Sex Abuse in Schools, $50M Verdict against Starbucks, and Another Cybertruck Recall

California’s March News Round-Up Includes Fentanyl Overdose Lawsuit at Orange County Jail, School Safety Failures, and Allegations of Police Impunity

The number of personal injury and wrongful death cases in California continued to rise in March 2025. The month was particularly notable for a spike in motor vehicle accidents. In San Jose, authorities reported a worrying increase in traffic-related deaths—two drivers lost their lives in separate crashes, bringing the city’s total to seven so far this year.

Additionally, the city of San Diego reached a $2 million settlement with a woman who suffered catastrophic injuries in a car accident. According to the lawsuit, the crash was caused by a missing stop sign, and the city was held liable for negligent road maintenance.

Meanwhile, a Los Angeles Superior Court jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million to a delivery driver who suffered serious injuries when a cup of hot tea spilled on his lap. According to the lawsuit, the drink had been improperly placed on a tray at the drive-through, causing third-degree burns to the driver’s thighs and genitals. In a separate case, Google agreed to pay $28 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging pay discrimination against white and Asian employees.

Lastly, the County of Los Angeles has filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison. The lawsuit alleges that the Eaton Fire was caused by faulty electrical equipment; yet another case of alleged negligence by public utilities.

California Personal Injury News Highlights for March 2025

In this monthly roundup, we share significant personal injury cases from California in March 2025. This edition covers a range of incidents, including car accidents, institutional abuse, police misconduct, and injuries in public spaces. We also explore cases involving defective products and corporate negligence that resulted in serious injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, Adamson Ahdoot is here to help. Our dedicated legal team is committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (800) 310-1606 or submit your case online. Receive a free consultation with one of our personal injury experts today.

$3.3M for Negligent Death in Jail and Class Action Lawsuit Against Snapchat

Practice Area: Wrongful Death

We begin this blog with tragic deaths that occurred under the responsibility of public entities, often as a direct result of the actions of government employees. In one heartbreaking case, an Orange County jury awarded $3.3 million to the family of a man who died from a fentanyl overdose while in custody at a county jail. The lawsuit claimed jail authorities were negligent in ensuring the inmate’s safety, allowing him access to illegal substances, and failing to provide timely medical care, which ultimately led to his death.

In another devastating case, a woman was found dead inside a pickup truck that had been involved in a crash weeks earlier. After a drunk driver collided with her vehicle, the police towed the truck away without checking its interior, unknowingly leaving the victim trapped inside. Her body was discovered a month later when a worker at the impound lot found her. In March, the victim’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, accusing authorities of gross negligence and seeking $50 million in damages.

Finally, over 60 families in Los Angeles have filed a class-action lawsuit against Snapchat. They accuse the platform of facilitating access to drugs among teenagers. The lawsuit alleges that several young people died after ingesting fentanyl-laced pills purchased through the app. The plaintiffs seek justice for the loss of their children and aim to hold Snapchat accountable for its role in enabling these tragic deaths.

Safety Concerns in the School Environment

Practice Area: Premises Liability

California schools are facing increasing scrutiny due to significant security and supervision failures. One of the most concerning incidents took place at Philadelphia Elementary School in Pomona, where a man was arrested after gaining unauthorized access to the campus. Once inside, he assaulted a first-grader in a bathroom, highlighting critical gaps in the school’s security protocols.

In another alarming case in Daly City, a child was severely injured during an after-school horseback riding activity. The boy fell from the horse after a 29-year-old woman pulled its tail, startling the animal and causing an abrupt, uncontrolled reaction.

Additionally, the San Bruno school district is facing a lawsuit for alleged negligence in preventing sexual abuse by a teacher. Jeremy Yeh, convicted of sexually abusing 17 students, could face a sentence of up to 425 years in prison.

Sexual Abuse Scandals Involving Public Workers in California

Practice Area: Sexual Abuse and Harassment

Recent sexual abuse cases in California have garnered significant attention, particularly when the alleged perpetrators are public figures. One such case involves a former Napa elementary school teacher, who, after being acquitted of similar charges in 2007, now faces serious allegations of child sexual abuse. The teacher is accused of committing lewd acts with children under the age of 14.

