FEDERALDistrict Court, D. Connecticut
2014

Munn v. Hotchkiss School

24 F. Supp. 3d 155District Court, D. Connecticut • Decided 2014Enforced
Force MajeureCited 8 times

HOLDING

A boarding school failed to warn students about tick-borne encephalitis risks before sending them on a trip to China, resulting in a student's severe brain damage. A jury found the school negligent and awarded $41.75 million in damages. The court upheld the verdict, ruling that organizations owe a duty to warn of known health and safety threats on trips they sponsor, even if the specific infection location cannot be pinpointed.

KEY FINDINGS

Force Majeure

If you organize or sponsor trips (including work-related travel), you must research and communicate foreseeable health and safety risks to participants beforehand.

FULL COURT OPINION