Defense Verdict –

Martinez v. Fullerton School District

Partners Courtney L. Hylton and Pancy Lin Obtain Another Defense Verdict!

Hylton & Associates Partners Courtney L. Hylton and Pancy Lin obtained a defense verdict for the Fullerton School District in a personal injury case venued in Orange County.

Plaintiff alleged the negligent supervision of a game of musical chairs caused a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, and changes in her personality/mood. The District vigorously maintained the school activity was appropriate, adequately supervised, and that Fullerton School District teachers and staff were not negligent in any way. The District also disputed the nature, cause, and extent of Plaintiff’s claimed injuries and damages.

 Plaintiff, now 17 years old, did not testify or appear at trial. Plaintiff’s counsel attempted to use Plaintiff’s video deposition testimony, arguing her PTSD and anxiety were “exceptional circumstances,” which justified shielding Plaintiff from the trauma of live testimony. The Court denied this request.

Our in-house social media investigation was instrumental in undermining Plaintiff’s claim of continued anxiety and panic attacks when in crowds and cramped spaces as Plaintiff’s own social media posts showed her inside a Chuck E. Cheese Ticket Blaster device (enclosed wind tunnel booth) and attending a crowded Las Vegas concert.

Just over one hour after the jury received the case, they returned a defense verdict, finding that the District was not negligent.