Most parents assume that their children's schools are safe places to be. However, more and more shootings are occurring, leaving parents questioning the security of elementary and high schools in their area. This is especially true for Ohioans after a February 2012 shooting at Chardon High School in Cleveland killed three students and injured three others.
The shooter, a teen boy, pleaded guilty to felonious assault, attempted aggravated murder and aggravated murder. He is now facing three life terms in jail as punishment. The shooter attended an alternative school nearby, yet the school failed to warn others of the boy's mental problems and unstable home life.
Families of four of the victims filed wrongful death lawsuits against the school district, claiming that its negligence in providing adequate safety for the students allowed the teen shooter to enter the school's cafeteria and fire 10 shots at the students. Allegedly, the district had been warned about the need for security personnel at the Chardon High School, but the requests were ignored, despite the fact that the student shooter was a known risk. It is unknown exactly how much compensation the families are seeking, but the amount exceeds $25,000.
A wrongful death lawsuit may be brought by the surviving family members of the victim. A lawsuit alleging wrongful death may ask for damages to cover medical and funeral expenses, but may also ask for pecuniary damages. These damages are calculated using the victim's age, health and earning capacity, among other considerations. After hearing all the evidence, the jury will determine what to award the family.
Source: Cleveland.com, "Families of Chardon High School shooting victims sue school district, alleging lack of security," John Caniglia, Feb. 27, 2014
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