The attorneys of Lukins & Annis, P.S., are proud to announce the settlement of Leslie Christensen and her parents', Gary and Kim, case against the Royal School District, Principal Andersen and Steven Diaz.
This case, filed in 2002, involves sexual abuse of a 13 year old student by a teacher, the school’s alleged negligence in its failure to protect its students, and alleged civil rights violations. Lukins & Annis attorney, Robert J. Crotty successfully argued issues of this case before the Washington Supreme Court. The Court determined in a 7-2 decision that young students may not be held at fault for their own sexual abuse. It was a case of first impression in Washington and a victory for the protection of our school children.
The Royal School District and Principal Andersen agreed to pay the Christensens $550,000 to settle the case instead of going to trial. The Christensens also reached a settlement with Mr. Steven Diaz. The terms of the settlement agreement with Diaz are confidential.
The Christensens are a strong, wonderful family and it was an honor to represent them. This sexual abuse case involving this young student, was years of hard fought legal battles. It was a sensitive, tough case for the family and the community. With the matter finally resolved, hopefully, the school district and the Royal community can focus on making the school district the best in the state while assuring the physical protection of its children so that they may grow and develop while being protected.
Lukins & Annis, P.S. // OFFICES IN: SPOKANE, COEUR D'ALENE, MOSES LAKE
Our website has been prepared and is maintained by our firm. The materials appearing on this website are for informational purposes to enable you to learn about our firm and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Access to this site or use of any of the email links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed on or through the site are opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
All copyrightable text and graphics and the overall design and presentation of materials are the property of Lukins & Annis, P.S. Permission is granted to download and print materials from this website for the purpose of viewing, reading, and retaining for reference. Any other copying, distribution, retransmission, or modification of information or materials on this site without the express prior written permission of Lukins & Annis, P.S., is strictly prohibited.