My daughter studying pre-K in a private school in San Jose, California was intimidated and spoken harshly by a teacher. This caused my daughter to develop ticks (repetitive body movements) as a result of stress. Can I sue the teacher or school? For what dollar amount? It is depressing to see her in this state. Can we sue for the mental agony we parents are facing, as well?

How was she "intimidated and spoken harshly to" and why?

You would start by talking to the teacher about this in a meeting with the principal. Don't be so quick to sue.

I had a student start blinking whenever I tested him one on one. It continued at home. Mom took him to doctors and within a few months, it stopped. Is your child out of that classroom? I believe you will have a tough time proving that the tics were caused by a teacher she perceived to be too harsh. Sometimes firmness is perceived as harshness. As much as we try, sometimes we do need to speak firmly to children. Whether there was a reason, since it is a private school, I'd speak to the principal and teacher to get all of the information and circumstances. Then, I'd move my child out of that school and into a different one. Hopefully, the stress will subside and your child will be ready for Kindergarten in the fall.

"tics". Ticks are arachnids.

Was this determined by her doctor or could it be a coincidence in timing? Has she been seen by her doctor? Who witnessed the intimidation and harsh words? Was this on going? Does the school have a school counselor that you can speak with about your concerns of stress your daughter is experiencing?

You will have to get proof from mental health specialists that this was the problem. Not other issues, You will have to have proof that the event happened and it was beyond normal teaching get on to student, Students can be disciplined in school. a

You can sue for actual medical costs, and perhaps other, but the issue first is to see about treatment and finding the actual causes.