A $50 million settlement has been reached on behalf of a teenage girl who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck and run over by a school bus in the parking lot of Bartlett High School in Illinois.
The settlement, approved by the School District U-46 Board of Education, follows a lawsuit involving allegations of negligence and failures to enforce student safety procedures during school bus pickup.
Attorney Richard C. Sklare, alongside other members of the plaintiff’s legal team, represented the injured student in this significant case.
The School Bus Accident
On October 18, 2024, 14-year-old Yulieth Ortega was waiting for her school bus in the parking lot of Bartlett High School.
According to the lawsuit, students regularly gathered in the parking lot after school while waiting for buses to arrive. Although school transportation policies required students to remain on the sidewalk and outside the path of approaching buses, the complaint alleged that these rules were not consistently enforced.
The lawsuit further alleged that students frequently ran toward arriving buses and alongside them in an effort to secure seats.
On the afternoon of the accident, at least three supervisors were present in the parking lot. However, the complaint alleged that students were permitted to enter the bus pickup lane while buses were approaching.
As a school bus operated by Mitchell McCutchen entered the pickup area, several students, including Ortega, ran alongside the vehicle. Ortega reportedly collided with one or more students, fell to the pavement, and was run over by the bus’s right rear tire.
The accident caused devastating injuries, including a crushed pelvis, requiring extensive trauma surgery.
Lawsuit Alleged Failures in Student Safety
Following the accident, Ortega’s father, Ruben Ortega, filed a lawsuit on her behalf against the school bus driver and School District U-46 in Cook County Circuit Court.
The lawsuit alleged ordinary negligence against the bus driver and willful and wanton misconduct against the school district.
Among the allegations were failures to exercise appropriate caution when approaching students and to adequately instruct, supervise, and discipline students regarding the dangers of approaching moving school buses.
The complaint also referenced school bus safety guidance requiring students to remain at least five feet away from the curb or roadway and at least five feet in front of a bus.
These allegations raised significant concerns about student supervision and the enforcement of established school transportation safety procedures.
$50 Million Settlement Reached Before Trial
The case was scheduled for trial on September 3 in Cook County Circuit Court. However, the parties reached a $50 million settlement through mediation before trial proceedings began.
The settlement was subsequently approved by the School District U-46 Board of Education.
The substantial recovery reflects the severity of the student’s injuries and the significant long-term care needs associated with catastrophic trauma.
Legal Representation
The injured student was represented by a team of attorneys that included:
- Richard C. Sklare and Robert K. Leyshon of Sklare Law Group Ltd.
- Michaela A. Kosner and Michael L. Gallagher of Gallagher & Kosner Law LLC
- Mitchell S. Sexner of Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC
The case, Ortega v. School District U-46, et al., was filed in Cook County Circuit Court under Case No. 2024 L 013199.
Advocating for Victims of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic accidents can have life-altering consequences for victims and their families, often resulting in extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care requirements.
This $50 million settlement demonstrates the importance of pursuing accountability when alleged failures in safety procedures contribute to devastating injuries.
At Sklare Law Group, we are committed to advocating for individuals and families affected by serious personal injuries and helping them pursue the compensation they deserve.
Contact Sklare Law Group to learn more about your legal options following a serious accident.
Case results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each matter. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.
