Costa Mesa Partners Obtain Defense Verdict

Lewis Brisbois Partners Esther Holm and Edward Seo obtained defense verdict against renowned plaintiff attorney in LA Superior Court. Plaintiff, a 3-year old child with special needs, accused the school bus driver of sexually molesting her while on the bus. After a six week trial, the jury returned a verdict rejecting the plaintiff’s assertions, finding that no abuse had occurred, and awarded no damages.

Plaintiff sued our client, a large bus company, as well as the Los Angeles Unified School District, on theories of negligence, negligent hire and retention. Plaintiff claimed the bus driver had prior instances of physically or sexually abusing students and requested damages of $20-50 million.

Thanks also to Christina Guerin, Alyssa Garchie, Steve Alvarado, and Justine Grubb, all of whom assisted during the final phases of the trial, and to Raul Martinez, who monitored the trial for appellate issues.