Military school teacher sued for alleged physical assault of student

NEW ORLEANS – A military school teacher who has been accused of physically assaulting a student during class is being sued by the student's mother.

Tracy Lee, individually and on behalf of her minor son, filed suit against York Risk Services Group, inc., New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy Inc. and Dana Gravot in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Jan. 10.

According to the plaintiff, her son was seated in class at the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy when Dana Gravot, his teacher, accused him of throwing a pen. When her son denied the allegation, Gravot announced he could choose between a write up and visiting the school disciplinarian. When her son tried to leave the classroom to meet with the disciplinarian Gravot allegedly blocked the door and verbally confronted him before suddenly grabbing him near the chest and neck, the lawsuit says.

The plaintiff's son claims he sustained multiple, severe injuries to the structure, muscles and tissue of his body, his neck, chest, and psychological injuries to the brain due to the incident.

Lee accuses the defendants of negligence, authorizing unsafe practices, breaching their duty of care, failing to properly train its employees, failing to maintain the school in accordance with municipal, state and other applicable laws and failing to properly ensure the safety of, properly discipline and provide a safe environment for its students.

The plaintiff seeks unspecified damages for the student's physical suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and loss of function.

The petitioner is represented by attorney DaShawn Hayes of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Paula A. Brown.

Case no. 2014-00369.