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A jury in the US state of Virginia awarded $10 million in damages to a former elementary school teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student, saying a school administrator had ignored clear warning signs, local media reports said Thursday.

Abigail Zwerner filed the suit against Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal of Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, for allegedly failing to act on multiple warnings that the young boy may have brought a firearm to school, according to NBC News.

According to police, on Jan. 6, 2023, the child took a 9mm handgun from his home and carried it in his backpack to class.

He later pulled out the weapon and shot Zwerner once, striking her hand and chest.

Despite her injuries, Zwerner helped evacuate her classroom.

She has since had five surgeries while the bullet remains in her chest, according to her legal team.

Zwerner’s lawyers argued that Parker had been alerted by other students but failed to act in time to avert the violence.

Parker’s defense claimed she could not have predicted the attack.

Parker is also scheduled to stand trial next month on child abuse and neglect charges.

"I remember just three years ago, almost to this date hearing for the first time Abby’s story, and thinking that this could have been prevented," said Diane Toscano, an attorney for Zwerner.

"So now to hear from a jury of her peers that they agree that this tragedy could have been prevented ... we’re very happy with the outcome for today, and we’re happy that Abby’s story got to be told."

The boy’s mother, Deja Taylor, is currently serving a 21-month prison sentence on federal gun-related offenses.​​​​​​​