School, chaperone sued in alleged burning of child

NEW ORLEANS – A local woman is suing the school and chaperone responsible for her child’s well-being during an incident where the child's face and neck were injured by boiling water that was allegedly thrown on him by another student.

Alisha Smith on behalf of her minor son filed suit against Patrice Lambert as well as Delbert Jolla, Algiers Charter School Association, Lexington Insurance Company and National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.

Alisha Smith claims that while on a school field trip her son was injured by Cleveland while left unsupervised. She alleges that Lambert's son threw scalding water on her son’s face while he was sleeping, causing severe burns and injuries.

Delbert Jolla, an employee of Algiers Charter School Association is accused of failing to maintain a safe place for its students, and to take necessary measures to protect the safety of its students, Algiers Charter School is accused of failing to properly maintain and supervise students, and failing to take steps to avoid this incident. In addition, they are charged with failing to notify Carter’s legal guardian immediately.

An unspecified amount of damages is sought for pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, permanent scarring, loss of earning capacity, temporary and permanent disability, life care expenses and loss of consortium.

The plaintiff is represented by New Orleans-based attorney Jeremy Pichon of Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest.

Case has been assigned to Division H Judge Michael Bagneris.

Case No. 2013-11218.