Jury Awards $6.78 million to 13-year-old in a School Bus-Pedestrian Accident in New York
At age 13, Ernest Lewis and his mother, Brenda Lewis, were running to catch a stopped bus. Ernest ran alongside the nonmoving bus, hitting its side to alert the driver that he and his mother were approaching. Ernest slipped between the wheels, and the driver ran over him. Six years later, experienced bus accident lawyer Richard Gurfein represented Ernest’s family. He proved to the jury that the bus driver was negligent and that Ernest deserved damages for past pain and suffering, medical expenses, and future pain and suffering. The bus – pedestrian lawsuit award totaled $6.78 million.
If you or your child was injured in a school bus accident, our legal team will provide you with the expertise to secure the compensation you deserve to pay for medical bills, pain, and suffering. We know that both experiencing and witnessing school bus accidents are traumatic for children and can lead to lengthy physical and emotional recoveries.
It is widely believed that school buses provide the safest mode of transport for children traveling to and from school and on field trips. However, accidents occur and often involve serious or fatal injuries. Both passengers and pedestrians can be injured during a bus crash because they don’t engage seat belts, slip, and fall while on the bus, or are struck when boarding or exiting the vehicle.
School bus accidents may involve multiple victims and drivers. This complicates the case and the process of determining who to hold accountable for damages. Our school bus accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure your legal rights are protected while helping you recover maximum compensation from all responsible parties.
Who may be at fault in a school bus accident?
One or more of the following may be at fault:
- School bus driver
- The driver of another vehicle
- School district
- School bus manufacturer
- Parts manufacturer
- A third-party under contract to maintain the bus
- Private church, school or other organization that owned and operated the school bus
- The private company under contract to provide transportation for the school
- Government responsible for construction, road infrastructure, and maintenance
What are common causes of bus accidents?
School bus accidents are caused most commonly by driving mistakes that include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
- Sleep-deprivation driving
What damages can you pursue compensation to cover?
Compensation for both economic and non-economic damages may be recovered from various sources and include:
- Medical costs – current and future
- Rehabilitation and therapy sessions
- Home health care visits and equipment
- Long-term care
- Lost income and future lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Special equipment and home modifications to accommodate a disability
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Diminished quality of life
Contact an experienced school bus-pedestrian accident lawyer today.
At Gurfein Douglas, you can rely on the scientific training of our two partners to uncover the often hidden technical details of your school bus accident lawsuit that the untrained eye might miss. Our school bus accident lawyer knows what insurance companies look for in evaluating claims, how to make the most beneficial settlement offers, and how to best prepare your case. If you or your child was hurt, you deserve compensation.
At Gurfein Douglas LLP, you can rely on our scientific and engineering knowledge and years of experience to uncover the story that the untrained eye might miss. Developing the theory of the case and understanding the medical details and standard of care resulted in this case record and just outcome. In the video, learn more about why Richard Gurfein and Preston Douglas are the Lawyers With An Edge. If you feel, the negligence of a doctor or hospital has severely injured you.