
Personal Injury Involving Children and Individuals with Disabilities
Attorneys Protecting the Vulnerable Across Indiana, Ohio, & Michigan
At Connell Michael, LLP, we are dedicated to representing the most vulnerable members of our community—children and individuals with disabilities—when they are injured due to the carelessness, abuse, or inaction of others. These cases are deeply personal, emotionally complex, and legally demanding. They require not only skilled legal representation, but also a law firm that understands trauma, disability, and the lifelong implications of a preventable injury.
We don’t just handle personal injury cases. We represent children, teens, and adults with physical, developmental, intellectual, and emotional disabilities who have been hurt by systems that were supposed to protect them. When schools, institutions, caregivers, or programs cause harm, we hold them accountable.
When the System Fails the Most Vulnerable
Children and people with disabilities often rely on adults and institutions for care, supervision, and safety. But too often, those entrusted with protection become the source of harm.
At Connell Michael, LLP, we take on injury cases involving:
Injuries in Schools and Special Education Programs
- Physical abuse by teachers, aides, or school staff
- Dangerous restraint and seclusion practices
- Injuries during unmonitored or unsupervised transitions
- Failure to accommodate disabilities under IEPs and Section 504
- Unsafe handling of medically fragile children
- Negligent use of transportation, lifts, and mobility equipment
Abuse and Neglect in Residential and Day Programs
- Harm inflicted in group homes, developmental disability centers, or therapeutic schools
- Peer-to-peer abuse or assault due to lack of supervision
- Neglect by staff or caregivers leading to injury, elopement, or medical crisis
- Failure to provide toileting, feeding, or medical care in accordance with care plans
- Emotional or psychological trauma caused by threats, humiliation, or intimidation
Injuries at Camps, Childcare Centers, or Community-Based Programs
- Failure to supervise children or meet their medical or behavioral needs
- Injuries during field trips, outings, or untrained restraint of a child in crisis
- Abuse by peers, counselors, or volunteers
- Neglect of children with mobility, sensory, or communication disabilities
We focus in cases where systems ignored warnings, silenced families, or failed to implement safety protocols for those who could not protect themselves. These injuries are not just accidents—they are often the result of avoidable negligence and failure to honor legal responsibilities.
Our Approach: Compassionate, Relentless, Focused on Justice
At Connell Michael, LLP, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We understand that injuries involving children and people with disabilities require legal representation that is:
- Trauma-informed – we treat survivors and families with empathy and patience
- Family-centered – we listen to parents, guardians, and caregivers as partners
- Legally aggressive – we pursue full accountability through settlement or trial
- Specialized – we understand complex education, disability, and care regulations
You will never be treated like just another file. We know how hard it is to speak up, and how often families are dismissed or gaslighted by schools, institutions, and agencies. We are here to amplify your voice and demand justice.

Our Practice Areas
Legal Protections for Children and Individuals with Disabilities
These cases often involve overlapping areas of law, including:
- Tort and civil injury law for pain, suffering, and financial damages
- Disability rights law, including the IDEA, ADA, and Section 504
- Special education regulations, governing how schools serve students with IEPs
- Mandatory reporting laws that require institutions to act on suspected abuse
- State licensing rules for daycares, group homes, and other facilities
Our team knows how to navigate these overlapping legal systems to pursue the full truth and secure justice. We don’t accept vague excuses or empty apologies. We demand accountability, policy change, and financial recovery.

What To Do If Your Child or Loved One Was Injured
If you believe a child or vulnerable adult in your care has been injured due to neglect, abuse, or carelessness, take the following steps:
- Get medical help immediately – Even minor injuries may have lasting consequences. Ensure all treatment is documented.
- Report the incident – To the appropriate agency, licensing body, or police. Keep a record of the report.
- Document everything – Take photos, save emails, write down names, and gather records.
- Do not sign anything – Do not accept a settlement, apology, or internal resolution without legal counsel.
- Contact a lawyer – Let our team investigate and advise you on the next steps before evidence disappears.
The sooner we become involved, the better we can protect your child’s rights and preserve your legal options.
You Are Not Alone. We’re Ready to Help.
When a child or person with disabilities is harmed by those entrusted with their care, it is not just a legal violation — it is a moral one. At Connell Michael, LLP, we are honored to stand with families during their most difficult times and to fight for safety, justice, and change.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. There is no cost to speak with us, and we do not charge legal fees unless we recover for you. Let us help you hold wrongdoers accountable — and help your loved one move toward healing.



Why Choose Connell Michael, LLP?
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With compassion and understanding, our team supports you each step of your case.
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Work with knowledgeable & dedicated attorneys backed by years of experience.
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We prepare each and every case as if it's headed for trial.
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Meet with your lawyer during a virtual or in-office consultation!