LAPORTE | The LaPorte School Corporation will pay nothing despite a $500,000 award from a lawsuit that involved a 9-year-old boy who died after choking on a hot dog during lunch.

LaPorte School Board member Ron Gigliotti said Tuesday the money will be paid from an insurance policy the school district had purchased many years ago to provide coverage in the event of such a tragedy.

"We're covered for any judgement that we have against us," Gigliotti said.

Last week, a LaPorte Circuit Court jury awarded Maria Rosales $5 million, citing negligence for the school corporation not having an ample number of staff trained to handle a medical emergency like choking.

Juan Loera died in September 2006 after choking on a corn dog in the cafeteria at Hailmann Elementary School.

The award was reduced to $500,000 under a cap in Indiana for lawsuits involving municipalities and school corporations.

Gigliotti said it'll be up to the lawyers for the insurance company to decide whether to appeal.

Since the choking death, the school corporation has trained practically all staff members, including janitors, on the Heimlich maneuver and other procedures.

"It's obviously too late in this case," Gigliotti said.