M.S., a minor by and through her guardian ad litem Tammi Bryan v. Dana Steven McGowan, Terriann Kuhlmann

Case Background

On July 22, 2022, Plaintiff  Lori LaRock filed a Child abuse lawsuit in the California Superior Court, Sonoma County (Case number: 1:19cv604).  Patrick M. Broderick presided over this case.

Cause

In July 2022, M.S., a courageous survivor of sexual abuse, filed a groundbreaking child abuse lawsuit in the Sonoma County Superior Court. Represented by her guardian ad litem, Tammi Bryan, the lawsuit targeted Dana Steven McGowan and his former wife, Terriann Kuhlmann. The legal action stemmed from a deeply traumatic history of systematic sexual abuse that devastated multiple child victims over more than a decade.

The pattern of sexual abuse spanned from 2006 to 2020, exposing a horrific landscape of childhood trauma. McGowan strategically carried out his abuse across multiple locations within his Rohnert Park, California household. The predatory locations included the family home, a backyard hot tub, and an RV parked in the driveway. McGowan routinely manipulated his environment, frequently sleeping alone with his young victims in the RV while his wife, Terriann Kuhlmann, remained inside the house, allegedly oblivious to the ongoing sexual abuse.

Injuries

The child abuse lawsuit meticulously documented the severe and permanent injuries M.S. sustained due to her prolonged sexual abuse. These damages included profound psychological trauma, potential long-term mental health challenges, and extensive emotional distress. The legal claim emphasized the comprehensive developmental impact of childhood sexual abuse, highlighting the deep, multifaceted wounds inflicted by such systematic violations.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): M.S., a minor by and through her guardian ad litem Tammi Bryan
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Scott R. Montgomery | Kaitlyn D. Wright
  • Defendant(s): Terriann Steven Kuhlmann | Dana Steven McGowan
    • Counsel for Defendants: Todd Angstadt | Andrea Murphy

Claims

The civil child abuse lawsuit focused on Terriann Kuhlmann, advancing a sophisticated legal argument of negligence. M.S. alleged that Kuhlmann failed in her fundamental duty to detect, prevent, and protect children from McGowan’s systematic sexual abuse. The legal strategy argued that Kuhlmann’s alleged willful ignorance or deliberate blindness directly contributed to the prolonged traumatization of multiple child victims.

Defense

Terriann Kuhlmann’s defense in the child abuse lawsuit focused on her complete lack of knowledge regarding the crimes committed by her ex-husband, Dana Steven McGowan. She argued that she could not have foreseen or detected his abusive behavior. There were no signs or indicators suggesting such criminal actions within their household. The defense emphasized that negligence requires a failure to act with reasonable care. Kuhlmann had no means of knowing about McGowan’s sexual abuse of children.

She portrayed herself as an unsuspecting victim of his deceptive actions, shocked by the revelations just like anyone else. Kuhlmann’s legal team challenged the plaintiff to provide concrete evidence of her awareness or negligence, arguing that proximity or marital relationship alone does not impose liability. They also noted the difficulty of recognizing concealed criminal behavior in a domestic setting and drew on legal precedents that limit spousal liability when the spouse has no knowledge of the crime.

Jury Verdict

On October 8, 2024, a jury rendered a verdict in favor of M.S., awarding her $46 million in damages. The decision came after the jury found the defendant liable for the harm caused to M.S. in this child abuse lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request