Daisy Bueno, individually and as guardian ad litem for S.B., a minor v. Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of California granted a joint petition approving the settlement of minor Plaintiff S.B.’s claims against Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The order approves a $925,000 structured settlement, establishes a special needs trust, authorizes specified attorney fees and costs, and retains jurisdiction to enforce the settlement. The parties were directed to file a stipulation dismissing the action with prejudice after the initial settlement payment.

Holdings

1. The court approved the proposed minor's compromise because the petition supplied the information required by Local Rule 202(b)(2), and the settlement served S.B.'s best interests and was fair and reasonable.
2. The requirements for establishing a special needs trust were satisfied because S.B.'s disability substantially impaired her ability to provide for her own care or custody, she was likely to have special needs that would not otherwise be met, and the amount placed in the trust was reasonably necessary to meet those needs.
3. The proposed attorney fees and costs were fair and reasonable in light of the litigation, the facts of the case, and the total settlement amount.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the proposed settlement and minor's compromise should be approved under the court's obligation to protect the interests of a minor plaintiff.
2. Whether the proposed settlement satisfies the requirements for establishing a special needs trust under California Probate Code § 3604(b).
3. Whether the proposed attorney fees and costs are fair and reasonable.

Disposition

approved