School bus strikes, drags pedestrian in fatal collision

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The decedent was killed when a school bus struck her while she was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk in Mattapan.

At the time of the incident, the bus was taking a right-hand turn and had a green light, and the decedent was crossing without the walk signal. The collision occurred on a rainy early morning in October while it was still dark out.

The plaintiff argued that the bus driver negligently failed to observe the victim both approaching the crosswalk and in the crosswalk, failed to yield to her, and then continued driving, dragging her under the bus, despite clear evidence of the collision and her audible cries for help.

The plaintiff also pointed to the fact that the driver had a long history of driving violations, including previous preventable incidents and traffic infractions, yet was retained and inadequately supervised by the bus companies responsible for his hiring and oversight.

The decedent was survived by her brother and father.

Action: Motor vehicle negligence
Injuries alleged: Conscious pain and suffering, wrongful death
Case name: Withheld
Court/case no.: Withheld
Jury and/or judge: N/A (mediated)
Name of mediator: Brian Mone
Amount: $3 million
Date: March 22, 2025
Attorney: Jennifer Denker of Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, Boston (for the plaintiff)