Latest jury verdicts, settlements, and legal outcome analysis
A Los Angeles Superior Court awarded $4.1 million to a nonverbal autistic preschooler after finding that a school aide repeatedly abused him during diaper changes and that the Glendale Unified School District failed to train or supervise its staff.
In a premises liability case filed in Santa Clara County, California, Plaintiff Zaki Jones sued Costco Wholesale Corporation and an employee, "Miguel Doe." The case stemmed from an alleged incident on August 15, 2023, involving a physical altercation with an employee during an exit interaction. Jones claimed the employee slapped his hand to knock his phone away after a dispute over receipt checking and managerial conduct. Jones filed suit for battery/assault and alleged discrimination based on ethnicity and sexual orientation, seeking $25,000 in punitive damages. Following a trial that concluded on September 15, 2025, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of Costco.
Krystal Slocum sued Anaheim Union High School District, alleging childhood sexual assault by her teacher David Sepe. She claimed AUHSD ignored red flags and failed to act, allowing continued abuse. The case sought damages for emotional distress and loss of daily function. AUHSD denied liability, citing immunity and procedural defenses. On February 14, 2025, the parties reached a settlement, resolving all claims for $198,700, with dismissal confirmed in March 2025.
A Miami-Dade County jury delivered a defense verdict on April 25, 2025, in a high-profile workplace harassment and retaliation lawsuit filed by firefighter paramedic Treena Wright. The suit accused county officials of sexual misconduct, discrimination, and defamation, but jurors ultimately found no liability on the part of Miami-Dade, Chief Daniel Bolline, or Lieutenant Angelica Kenyon. Wright, who sought damages for emotional and financial harm, received no compensation following the trial.
