Case Summary Involving a Child Safety Expert Witness

by

 

Introduction

In the recent case of Crofts v. Issaquah School District, No. 19-35473 (9th Cir. 2022), the expertise of a
Child Safety Expert Witness was crucial. This case involved allegations of negligence in supervising a child with special needs, leading to the child’s injury.

Background of the Case

The plaintiff, Sandra Crofts, sued the Issaquah School District after her daughter, A.S., who has special needs, was injured during a school activity. Crofts claimed that the school failed to provide adequate supervision and failed to adhere to the individualized education program (IEP) designed to ensure her daughter’s safety. The school district contended that they had followed all appropriate protocols and that the injury was an unfortunate accident.

Role of the Child Safety Expert Witness

Dr. Sherryll Kraizer, a renowned child safety expert, was appointed to provide expert testimony in the case. Dr. Kraizer’s extensive background includes over 30 years of experience in child safety and abuse prevention. Her role in this case included:

  • Reviewing School Protocols: Dr. Kraizer analyzed the school’s supervision policies and protocols to determine if they met industry standards for the safety of children with special needs.
  • Assessing the IEP Implementation: She evaluated how well the school adhered to A.S.’s IEP, focusing on the specific safety measures outlined in the plan.
  • Providing Expert Testimony: Dr. Kraizer presented her findings in court, explaining the deficiencies in the school’s supervision and the impact on A.S.’s safety.

Key Findings and Impact on the Case

Dr. Kraizer’s expert analysis led to several critical findings:

  • Inadequate Supervision: She identified significant gaps in the supervision provided to A.S., which were not consistent with the requirements outlined in the IEP.
  • Non-Compliance with IEP: Dr. Kraizer demonstrated that the school failed to implement critical safety measures specified in A.S.’s IEP, contributing to the incident.
  • Industry Standards: Her evaluation showed that the school’s policies and procedures fell short of accepted industry standards for supervising children with special needs.

These findings were crucial in persuading the court to rule in favor of the plaintiff. Dr. Kraizer’s testimony provided a clear, authoritative explanation of the lapses in supervision and adherence to the IEP, which helped the judge and jury understand the negligence involved.

Conclusion

In Crofts v. Issaquah School District, the involvement of a Child Safety Expert Witness was essential in resolving the complex issues surrounding the supervision and safety of a child with special needs. Dr. Sherryll Kraizer’s detailed analysis and expert testimony clarified the shortcomings in the school’s actions, leading to a favorable outcome for the plaintiff. This case underscores the importance of expert witnesses in legal proceedings involving child safety and the implementation of educational plans for children with special needs.