Boy drowns while on school-sponsored field trip: Negligent supervision: Wrongful death: Settlement

Law Reporter, Mar 2004

SCHOOLS

Estate of Anthony Q. v. USC Shen Win Chinese Inst., Cal., Los Angeles County Super. Ct., No. KC 038 483, July 1, 2003.

Anthony Q., 8, was swimming near a dam when he drowned while on a field trip sponsored by his school. Anthony is survived by his parents and minor brother.

Anthony's parents sued the school, alleging negligent supervision. Specifically, plaintiffs alleged that defendant had an inadequate number of adults supervising the children, that none of the adults went into the water with the children, and that none of the supervising adults could swim. Furthermore, the school allegedly did not screen students for swimming ability or take other safety precautions before allowing them in the water.

The parties settled in mediation before trial for $975,000.

Plaintiffs' expert witness in this case was Joseph Halper, aquatics, Pacific Palisades, Cal.

Plaintiffs' Counsel

*Christopher R. Aitken, Santa Ana, Cal.