Amanda Collette died in the hallway of Dillard High School almost three years ago, the victim of another student’s gun. Collette’s family filed a wrongful death suit against the school, alleging that another student warned a teacher about the student possessing a gun and his threats to use it, but the teacher made no report and that the school failed to utilize the metal detector wands that were on hand. They allege that their daughter would still be alive had the school taken proper precautions.
Collette’s family and the school reached a settlement earlier this week, with Collette’s parents receiving $525,000 from the school. The School Board did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement as law enforcement officers cleared the teacher who reportedly knew about the gun of any wrongdoing. The parties involved consider it a “fair and reasonable resolution” for all and it will help avoid a costly and lengthy legal battle.
Apparently, the gunman had a crush on Collette but felt rejected when she rebuffed his advances. Feeling rejected by Collette, he brought a gun to school and shot her in the back in the hallway in between class periods.
Broward School District to pay $525,000 to family of girl killed at Dillard High, www.sun-sentinel.com September 08, 2011
Amanda Collette lost her life at a place where she assumed she would be safe. The school had a duty to protect Collette from a known danger, a danger that became known when the teacher found out about the student’s gun. The Miami negligent security attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona understand that landlords who fail to provide adequate security need to pay for any resulting injuries. The Palm Beach wrongful death lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona are well equipped to help you handle the loss of your loved one. The insurance litigation experts at the Friedland | Carmona have devoted their careers to helping victims and their families recover compensation for accident-related injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of another’s negligent actions, contact the Friedland | Carmona. Don’t hesitate; call (305) 661-2008 today for your free consultation.
The Miami wrongful death attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types of personal injury accidents throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The Friedland | Carmona handles all types of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, slip and falls and construction site injuries. Call today and let our family take care of your family!