An accident almost five years ago changed the life of one then 17-year-old Pennsylvania girl dramatically. The young woman was injured when a school bus plowed into her and around 19 other high school students. School had just let out and all were preparing to go home for the day.

The young woman’s hip and leg were crushed when she was dragged beneath one of the bus’ tires. Unfortunately the injury made it necessary to amputate one of her legs above the knee. She finished high school from home and is currently taking online college courses. She lives with her parents and gets around using crutches as the prosthetic she was originally fitted did not work well for her.

Experts have estimated that her medical expenses will cost more than $3.2 million. Taking into consideration lost wages, in total, her damages may be over $7 million. Though nothing can be done to put the young woman in the position she was prior to the accident, she filed a personal injury lawsuit against the school district in an effort to recoup damages to cover the expenses.

The school district recently admitted that the driver of the bus that hit the girl put his foot on the accelerator when he meant to hit the brake. Accordingly, the upcoming trial will address damages only. Currently, the state of Pennsylvania has a law that caps the damages that can be recouped by from a municipality or school district at $500,000 per incident.

Because the constitutionality of this law is likely to be challenged, the outcome of this trial is sure to be of interest to many and we will post updates as they become available.

Source: The Republic, “Pa. school admits bus driver hit accelerator before crashing into students; teen girl lost leg,” MaryClaire Dale, Nov. 29, 2011