In another high-profile case, former San Jose councilman Omar Torres is under investigation for alleged child sexual abuse. The accusations stem from incidents in the 1990s involving a family member. Despite Torres denying the charges, the case continues to develop, attracting widespread attention due to the political ramifications it may have.

Additionally, police arrested Miguel Rosales, a San Bernardino resident, on charges of sexually abusing two teenagers. Authorities believe other victims may exist, intensifying the gravity of the case.

Police Abuse of Power and Racism Investigations

Practice Area: Police Misconduct

In March 2025, police misconduct once again dominated public discourse following several disturbing incidents across California involving abuse, injury, and discriminatory behavior by law enforcement officers.

One of the most alarming cases emerged in Antioch, where a former police officer testified under oath that he and fellow officers assaulted individuals because they enjoyed it. His statements sparked outrage and raised concerns about a possible culture of abuse and impunity within the department.

In Los Angeles, authorities are investigating several Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers after recordings revealed racist and derogatory remarks. As the investigation continues, community concern is growing, particularly about the possible involvement of high-ranking officers.

Finally, authorities in Oakland are investigating the conduct of an officer. The cop allegedly initiated an aggressive pursuit that ended in a serious crash. Preliminary findings suggest the officer’s actions may have been reckless and directly contributed to the collision.

Multiple Traffic Fatalities Across East Bay and Other California Cities

Practice Area: Traffic Accidents

March 2025 has been a devastating month on California’s roads, particularly in the East Bay.

In Danville, a crash at an intersection resulted in the death of one person and left two others injured. Meanwhile, in Concord, a head-on collision on a rural highway claimed the lives of two individuals.

The city of Hayward has faced an especially painful time period. In a three-vehicle incident, a woman died, and another person suffered serious injuries. While in another case, a man died when his car hit a curb, with his two passengers fleeing the scene and remaining unidentified.

There was also a disturbing incident reported in Redwood City. Early reports indicate that a man chased a vehicle after being hit, striking several pedestrians during the pursuit.

Motorists were also among the victims of this month’s crashes. In Millbrae, a man lost his life after colliding with a semi-truck at an intersection. In Irwindale, a video captured a motorcyclist crashing into a truck on the 210 Freeway. Remarkably, the rider sustained only minor injuries despite being thrown onto the top of the trailer upon impact.

Cybertruck, Benadryl, and Nestlé Recalls

Practice Area: Product Liability

In the automotive sector, Tesla recalled over 46,000 Cybertruck vehicles due to a defective exterior panel. The panel could detach while driving, posing a significant collision risk. This is the eighth recall of the model since its launch, raising ongoing concerns about its safety and reliability.

Several everyday consumer products also came under scrutiny. Benadryl was recalled for failing to meet child-resistant packaging requirements. Babyganics recalled its children’s sunscreens after discovering contamination that compromised their safety and effectiveness. The company sold these sunscreens at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, Walgreens, and CVS.

In the tech industry, Segway issued a recall of over 220,000 electric scooters. The recall followed a flaw in the folding mechanism, which caused at least 20 reported injuries.

Triangle Tube recalled its gas boilers due to a carbon monoxide leak hazard.

As for the food industry, several major recalls also took place, including Nestlé products, due to contamination concerns.

• USDA recalls 30,000 pounds of Chomps Beef Sticks over metal fragments.
• Del Monte Foods pulled over 200,000 cans of green beans, sold at Target, due to potential contamination with foreign matter.
• Nestlé voluntarily recalled select Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s products over concerns about the possible presence of foreign materials.

Did You Suffer an Injury in a California Accident in March 2025? Call Us Today!

In California, the risk of personal injury goes far beyond car accidents. This month’s events—including cases of sexual abuse, negligence, and school safety failures—are a stark reminder of how vulnerable people can be to the careless or reckless actions of others.

If you or your loved ones been injured in an accident, you are not alone. At Adamson Ahdoot, our legal team brings over 100 years of combined experience to every case. Our mission is to help injury victims obtain the compensation they deserve.

Call us today at (800) 310-1606 for a free and confidential consultation. Let our experts help you explore your legal options and take the first step toward justice.