Confidential v. Haynes Foster Care Agency, et al.
Published: Oct. 2, 1999 | Result Date: Jun. 25, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC188676 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Pomona
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Douglas P. Smith
(Lee, Hong, Degerman, Kang & Waimey)
Experts
Plaintiff
Stanley Goodman
(medical)
Defendant
Richard L. Buccigross M.D.
(medical)
Facts
From November 1993 to December 1996, the minor plaintiffs, then aged 4, 7 and 9, were in the care of the defendant foster care agency. They were placed in the care of a foster mother, who would at times take them to visit her parent. The plaintiffs claimed that while visting the foster mother's parent, they were sexually abused by other minor children on numerous occaisions. The plaintiffs brought this action against the defendant foster care agency and the foster mother based on negligent supervision.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffs made a settlmement demand for $500,000 in the aggregate, followed by a demand for $1.2 million at the mandatory settlement conference, followed by a demand for $3.5 million at trial. The defendant made a settlement offer of $75,000 at the mandatory settlement conference.
Specials in Evidence
in excess of $1 million
Injuries
The minor plaintiffs claimed they suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from the alleged sexual abuse, requiring ongoing psychotherapy.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately one year and seven months after the case was filed. A settlement conference was held on May 6, 1999, before Hon. Dan Oki, resulting in no settlement.
Deliberation
1½ days
Poll
12-0
Length
ten days
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