School student, 13, disfigured after science experiment files lawsuit

 Posted on May 29, 2024  |  4 minutes  |  737 words  |  Martina Birk

The family of a 13-year-old boy left severely burned after his teacher allegedly botched a dangerous science experiment have filed a lawsuit against the school district. 

Priest Rivera was left with burn injuries to his forehead, cheeks, ears and chest when his sixth-grade teacher, Lori Feinberg, carried out a 'black snake' experiment in front of unprotected students at San Diego's Capri Elementary on June 13. 

Last Monday, Rivera's family entered a complaint against Encinitas Union School District in California's state court seeking an unspecified amount in damages. 

According to the complaint, Feinberg 'recklessly' performed the black snake experiment, which involves mixing involving baking soda, sugar, sand and alcohol before introducing a flame, whereupon a 'carbon snake' should rise from the concoction. 

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Priest Rivera was left with burn injuries to his forehead, cheeks, ears and chest when his sixth-grade teacher, Lori Feinberg, carried out a 'black snake' experiment in front of unprotected students at San Diego's Capri Elementary on June 13. He is pictured before the accident Rivera is pictured in the hospital shortly after he sustained the facial burns

Priest Rivera was left with burn injuries to his forehead, cheeks, ears and chest when his sixth-grade teacher, Lori Feinberg, carried out a 'black snake' experiment in front of unprotected students at San Diego's Capri Elementary on June 13. He is pictured before and after the incident 

The 'black snake' experiment involves mixing involving baking soda, sugar, sand and alcohol together before introducing a flame, whereupon a 'carbon snake' (pictured) ahould rise from the mixture

The 'black snake' experiment involves mixing involving baking soda, sugar, sand and alcohol together before introducing a flame, whereupon a 'carbon snake' (pictured) ahould rise from the mixture

On the day of the incident, Feinberg allegedly took her students outdoors 'and into the wind' to perform the 'flammable' experiment. She first spread sand on the bottom of an aluminum cooking pan while her students stood close by. 

She allegedly added baking soda, sugar, and alcohol to the mix before she lit the ingredients with a lighter. The mixture did not ignite, and the 'snake' did not rise

Feinberg is said to have poured additional alcohol, before there was a 'loud pop and an explosion' and 'flame jet burst from the mixture, engulfing Rivera' in fire.  

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The teen's skin, hair and clothing were on fire, and there was no fire blanket on hand to help put out the flames. 

Rivera was rushed to hospital with 'excruciating' burns. Photographs taken in the emergency room are included in the legal complaint, and show the irreversible damage done to the youngster's face. 

The complaint alleges both negligence and negligent action and training, stating that 'Feinberg and the District knew it was highly probable that injury could occur when conducting an experiment involving flames, but knowingly disregarded that risk'. 

The Rivera family are now seeking a jury trial. 

Rivera's skin, hair and clothing were on fire, and there was no fire blanket on hand to help put out the flames, according to the lawsuit. Graphic photos of his injuries were included in the complaint Rivera's injuries are pictured

Rivera's skin, hair and clothing were on fire, and there was no fire blanket on hand to help put out the flames, according to the lawsuit. Graphic photos of his injuries were included in the complaint 

The incident occurred at Capri Elementary in San Diego.  Rivera's family have now filed a lawsuit against the school district

The incident occurred at Capri Elementary in San Diego.  Rivera's family have now filed a lawsuit against the school district 

They hope to attain 'general damages' including damages for past and future pain and suffering, as well as mental and emotional distress. 

They additional hope to be awarded Special damages including damages for past and future medical care and lost earning capacity. 

The Rivera family told Fox 5 that surgeries have been expensive. 

While it remains unclear how much Rivera could receive, the case is similar to another which was heard in court last year. 

Last July, Alonzo Yanes was awarded $59.1 million in damages after he was left with facial burns following his science teacher's botched experiment 

Rivera is pictured before the incident Rivera is is hoping to attain 'General damages' including damages for past and future pain and suffering, as well as mental and emotional distress

Rivera is pictured before and after the incident. He is hoping to attain 'General damages' including damages for past and future pain and suffering, as well as mental and emotional distress.

NEW YORK STUDENT LEFT DISFIGURED AWARDED $59.1M

Last July, Alonzo Yanes was awarded $59.1 million in damages after he sued  the New York Department of Education and his high school teacher after he was left with burns following a botched science experiment in 2014. 

Science teacher Anna Poole was attempting to conduct a 'Rainbow Experiment' when it exploded and flames doused 30% of Yanes' body. 

He spent five months in hospital recovering from the incident, and was left permanently disfigured. 

During his jury trial, Yanes emotionally told the court that he believed he 'looked like something from a horror movie' and had trouble dating. 

He was initially seeking $27 million in damages, but recently nearly double that amount 

Alonzo Yanes was awarded $59.1 million in damages in a similar case last year

 Alonzo Yanes was awarded $59.1 million in damages in a similar case last year 

 

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