The legal teams of Darrell L. Cochran and Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC recently worked with attorney Loren Cochran of Cochran Douglas to secure a settlement for their clients on the eve of trial.
Six former students of the University Place School District (UPSD) alleged that they were sexually abused by Michael Basse, a substitute nurse and classroom assistant who worked in multiple schools between 2008 and 2016. Although only six families filed the suit, the alleged abuse affected at least eight boys between the ages of 9 and 15, according to criminal charges filed against him. The charges against Basse were dropped after he committed suicide in 2023.
This civil suit was filed to hold the district accountable for failing to protect its students from abuse, with attorneys citing negligence and gender-based discrimination under Washington’s Law Against Discrimination. The Washington Supreme Court has established that school districts are strictly liable for sex-based discriminatory acts of their employees.
Throughout the case, the district denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the abuse occurred mainly off campus and was therefore unrelated to the district. Ultimately, UPSD agreed to settle for $21 million to avoid a lengthy trial. An apology was also issued, with Superintendent Jeff Chamberlin saying UPSD was “deeply sorry” and recognized the “harm caused by sexual abuse.”
Although no amount of money can heal the trauma that these students suffered, civil cases are an important step in holding negligent parties accountable, providing families with answers, and inspiring change that could protect future students. The attorneys at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer will continue to fight for the rights and well-being of those who have been impacted by sexual abuse.