victim, there usually are more.  

You are not alone. 

Andreozzi + Foote lawyers offer experience and a trauma-informed approach when seeking justice for our clients.

How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced by John Viga?

There are many misunderstandings about why a survivor of sexual abuse would choose to file a civil lawsuit.   Child sexual abuse takes away so much from the survivors and families impacted. Our society still struggles to find ways to repair the harm done by individual perpetrators and institutions that have covered up child sexual abuse.  Outdated statutes of limitations across our country leave far too many survivors denied access to our criminal or civil justice courts. 

Filing a civil case can be an essential step for survivors and their families in their journey to slowly rebuild their lives and create pathways to healing.  Motivation for filing a civil suit is often questioned and unfairly stereotyped as being “all about money. This couldn’t be further from the truth for survivors of child sexual abuse. The civil justice system offers victims more than just monetary benefits.  It gives survivors access to justice, validation, exposure, confrontation, and ultimately some resolution. The resolution allows survivors of sexual abuse to understand and process what happened and create a new path forward without confusion, questions, and fear. 

Can I file a lawsuit against John Viga or Cloverly Elementary School in Maryland?

Yes.

The skilled lawyers of Andreozzi + Foote have experience working with Maryland’s new law.  Previously time-barred victims can now file civil lawsuits for child sexual abuse. If you were a victim of John Vigna don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your possible legal rights.  

We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We provide free, confidential case evaluations where you can learn more about your rights and options under your state’s laws. Contact Andreozzi + Foote today.

UPDATE TO CASE: John Vigna pleads guilty to sexually abusing students.