Trial Magazine
Schools
Sexual abuse of student
September 2024Beginning when she was a 14-year-old student in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Doe allegedly was groomed by paraprofessional Daniel Garcia, 19. This allegedly resulted in sexual abuse.
Doe sued the district, alleging liability for the alleged abuse. She asserted that the defendant had received notice that Garcia was an unfit employee yet continued to employ him.
The jury awarded $13 million.
Citation: Doe v. Los Angeles Unified Sch. Dist., No. CB659059 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cnty. Feb. 22, 2024).
Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members John Taylor and Natalie Weatherford, both of Manhattan Beach, Calif.