Former Alta High School basketball player, Santiago Lake, has filed a lawsuit against the school, Canyons School District, and ex-teammate, Kyle Valdez, following a violent altercation that left him with life-altering injuries.
In January 2020, during a team practice, 15-year-old Lake reportedly encouraged Valdez to put in more effort. Valdez, allegedly angered, shouted at Lake and later confronted him in the locker room. When Lake tried to de-escalate the situation, Valdez purportedly punched him, causing significant harm. Lake’s injuries were so severe he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury at the hospital.
Santiago Lake’s lawsuit accuses Alta High School and the Canyons School District of negligence, citing that the school was aware of Valdez’s previous violent tendencies. Valdez faces negligence charges for causing the harm to Lake. The suit seeks damages covering medical treatment, potential lost wages, pain, mental anguish, and changes to Lake’s lifestyle.
There hasn’t been a specified monetary value tied to the lawsuit. However, the school district and Valdez are both required to respond to the complaint within 30 days. The response could be anything from an admission of guilt to a request for more information.
Lake’s lawyer has indicated that he is working to secure financial compensation for his client. If found guilty, Valdez could face legal repercussions such as jail time or fines in addition to any money awarded to Lake.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a traumatic brain injury due to another’s negligence, reach out to the Brain Injury Help Center in California for expert legal assistance in pursuing compensation. No fees unless we win.
