EspañolSafety Team Member Allegedly Failed To Prevent Fight That Left Student Dead Near Washington Preparatory High School In South Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (April 23, 2024) – A student at Washington Preparatory High School in South Los Angeles has tragically died after a fight.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place on April 15. A fight broke out a few blocks from Washington Preparatory High School by 108th Street and Western Avenue.
The Los Angeles Times obtained a cellphone video of the incident. In that incident, an adult can be heard saying he was not going to intervene to stop the fight.
That adult was later identified as a member of “safe passages,” a program designed to help students get to and from school unharmed.
A short period of time after the fight began, one student was shot multiple times and collapsed to the ground. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
The student was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Liability For Los Angeles County School Shootings
Assaults and other criminal activity are an all-too-common occurrence at schools across Los Angeles County. Children remain targets as they go to and from school. According to KTLA 5, “The Los Angeles School Police Department is growing concerned about violent attacks on children who are walking to and from school or in some cases, near their own homes. Sgt. Rudy Perez of the LASPD said the young children are easy targets and are becoming victims of violent crime [at] an alarming rate.” School districts can take a number of measures in order to prevent students from becoming victims as they walk to or leave school.
- School districts can help create safe routes to walk to school. These routes should be well-lit with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
- School districts can hire crossing guards at busy intersections.
- School districts can hire security personnel to provide a visible presence to deter threats.
- School districts should work with local businesses, organizations, and law enforcement agencies to create a safe environment for kids traveling to school.
Schools must properly supervise students and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for their safety. Consider, for example, the landmark case of Dailey v. Los Angeles Unified Sch. Dist. , 2 Cal.3d 741. A 16-year-old died on school grounds after a fight broke out among students during recess. The teacher who was supposed to monitor the students took a lunch break. The attorneys for the deceased child’s parents presented evidence that the teacher could have prevented the lethal fight by properly monitoring the students. In the end, the court found that it was reasonably foreseeable that fights could break out among students who were not being monitored by a teacher. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any student has been injured or killed at school.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records related to the attack should be preserved.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The actions of school officials prior to the incident should be understood.
School district employees have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to intervene to prevent fights. But far too often, this does not take place. There have been numerous instances across Los Angeles County where school officials have allowed students to fight. This has also been a problem in juvenile halls across L.A. as well. It is important for the parents of students to understand that they do have rights. The family of any student who died in a fight may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. A personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Attacks At Washington Preparatory High School
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of the Washington Preparatory High School student who died in this shooting. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be some accountability for the victim’s family. It remains deeply troubling that there was someone who had the power to intervene but chose not to.
Do you need more information about an attack at Washington Preparatory High School? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to assist you. We are committed to helping victims of school violence understand their rights and holding school districts accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
