Trial News

Doe, 14, attended a party with other teenagers, where she was provided alcoholic drinks. When Doe became severely intoxicated, two of her 15-year-old male schoolmates sexually assaulted her in the front yard. Doe suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and ongoing emotional distress as a result of the assault.

She sued the two assailants, alleging assault, gross negligence, and sexual assault.

The jury awarded $32 million, finding the defendants equally liable for sexual assault. The award included $25 million in punitive damages against one of the defendants. The trial court denied the defendants’ motion for new trial.

Citation: Doe v. Roes, No. 14-10284-16 (Tex. Dist. Ct. Denton Cnty. May 22, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: Christopher Payne, AAJ member Charla G. Aldous, AAJ member Caleb Miller, and AAJ member Brent R. Walker, all of Dallas.