Jena Scaccetti v. Yehdua Berg, Kabbalah Centre International Inc., and Does 1 through 200, inclusive
Published: Jan. 9, 2016 | Result Date: Nov. 24, 2015 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC533556 Verdict – $177,500
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Alain V. Bonavida
(Law Offices of Alain V. Bonavida)
Defendant
William P. Donovan Jr.
(McDermott, Will & Emery LLP)
Mark E. Lowary
(Berman, Berman, Berman, Schneider & Lowary LLP)
John D. Cline
(Law Office of John D. Cline)
Patricia A. Eberwine
(Brown, Neri, Smith & Khan LLP)
Facts
Jena Scaccetti sued Yehuda Berg and the Kabbalah Centre International Inc. following an incident that occurred on Oct. 25, 2012.
Contentions
PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff was defendant Berg's former student. Berg allegedly forced plaintiff to take drugs and drink alcohol then forced himself on her and threatened to beat and kill her. Plaintiff sued defendants for battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of fiduciary duty and negligent hiring, retention and supervision.
DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants demurred, arguing, among other things, that plaintiff failed to allege facts sufficient to establish a cause of action.
Result
The jury found defendant Yehuda Berg liable for intentionally inflicting emotional distress on Scaccetti and awarded her $135,000 in damages, which included $85,000 in compensatory damages, plus $50,000 in punitive damages. The jury found defendant Kabbalah Centre liable for negligent supervision of defendant Yehuda Berg and awarded her $42,500.
Other Information
FILING DATE: Jan. 17, 2014.
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