A mother has filed a lawsuit against the School Board of Marion County, alleging her child was injured when a school bus driver prematurely closed an electric door on the student’s head.
The lawsuit was filed on Monday, April 27, by Lisa Buezo on behalf of her minor child, J.B.. According to the complaint, the incident occurred nearly two years ago, on or about May 2, 2024.
At the time of the incident, J.B. was a student at Marion Oaks Elementary School. The filing states that as the child was exiting the school bus, the driver, who was acting within the scope of their employment, engaged the electric bus door prematurely. The door subsequently closed on and struck J.B. in the head.
The complaint alleges that the School Board breached its duty to safely transport and supervise student passengers by “negligently and carelessly operating the school bus door system.” The mother claims the district failed to ensure the student had safely cleared the exit before engaging the closure mechanism.
As a result of the strike, the lawsuit alleges the child suffered bodily injury, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and medical expenses. The filing further claims these losses are either permanent or continuing in nature.
Buezo is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, exclusive of costs and interest, and has demanded a trial by jury. The School Board of Marion County has not yet filed a formal response to the allegations in court.
Just three days prior to the filing, the School Board of Marion County filed to join a separate, class action lawsuit against social media companies for allegedly promoting addiction in children.