My son was seriously injured in a school bus crash - how to proceed?

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   ChristinSposted 11 years ago

   My son was seriously injured in a school bus crash - how to proceed?
   
   He was seriously injured, had 2 surgeries on his leg in the past 3 days and the driver of the school bus was cited for failure to reduce speed.  He rear ended a semi and these kids are lucky to all be alive.  My son had major surgery to his leg and may need future surgeries.  How should I proceed? want to make sure future medical needs, if necessary, are covered as well as our missed work days and other expenses - not being greedy etc.

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   Starmom41posted 11 years ago

   Talk to a lawyer.  If you can't afford one, contact the Legal Aid dept. in your area. 
   Do it asap, as there are time limits on filing these kinds of lawsuits.

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   Becky Katzposted 11 years ago

   Get a lawyer, there are many that will do this for future recompense.  Legal aid will not help in this situation.

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   Daniel Peeblesposted 11 years ago

   I am a lawyer. If you live in Kansas or Missouri -- I can help you. 816-767-1400. In any event, get a personal injury lawyer, and don't go for the quick settlement. Make sure he is completely released from his doctor and you have a clear, documented picture of his future medical needs before you try to settle. The school bus and the semi are both, I am sure, heavily insured.
   
   On the other end, I am a Quantum Touch energy healer, and would be glad to send distance healing for your son.
   
   Daniel

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   ThelmaCposted 11 years ago

   I am a former legal secretary and I recommend you get a lawyer quickly before you sign anything or talk to any insurance companies, etc.  Let the attorney do all of the talking for you.

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   libby1970posted 11 years ago

   Talk to a personal injury lawyer. They will look at your case free of charge and most wont charge you unless they win. Ask questions and find out their rate. Good Luck.

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   ChristinSposted 11 years ago

   In our state lawyers automatically get a 1/3 of a settlement and that seems ridiculously high to me in this case because the bus driver was 100% at fault and it will take nothing to prove this but the police report when it is released.  I feel that many (not all) lawyers will just take advantage of my son's suffering and I am not keen on going that route, although I am a bit afraid to tackle them by myself.
   
   I have been doing a lot of research and reading about the laws in my state.  I want him to be treated with respect and to receive a proper settlement that will cover all future medical care, counseling, and physical therapy he is going to require - plus I'll be honest, this driver was negligent - 100% at fault he could have killed these kids.
   
   I think my son deserves a little something also for the trauma he's endured.  He will be MONTHS in a full leg cast and then a boot through no fault of his own.  This was an active kid who is now climbing the walls.  He has PTSD already and is depressed.  I am not an angry person or vengeful, but this is really hard to process and forgive.  I think this driver deserves more than just a ticket and job demotion for failure to reduce speed.  How do you not see a SEMI right in front of you? - That's his claim he didn't see it slowing down as they started entering a construction zone.  Two kids out of this are facing serious injuries and recovery times and the rest are traumatized and dealing with whiplash, cuts, sprains etc etc.  SAD and it was so preventable with just a bit of care.... smh.
   
   I don't want to "sue" but I don't trust this bus companies insurance to be totally fair in their settlement either - I guess I am just a bit jaded at this point.

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      Becky Katzposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The lawyer will be worth it and they will also tack on their fee to the lawsuit. Good luck. Make sure you get mental health counseling going too. It can be helped.

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   connorjposted 11 years ago

   Please find an experienced law firm who can afford if necessary to go to trial after arbitration (if necessary). Some states automatically place a ceiling on settlements (i.e. Florida $100,000) on accidents involving school buses; therefore, it is important to reslove this as quick as possible. Keep in mind when there exists a ceiling (limit) on settlements some states have instituted that lawyers can only charge upto 25% (i.e. Florida)...

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   BretEliotposted 11 years ago

   Please consult a accidental insurance claim consultant. You may take the services of justclaims.co.uk

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