Student falls during cheerleading practice: Negligent safety procedures, supervision: Spine, leg injuries: Settlement

Law Reporter, Nov 2004

Doe v. Roe School Dist., CaL, Los Angeles County Super. Ct., confidential docket no., Apr. 2004.

Doe, 16, was performing a stunt at cheerleading practice at her high school when she fell. Doe injured her lower back, resulting in spondylosis and radiating pain in her leg. She is expected to require fusion surgery at L5-S1. Her past medical expenses were about $36,700, and her future medical expenses are estimated at $50,000.

Doe sued the school district, alleging failure to use safely mats at the practice, provide proper supervision, and properly train the coach in safety procedures. Defendant argued plaintiff and her group were instructed not to perform the stunt.

The parties settled during mediation for $350,000.

Plaintiff's experts were Jill Ammirato, cheerleading, Long Beach, Cal.; John Brault, mechanical engineering, Lake Forest, Cal.; and Rick Delamarter, orthopedic surgery, Santa Monica, Cal.

Plaintiff's Counsel

*Andrew C. Bryman, Calabasas, Cal.