DAMAGES RECOVERED:            $400,000

PLAINTIFFS
ATTORNEY(S)               Charles D. Oren

DEFENSE
ATTORNEY(S)              Weakley, Ratlif,. et al.

CASE                   Trevor F., a minor, and parents of Trevor F. v. County of Fresno

FACTS          The plaintiffs, husband and wife, knew the minor (age 12) who was living in a group home and inquired with the Department of Social of Social Services social worker about the possibility of a minor living in their residence. They specifically asked whether the minor child had any kind of past that might create a danger to their family. They noted that they had a son, Trevor, who was 2-1/2-years-old, and that the wife was pregnant. The county social worker stated the minor was an “A” student and was “no problem”; he just needed a good home. Immediately upon moving into their home, the foster child allegedly was a problem. The records of the Child Protective Services revealed  that the 12-year-old minor had previously sexually molested another child and was, according to the placement register of his past behavior, sexually exploitable, sexually aggressive, and sexually provocative.

The parents experienced emotional distress and the minor child needs future therapy. The plaintiffs’ expert psychologist testified at her deposition that the minor child was traumatized by what happened to him, would need future therapy and set forth a worst case/best case scenario.

The parties received $400,000 with the majority of the monies being structured over the lifetime of the child.

PLAINTIFF
EXPERT(S) Howard Swenson
Kathy Sullivan