Family Sues Over Fatal School Bus/Pedestrian Collision

By Merylee Robbins

Published on September 28, 2005

School bus driver Christine Braden hit Filitz as she was half-way through the crosswalk at the intersection of Harlem Ave. and Stephenson St. Filitz sustained severe head injuries that eventually lead to her death.

Criminal charges were brought against Braden and she was found guilty of failing to yield to a pedestrian. The sentence required Braden pay a $500 fine plus court costs. Filitz's family is now suing Braden for negligent driving, and the school district for negligent entrustment by allowing Braden, a driver with a significant number of traffic violations, to operate the school bus.

The lawsuit asks for compensation in excess of $50,000 to cover Susan's medical bills, funeral costs, and pain and suffering of the family. The family also hopes that the suit will prompt stricter laws governing the hiring of bus drivers.

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