Romanucci & Blandin Announces That More Parents Have Joined Suit against Staff, Former Coaches for Vicious Hazing at Maine West High School

CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Antonio M. Romanucci, a principal at Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, here, announced at a news conference yesterday that additional families have joined a lawsuit against Maine Township High School District 207, Maine West High School staff members and former coaches for sanctioning a vicious hazing of student-athletes that includes physical and sexual assault.

The news conference was held at the law firm's office in downtown Chicago, 33 N. LaSalle. The lawsuit alleges that the hazing violates the state's anti-bullying statutes. Documentation was provided showing that, as far back as 2008, school officials knew about and tolerated the hazing rituals.

Last week, Romanucci & Blandin filed a lawsuit on behalf of a 14-year-old Maine West High School student and his parents, alleging that the boy was physically and sexually assaulted by fellow members of the varsity boys' soccer team as part of a hazing ritual ordered and witnessed by his coaches. The boy sustained serious injuries and suffered severe emotional distress.

All of the plaintiffs are seeking relief—including the implementation of training and education programs—to ensure that other students are not subjected to similar abuse, as well damages for their pain and emotional distress.

Public Justice, a national public interest law firm based in Washington, D.C., is joining the lawsuit as co-counsel, claiming that this case is a striking example of the failure of school districts across our country to respond appropriately to bullying incidents. Theodore J. Leopold of Leopold Law, P.A., in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is also co-counsel in the case. Mr. Leopold has a national practice that focuses on individual protections and consumer safety.

Romanucci & Blandin, considered one of Illinois' top plaintiffs' law firms, is dedicated to advocating for the interest of individuals and their families in catastrophic personal injury matters, wrongful death and workers' compensation claims.

SOURCE Romanucci & Blandin, LLC