The father of a special-needs student who died last year is suing Fulton County Schools.  The $10.5 million lawsuit claims negligence and abuse.

Ronald Hatcher says teachers and administrators at Roswell High School dismissed his pleas for them to not use an improvised restraint around his son's neck.

"I wanted it to stop. I even said in my email, if you don't stop this, he's gonna die.  They did nothing," said Hatcher.

Hatcher's attorney Trey Sauls tells Channel 2 Action News the neck brace was the cause for several trips to the emergency room.  The teen died after a medical emergency in March 2011.

"In by turning his head in this particular position, it restricted his airway.  In essence, it stopped him from breathing correctly," said Sauls.

The lawsuit not only claims negligence in the teen's death, but also alleged abuse and assault by special-needs teachers when he attended Hopewell Middle School.  Hatcher says he wants justice.

"I want people to know this has got to stop. Special-needs kids have a voice, and we're the voice," said Hatcher.

Aaron Hatcher, 18, suffered from muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy.  He could not speak or walk.

A Fulton County Schools spokesman told Channel 2 Action News the district has not seen the lawsuit and had no comment.