Facts

On Jan. 20, 2000, plaintiff Jennifer Nguyen, an eighth-grader at Lawton Alternative School in San Francisco, got into a fight with another student, Glenda Benavides during lunchtime. Benavides approached plaintiff in the hallway where adult supervisors were present. They exchanged words and both proceeded to walk outside to the yard. Benavides followed plaintiff and pulled plaintiff's hair. Plaintiff pulled Benavides' hair back, and a fight followed for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Benavides tripped plaintiff, then sat her stomach and banged plaintiff's head to the ground.

Plaintiff sued the San Francisco Unified School District alleging that their failure to supervise the school yard caused her injuries.

Settlement Discussions

In August 2002, arbitrator Robert S. Niemann awarded plaintiff $16,000 against defendant.

Injuries

Concussion.

Result

Defense verdict. Defendant was awarded $3,991 in costs.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Feb. 14, 2001.