TAFT, Calif. — On Thursday, opening statements will begin for the civil lawsuit brought by a school shooting survivor against the school district he claims failed to protect him.

Back in January of 2013 Bowe Cleveland, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was sitting in class when Bryan Oliver walked into the classroom and opened fire --striking Cleveland in the chest.

Cleveland survived the attack and has since undergone at least 22 surgeries.

Cleveland's attorney Daniel Rodriguez filed the lawsuit against the Taft Union High School District in April of 2013. Rodriguez is arguing the district failed to keep students safe despite several warning signs about gunman Bryan Oliver's behavior. Rodriguez is also seeking damages to cover Cleveland's medical fees.

Witness testimony and evidence are expected to be presented late Thursday morning and the trial is expected to last until July.