An attorney for the Wolters Elementary student who was struck by ex-principal Brian Vollhardt in the June 7 incident caught on camera has filed a claim for damages with Fresno Unified. Jason Bell, an attorney with Baradat & Paboojian law firm in Fresno, said the student, who has special needs, didn’t suffer substantial physical injuries but required therapy and counseling. “Emotionally, this has taken a toll on him — as a 10-year-old boy that was struck by an adult,” Bell told The Bee’s Education Lab on Monday evening, “and especially an adult that was supposed to be teaching him right from wrong.” Vollhardt’s attorney, Roger Wilson, could not immediately be reached for comment after business hours Monday evening. The claim was filed with the district Sept. 12. It states that the Fresno Unified “negligently hired, retained, supervised and employed” Vollhardt. Bell said the exact dollar amount he’ll be asking the district for is still to be determined but will compensate for the “egregious” conduct to which his client was subjected.
