STUDIO CITY, CA — Campbell Hall, a prestigious K-12 private school in Los Angeles, has filed a formal response to a wrongful death lawsuit, denying any responsibility for the June 2025 death of 15-year-old student Cosmo Silverman. In court documents filed on February 26, the school alleged that the teenager’s own “negligence” was the “sole and proximate cause” of the fatal incident.
The legal battle stems from a tragedy on June 4, 2024, the final day of the freshman school year. Silverman was in the school’s pickup area when he was pinned between two SUVs. The Silverman family filed their lawsuit in December, alleging that the school’s “dangerously designed” parking lot and lack of basic safety protocols led to their son’s death.
School Shifts Blame to Student and Manufacturer
In its recent filing, Campbell Hall’s legal team presented a multi-pronged defense that has sparked immediate backlash from the victim’s family. Beyond accusing the deceased student of negligence, the school filed a cross-complaint against three other parties:
- The Driver: The individual operating the vehicle that struck Silverman.
- The Vehicle Owner: The driver’s father.
- Rivian Automotive: The manufacturer of the electric SUV involved in the crash.
The school argues that if it is found liable for any damages, those costs should be redistributed among these third parties based on their “degree of fault.”
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“Ludicrous and Heartless”: Family Attorney Responds
Robert Glassman, the attorney representing Adam and Louise Silverman, issued a scathing rebuke of the school’s legal strategy. In a statement, Glassman characterized the school’s allegations against the 15-year-old as “ludicrous, vile, and heartless.”
“It’s shameful the school is now blaming its own students for its massive shortcomings and failures to fix the problems in the parking lot,” Glassman stated. He further dismissed the cross-complaint against Rivian as “frivolous,” noting that the Los Angeles Police Department and independent experts found no mechanical failures or defects in the vehicle.
Allegations of Preventable Hazards
The original wrongful death suit claims that Campbell Hall was aware of safety risks in its transit zones but failed to act until after the tragedy occurred. According to the plaintiffs, the school implemented a series of “basic safety measures” only in the wake of Silverman’s death—measures the family argues should have been in place for years.
The Silvermans’ legal team previously noted that the family attempted to settle the matter through “good-faith discussions” to avoid litigation, but claimed the school’s insurance providers refused to negotiate or accept responsibility.
A Community in Mourning
Campbell Hall, known for its elite status and high-profile alumni, has remained largely silent on the specific legal allegations. Head of School Rev. Canon Julian P. Bull previously acknowledged the litigation in a letter to the school community, stating the school’s “prayers continue to be with the Silverman family,” while citing ongoing legal proceedings as the reason for the lack of public comment.
As the case moves forward in Los Angeles County court, the discovery phase is expected to focus heavily on the school’s historical parking lot safety records and the LAPD’s forensic analysis of the crash site.
