TopVerdict.com has recognized attorneys Khalid Hasan, of Kasan Law, and Katherine Cárdenas, of Lucas & Cárdenas, for their role in obtaining a $2.5 million jury verdict for their client. Top Verdict has recognized their verdict as one of the 50 largest verdicts in Illinois in 2019. Top 50 Verdicts consists of the largest verdicts, settlements, and arbitration awards secured by attorneys and law firms throughout Illinois during the 2019 calendar year.

Top Verdict has recognized attorneys Katherine Cárdenas and Khalid Hasan for the jury verdict obtained in Jane Doe 1 v. Cicero School District 99, Case No. 2016 L 011004. The case involved a woman, Jane Doe 1, that was sexually assaulted as a kindergartener by her teacher at Woodbine Elementary School during the 2001-2002 school year. The complaint alleged that Roberto Aguilar sexually assaulted Jane Doe 1 during class, and by removing her from her other kindergarten classes under the guise he was providing her help with schoolwork.

In 2005, Jane Doe 1 told her parents about her abuse. However, in 2002, Aguilar had left the United States, and his whereabouts were unknown. In 2013, another female student wrote an essay for her high school class regarding the sexual abuse she experienced as a kindergartener in Aguilar’s class during the 2001-2002 school year. After the high school contacted the authorities, the police located and arrested Aguilar.

The lawsuit alleged the school district did not implement and enforce policies to protect students from sexual abuse. The lawsuit also alleged the school district never conducted a criminal background check, reference check, or employment verification before hiring Aguilar. On November 19, 2019, attorneys Katherine Cárdenas and Khalid Hasan secured a $2.5 million jury verdict in favor of Jane Doe 1.

*As required by the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 7.4, the Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and the certificate, award or recognition is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.