Trial News

Nadia Gibbons left her 18-month-daughter at the home of Summer Shalodi, a teacher in the child’s Head Start program. Shalodi administered Xanax to the child and left her home alone. Several hours later, when Shalodi returned home and found the child unresponsive, she shook her and placed her in hot and cold water. Emergency personnel came to the home after a few hours, but the child had already died. She is survived by her mother. Shalodi was sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Gibbons sued Shalodi for her daughter's wrongful death.

The jury awarded $70.5 million. The award includes $35.25 million in punitive damages.

Citation: Gibbons v. Shalodi, No. 17CV193745 (Ohio Ct. Com. Pl. Lorain Cnty. June 25, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Dennis R. Lansdowne, Cleveland.