Layfield Law Firm, APC Files Suit against the Archdiocese of L.A. Alleging Sexual Abuse of a Child

Jan. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Santa Monica, California – On December 22, 2010, a civil lawsuit was filed against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, St. Bernard High School and faculty member in Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, Southwest District Case No. YC063892. The lawsuit alleges that between the years of 2003 and 2005, the faculty member repeatedly sexually harassed, molested and abused the Plaintiff, who was a minor student at the school. Given the sensitive nature of the lawsuit, Plaintiff will be referred to as John Ev Doe. As a result of the abuse, molestation and harassment, John Ev Doe has suffered and continues to suffer emotional, psychological and mental difficulties.

Neither St. Bernard High School nor the Archdiocese, both of whom are considered child care custodians and who have a statutory duty to investigate allegations of and report instances of child abuse, took the necessary and proper measures to protect the Plaintiff or other children from sexual abuse by the faculty member. Furthermore, it is alleged that the Archdiocese and the co-defendants conspired to and did conceal knowledge concerning the abuse of John Ev Doe and other students from parents and law enforcement. The complaint for damages comprises negligence; negligent supervision; negligent hiring; negligent failure to warn, train or education; constructive fraud; intentional infliction of emotional distress; sexual battery; assault; sexual harassment and gender violence.

The alleged abuse, negligence and consequential deception are particularly disturbing considering the vast scope of the Archdiocese, which encompasses three counties, with 225 Catholic elementary schools and 53 Catholic high schools serving some 95,000 students.

Plaintiff is represented by attorneys Philip J. Layfield, Esq. who represents clients in many high profile cases and Gus Bridi, Esq. who was formerly with Masry & Vititoe.

For additional information please contact Philip J. Layfield at (310) 917-1010 or visit our website for additional information http://www.santamonicapersonalinjury.com/.

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Philip J. Layfield, Attorney at Law is an experienced and aggressive litigation attorney. He specializes in large and complex cases.