You notice that Joanne, one of your second graders, frequently comes to school disheveled with bruises on her arms. When you ask her what caused the bruises, she says that she keeps falling from her bike. Suspecting child abuse, you report what you've seen to school authorities. After an investigation, it turns out that Joanne has told the truth, and the bruises were indeed the result of falling from her bike. Furious over the allegation of child abuse, the parents file a lawsuit against you and the school.
Of the following, which is the most accurate assessment of your situation?
A) Because of the seriousness of child abuse, teachers are often protected from liability if they can prove their claims.
B) You are protected from liability since you honestly reported the allegation based on her disheveled appearance and bruises.
C) You are not protected from liability, since the only evidence of child abuse was Joanne's disheveled appearance and bruises on her arms.
D) You are not protected from liability, since you mistakenly alleged that the parents abused Joanne.