Angelica Fairbairn has filed a lawsuit alleging that her son, W.G., suffered abuse at the hands of an educator. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on November 4, 2025, against Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), which operates the school where the incident allegedly occurred.
According to the lawsuit, Angelica Fairbairn claims that her seven-year-old son, W.G., who is a student with disabilities at High Road School of the South Suburbs, was subjected to physical harm by a teacher employed by SESI. The complaint details an incident on March 15, 2024, when W.G. was reportedly kicked or pushed into a wall by a teacher at approximately 1:00 p.m., resulting in significant injuries including a cranial hematoma. Fairbairn argues that this act violated her son’s rights under several laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Civil Rights Act (42 U.S.C. §1983), and state laws governing assault and battery.
The plaintiff’s attorney, David S. Lipschultz, contends that SESI failed to provide necessary accommodations as outlined in W.G.’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and discriminated against him based on his disability. “SESI’s teacher denied W.G. the benefits of services he was entitled to,” reads part of the complaint. It further accuses SESI’s staff of acting with discriminatory intent and effect without any lawful justification.
Fairbairn seeks compensatory and punitive damages for her son’s physical injuries and emotional trauma as well as reimbursement for legal costs and other related expenses. The suit also demands changes in how SESI manages its educational programs to prevent future incidents of this nature.
The case is being handled by Judge [Name not provided] and Magistrate Judge [Name not provided], with Case ID 25-cv-13527. Angelica Fairbairn is represented by attorney David S. Lipschultz from the Law Offices of David S. Lipschultz, Inc., located in Chicago.
Source: 125cv13527_Angelica_Fairbairn_v_Specialized_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
