Beaten Student Faulted by District’s Lawyers
A 14-year-old Orange student failed to protect himself when he was punched in October by classmates as part of a middle-school birthday ritual, attorneys for the school district say.
Jeremy Worden’s “contributory negligence” should reduce any damages awarded in the lawsuit brought by the boy and his mother against the district, according to a brief filed recently in Orange County Superior Court.
“It’s sort of outrageous that they’ve alleged that Jeremy is responsible for his own injuries,” said Eric Epstein, the Wordens’ attorney. “They’re blaming the victim for getting beat up.”
An attorney for the school district didn’t return a call seeking comment.
The Wordens sued the district and the three boys who punched him Oct. 5.
Jeremy was hospitalized with spleen injuries after the incident.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
