Facts

Jason Oldani was a student at Our Savior Lutheran School, a grammar school located in Livermore, California. In 2000, Oldani, who was a fourth grader at the time, was disallowed from attending Our Savior. Oldani filed suit against the school and several of its staff members, alleging negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff claimed that his father, James Oldani, wrote a letter to the school in January 2000 in which he complained about the conduct of school staff during a field trip to Yosemite Park in 1999. Plaintiff claimed his father's letter complained about the conduct of staff member Teresa Howard, and that the staff was inebriated during the trip. Further, Plaintiff claimed that the school wanted James to retract his statements, and when he refused, the school expelled Jason.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendants argued that James' statements were false, and denied that they intended to harm Jason by keeping him from attending the school.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed emotional distress.

Result

The jury awarded Oldani $10,000. The verdict was reduced to $6,000 since Plaintiff failed to meet a CCP 998 offer.

Other Information

Defendant Howard was dismissed at the close of evidence.