Kansas School Bus Crash Injuries Lead to Multiple Lawsuits

By Erik Ricasa

Published on July 22, 2005

The complaint from the Yi family, who are named as plaintiffs along with Renna and her brother Mack, names eight defendants in the case: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, which recalled the original air-brake system on the bus; Thomas Built Buses, the bus manufacturer; its parent company, Freightliner LLC; Cummins Mid-America, which sold and serviced the electrical system on the bus; Liberty Public School District; Midway Ford Truck Center and Midwest Bus Sales, which did repair work on the bus; and driver Irma Denise Thomas.

Renna Yi sustained spinal cord injuries at the C-O spinal level resulting in "occipital cervical dislocation," separating her scull from the spinal column, a rarely survived injury, which has left her unable to move or speak. Mack Yi, 10, suffered injuries to his neck, back and knees as well as internal injuries.

Other lawsuits have been filed in the case on behalf of Andrew Hubbard, 6, another student on the bus. Wrongful-death lawsuits have also been filed on behalf of David Gleason, 53, and David Sandweiss, 49, the motorists killed in the crash.

Investigation into possible defects in the bus's brake and electrical systems are still underway, and findings will not be conclusive for a few months according to Federal officials and Liberty police.