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VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA (December 2, 2022) – At least ten students were treated for a suspected cannabis overdose while they were on campus at Van Nuys Middle School.
Los Angeles County firefighters first responded to the incident around 11:20 a.m. on Thursday. Multiple students between the ages of 12 to 14 years of age were in medical distress by the time paramedics arrived.
The students had symptoms consistent with a cannabis overdose. Multiple students were taken to the hospital and given pediatric medication.
It remains unclear how any cannabis products got into the hands of the Van Nuys Middle School students. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Van Nuys Middle School Overdoses
Marijuana is one of the most highly used recreational drugs in the United Sates. According to WebMD, there are no reports of fatal marijuana overdoses, but it is possible to overdose on THC, which is the active ingredient in cannabis. Many cannabis overdoses with children happen when a child ingests candy that they don’t realize has THC. For example, a number of companies make gummy candies or chocolates that contain THC. There are a number of symptoms that a person might experience with a cannabis overdose.
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty conversing
- Poor coordination
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
Schools across California have a legal obligation to properly supervise the students in their care. Consider, for example, Taylor v. Oakland Scavenger Co., 17 Cal. 2d 594 [110 P.2d 1044], “It is the duty of the school authorities to supervise at all times the conduct of the children on the school grounds and to enforce those rules and regulations necessary to their protection.” The snacks that teachers hand out to students should be inspected. The threat posed by drug infused candies is one that schools have known about for a long time. There are a number of steps that should be taken if your child becomes ill from an overdose at school.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The source of the overdose should be determined.
- A police report should be created.
- A personal injury attorney should be consulted.
When school officials fail to properly monitor students who are harmed, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and emotional distress. Going through any type of an overdose can be extremely traumatic for both children and parents. Unfortunately, schools will often fight hard to deny liability for any instance where students are injured on campus. A personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Van Nuys Middle School Overdoses
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the students who were harmed at Van Nuys Middle School and their families. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for what happened and measures put in place to make sure that it does not happen again.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in the Los Angeles Unified School District? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that parents are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375. Se habla español.
