Eye-Popping Jury Verdict Against California School

We have another eye-popping verdict in a child abuse case. Jurors in Riverside County Superior Court recently awarded $135 million to former students of the Moreno Valley Unified School District who had been abused by a former teacher there in the 1990s.

This case serves as a reminder of why we advise our client youth organizations to start searching for their old insurance policies. As legislatures drop statutes of limitations for civil suits alleging child abuse, we can expect to see an increase in historical cases. It's essential to be prepared for such situations and to have a clear understanding of your organization's insurance coverage.

Another significant challenge with these old cases is that juries often apply modern standards, which are much more proactive and stringent than those of previous decades. This attitude can result in higher liability for organizations that may have operated according to the standards of the time. 

There's not much you can do about your past practices, but you can start evaluating and strengthening your organization's child protection policies. It's never too late to take action and ensure that your organization has robust policies in place.

Taylor English attorneys have decades of experience in assisting organizations with developing and implementing effective child protection policies. We understand the complexities involved and can provide the guidance and support you need to strengthen your organization's safeguards.