Juan Carlos Rivera’s mother lived through what any parent would consider their worst nightmare–a fellow classmate stabbed her son to death. During the 2009 school year, Andy Rodriguez, jealous of the fact that Rivera paid attention to his girlfriend, attacked Rivera in the courtyard of the high school, stabbing him several times. While Rodriguez was convicted of second degree murder in August, Rivera’s family filed a suit against the school district for failing to protect Juan.
Juan’s family filed a wrongful death suit against the school, claiming that teachers were standing in doorways instead of monitoring the hallways and courtyards and that the school police officer was absent that day and a replacement had not been sent. The school and the family settled the suit earlier in the year for $18.75 million, but last Friday, the Rivera’s filed paperwork to have the entire settlement paid out, making the amount public.
The family has already received $700,000 from the district and awaiting more than $1 million to be paid to them, but they need the state’s approval. Under state law, the school has fulfilled its legal obligation, and in order to receive the remaining amount, the state legislature has to approve the payout. The family has filed the necessary claims bill seeking the full payout, but is still awaiting approval.
Miami-Dade Schools To Pay $1.875 Million In Gables High Stabbing, www.miami.cbslocal.com November 18, 2011
School districts are expected to provide a reasonable amount of protection to their students and when they are negligent in that protection, they are liable for any injuries caused. The Broward personal injury lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona are expert trial attorneys who have dedicated over twenty years towards helping accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured or died as a result of another party’s negligence, contact the Miami wrongful death attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona today. Don’t hesitate; call (305) 661-2008 today for your free consultation.
The Miami personal injury lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types personal injury cases 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 claims, including wrongful death, defective products, medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents and construction site injuries. Call today and let our family take care of your family!