Sexual harassment of 13-year-old student by 35-year-old teacher. $2 million settlement at trial. Los Angeles County.

Summary

The middle school teacher, a male, sexually messaged and sent graphic images to 13-year-old female student, but there was no physical sexual contact.

The Case

Case Name: Jane Doe v. Doe School District
Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / BC543558
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Monday, May 15, 2017
Date Action was Filed: Friday, August 14, 2015
Type of Action: Sexual Abuse, Sexual Harassment
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Stephen Moloney
Plaintiffs:
Jane Doe
Defendants:
Doe School District
Type of Result: Settlement at Trial

The Result

Settlement Amount: $2,000,000

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Taylor & Ring LLP by David M. Ring and Natalie Weatherford, Manhattan Beach.
Agnew Brusavich by Bruce M. Brusavich, Torrance.
Attorney for the Defendant:
McCune & Harber LLP by Stephen Harber, Los Angeles.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
Plaintiff Jane Doe was sexually harassed by her male middle school teacher while plaintiff was an eighth grade student attending a public middle school within Doe School District.
Jane Doe was 13 years old at the time of the harassment and the teacher was 35 years old. The harassment occurred on and off the middle school campus and consisted of the teacher transmitting sexually explicit text messages, photographs and Facetime telephone conversations to the minor plaintiff. The teacher never physically touched the plaintiff.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiff contended that the school district employees failed to supervise the teacher and the plaintiff.
Defendant's Contentions:
The school district contended that it was not negligent in its supervision of the teacher or the plaintiff and contested the nature and extent of her claimed damages.

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Severe emotional distress.

Additional Notes

$2,000,000 settlement in sexual abuse case that did not involve any physical touching. The case settled after jury selection.

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Disclaimer

This is not an official court document. While the publisher believes the information to be accurate, the publisher does not guarantee it and the reader is advised not to rely upon it without consulting the official court documents or the attorneys of record in this matter who are listed above.