Facts

Plaintiff, a former student of the Los Angeles Unified School District, filed this lawsuit based on repeated acts of sexual abuse by LAUSD's employee, Miguel Angel Rivera. During the time period at issue, Rivera was employed as a campus police officer at Mount Vernon Junior High School. Rivera took advantage of his position and authority to gain access to, groom, and sexually assault plaintiff on school grounds and during the school day on on 15-20 occasions. Plaintiff alleged that she was called out of class numerous times during school and had to walk past a number of school staff en route to being assaulted in Rivera's office. At 14 years old, Plaintiff attempted suicide after receiving chlamydia as a result of the assault by Rivera and fearing that she was pregnant. Ultimately, plaintiff's mother found out about the abuse and contacted the police. Rivera was arrested and charged with multiple felonies. On the day prior to his scheduled arraignment, Rivera shot and killed himself, leaving behind a suicide note asking for forgiveness.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Based on the facts of this case, LAUSD was negligent as it related to its obligation to supervise both plaintiff and Rivera. LAUSD employees ignored rumors circulating that plaintiff and Rivera were in a relationship, and failed to inquire as to why Rivera was signing plaintiff out of classes. Simply put, LAUSD ignored numerous red flags in Rivera's behavior.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: LAUSD did not dispute that the abuse occurred, but claimed it had no notice of Rivera's misdeeds, and that his conduct was outside the course and scope of Rivera's employment.

Damages

Plaintiff suffered from numerous issues, including but not limited to physical and emotional pain, and incalculable emotional and psychological trauma. Plaintiff attempted suicide at least five times and was diagnosed with PTSD. Future medical care was recommended by plaintiff's retained expert.

Result

The case resolved by way of a Mediator's Proposal in the amount of $3,750,000.