Judge: Michael Shultz, Case: 20STCV00783, Date: 2022-08-08 Tentative Ruling

INSTRUCTIONS: If the parties wish to submit on the tentative ruling and avoid a court appearance on the matter, the moving party must:

1. Contact the opposing party and all other parties who have appeared in the action and confirm that each will submit on the tentative ruling.

2. No later than 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the hearing, call the Courtroom (310-761-4302) advising that all parties will submit on the tentative ruling and waive hearing; and

3. Serve notice of the Court's ruling on all parties entitled to receive service.

If this procedure is followed, when the case is called the Court will enter its ruling on the motion in accordance with its tentative ruling. If any party declines to submit on the tentative ruling, then no telephone call is necessary, and all parties should appear at the hearing. If there is neither a telephone call nor an appearance, then the matter may either be taken off calendar or ruled on. 

TENTATIVE RULINGS -- http://www.lacourt.org/tentativeRulingNet/ui/main.aspx?casetype=civil




Case Number: 20STCV00783    Hearing Date: August 8, 2022    Dept: A

20STCV00783 Z.M. a minor, v. Los Angeles Unified School District

Monday, August 8, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.

 

[TENTATIVE] ORDER CONTINUING THE HEARING ON PETITION TO APPROVE MINOR’S SETTLEMENT

 

The Third Amended Complaint filed on November 24, 2021, alleges that Plaintiff was a second-grade student at 116th Street Elementary School, operated by Defendant on January 10, 2019. Plaintiff alleges she returned from school with multiple bite marks on her harm. Plaintiff has a rare genetic disorder which limits her ability to move independently. Defendant allegedly failed to supervise Plaintiff for her safety and protection. Plaintiff alleges claims for (1) Negligence, (2) Negligent Hiring, Supervision, and Retention; (3) Negligent Supervision, and (4) Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.

            On April 25, 2022, Plaintiff filed a Notice of Settlement of Entire Case. On July 5, 2022, Plaintiff filed this petition to approve the settlement. Plaintiff has agreed to accept $60,000 in settlement of her claims with the court’s approval. The net settlement amount of $38,043.52 will be used to fund a special needs trust (“SNT”) for the benefit of the minor pursuant to Probate Code section 3604. Petition, page 8, ¶ b.(4).

            The court’s file reflects that Plaintiff submitted the terms of the SNT to the Probate Division on July 7, 2022. CA R LOS ANGELES SUPER CT Rule 4.115(c). When seeking approval of a SNT, notice of the hearing and service of the petition must be made upon three state agencies including the Department of Mental Health, Department of Developmental Services, and Department of Health Care Services.  Probate Code sections 3602(f), 3611(c). The proof of service attached to the petition does not indicate this notice and service, which will need to be 15 days by mail, (without a five-day increase for mailing).

            Additionally, the court’s file does not reflect that Plaintiff complied with the court’s Notice of Case Reassignment of July 8, 2022, requiring Plaintiff to serve notice of the reassignment on all parties and to file a proof of service with the court.

            Accordingly, the court continues the hearing to October 7, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. in Department A of the Compton courthouse. Plaintiff is directed to comply with the requirements for service of the petition upon the state agencies no less than 15 days before the continued hearing date.