Santa Ana High School Sued for Hazing Incident
A high school in Santa Ana is facing a lawsuit due to a shocking hazing incident that left one boy with slurred speech, memory loss issues, and a nose so mutilated that he required reconstructive surgery. This student allegedly suffered a traumatic brain injury, lacerations, and a broken nose after a locker-room incident among his fellow football team members. Normally, you would associate those kinds of injuries with on-field incidents. However, concerned parents are now suing the school because their child was harmed by something that could have clearly been averted with better supervision and care.
The school in the crosshairs is none other than Mater Dei High School. Due to this school’s association with the Catholic Church, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange has also been named as a defendant. This is yet another addition to a long line of controversies faced by the Catholic Church in California, as the organization is also facing numerous clergy abuse lawsuits in the Golden State.
Whether you have a child who has been victimized by a hazing ritual or you have been abused by a clergy member in the past, you have every right to sue negligent parties. Just as concerned parents are currently suing Mater Dei High School, you too can file a lawsuit with the help of a qualified personal injury attorney in the Los Angeles area. During an initial consultation, your attorney can assess your unique situation and recommend the best course of action. If a lawsuit is the best choice, your attorney can negotiate on your behalf, represent you in court, and gather evidence to support your claims. All of this will lead to a potential settlement that compensates you for everything you or your child has been forced to endure.
Details of Hazing Incident Revealed
Shocking details of a hazing incident have emerged as parents sue Mater Dei High School for harming their child. Allegedly, the victim was forced to fight a much bigger teammate in the locker room, although the physical altercation was disguised as a “game” called “bodies.” Although the boy reportedly did not want to fight, he felt pressured to because he knew that the consequences of refusal would be dire. Those who had refused to play the game had been bullied and teased. Some even opened their lockers to find the contents soaked in urine. As a result, the boy agreed to play and was severely injured.
Fortunately for the plaintiff, the incident was caught on camera as laughing teammates recorded it on their phones. Although the younger, smaller player was told that this fight would only include “bodyshots”, the larger player proceeded to strike him three times in the head. With the victim left dazed and disoriented, the attacker then delivered one final “sucker punch” that resulted in a broken nose and deep gashes across the eyes.
Mater Dei Accused of Covering Up the Incident
The family is now accusing Mater Dei of covering up the incident, and they have filed a lawsuit against both the school and the Diocese of Orange. This lawsuit sparked considerable outrage across the community, as both the school itself and the Orange County district attorney scrambled to explain why they did not take more serious action. Again, the incident is undeniable due to the clear video footage.
It is now clear that Mater Dei never had any ability to deny wrongdoing, but that does not mean they did not try. The boy’s father was allegedly ignored by Mater Dei officials when he complained. He also alleged that these officials repeatedly changed their stories and engaged in other “manipulative” behavior in an effort to escape consequences. In an official statement, Mater Dei has announced that it “does not believe there is merit to the claims made in the lawsuit.”
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Los Angeles area for a personal injury attorney, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. Your student should not have to suffer unnecessary injuries off the field while pursuing their athletic endeavors. These injuries can not only be expensive and harmful, but they can also be humiliating and detrimental to your child’s mental health. You have every right to explore your legal options if a high school has allowed this type of misconduct to occur. With our help, you can strive for the best possible legal outcome.
Filing a lawsuit ensures that the school experiences legitimate consequences for this type of negligence, and this may encourage them to prevent more students from being harmed in the future. In addition, you will likely receive a considerable settlement for everything your family has been forced to endure. This financial compensation can provide you and your child with a sense of justice and closure. Reach out and book your consultation today to learn more about your legal options.
