Facts

Plaintiff was an autistic child in a special education program through the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Pursuant to his individualized education program, the plaintiff was placed at Personal Coaching System Inc. (PCS), a private school for autistic children. As part of his enrollment, PCS offered to transport plaintiff to and from school in a van it owned.

On April 26, 2005, the plaintiff was being transported from PCS to another location. The trip was meant to take only 20 minutes, but plaintiff was kept in the van for about two hours while other children were transported. Jerome Stallworth, a PCS employee, was driving the van that day. The plaintiff complained to Stallworth that he was tired, hungry, and wanted to go home. The plaintiff became distressed. Stallworth struck the plaintiff and restrained him. Through his guardian ad litem, Rhonda Sanchez, the plaintiff sued LAUSD, PCS, and Stallworth.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff claimed that Stallworth was inexperience and lacked the training necessary to work with autistic children.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed to have suffered a contusion over his left eye, damaged blood vessels, post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional distress, and aggravation of previously existing psychological and behavioral problems.

Result

The plaintiff and PCS reached a settlement for $25,000.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Jan. 8, 2007.