Taylor & Ring Obtains $8.05 Million Verdict Against Pomona Unified School District in Molestation Case
— Largest verdict in California for a single victim sex abuse case —
Taylor & Ring, a Los Angeles-based trial law firm, obtained an $8 million dollar verdict against Pomona Unified School District on behalf of the then 14-year-old student who was sexually abused by her 8th grade teacher.
Lorbeer Middle School teacher Steven Andrews committed multiple acts of sexual assault and abuse against the student over the course of her 2010/2011 school year. On numerous occasions, teachers and school principal Krystana Walks-Harper failed to adequately supervise Andrews or contact Child Protection Services to report the situation. After one of Andrews’ co-teachers reported his inappropriate conduct, Walks-Harper assured the co-teacher that she and the district would take appropriate action, however, she and the district did nothing allowing Andrews to continue his predatory conduct toward the student.
Lead attorney John C. Taylor said, “This jury sent a wakeup call to California educators who ignore the red flags of child abuse and fail to protect kids at school.”
In failing to adequately supervise Andrews, Walks-Harper and the Pomona Unified School District breached their mandatory duty to ensure the safety of a minor. Andrews was found guilty of 17 felony counts of unlawful sex with a minor and related criminal offenses. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Serving clients throughout the Greater Los Angeles and Southern California area, we represent victims in a variety of civil litigation cases. If you or a loved one has been injured, turn to an experienced Los Angeles personal injury or sexual assault lawyer.
Find out more about Taylor & Ring.