Parents Sue SoCal School over 9th-Grader’s Fatal Parking Lot Crash

Parents are suing a private school in Studio City, California, following the tragic death of their 15-year-old son in a parking lot accident. Cosmo Silverman was fatally injured on June 4 when he was struck by a Rivian SUV while crossing the parking area after school.

Details of the Incident

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, highlights alleged negligence by Campbell Hall, the elite K-12 institution where Cosmo was a ninth-grade student. According to the complaint, the school failed to address safety concerns raised by parents regarding the parking lot’s design.

Despite being warned, the school reportedly did not implement necessary safety improvements. “The school was put on notice by its community that the parking lot was unsafe,” stated Robert Glassman, the attorney representing Silverman’s parents, Adam Silverman and Louise Bonnet.

Timeline of Events

• June 4, 2023: Cosmo Silverman, 15, is killed in a parking lot accident.
• 3:10 PM: LAPD receives a report of a collision involving a pedestrian.
• Immediate Response: Cosmo is rushed to the hospital, where he is pronounced dead.

During the incident, two other minors and three adults sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

School’s Response and Changes

Following the incident, Campbell Hall made several adjustments to its pickup procedures. These modifications include:

• A fence to separate the pickup line from a nearby lawn.
• A designated footpath for pedestrians.
• A stop sign placed in front of the pedestrian pathway.

The parents assert that these measures should have been implemented prior to the incident, which they claim could have prevented the tragedy. “Had these basic safety measures been implemented before June 4, 2023, this tragedy would have been averted,” the lawsuit argues.

Legal Action

The decision to file the lawsuit came after the family’s failed attempts to work with the school’s insurance company. Glassman emphasized that the action was taken not out of anger, but from necessity to seek justice for their son.

The Impact of a Tragic Loss

The suit paints a poignant picture of the emotional toll on Cosmo’s family. They describe their loss as not just the end of a life but a loss of dreams and joyous moments. Cosmo was remembered as a vibrant young man who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Campbell Hall, an Episcopal school known for its distinguished alumni, has not commented publicly on the lawsuit. The case raises significant questions about student safety protocols and their enforcement in education settings.