The untimely death of 15-year-old Jasiel Sanders, a student at College Park Middle School, has left his family reeling, prompting them to demand answers from the school district. According to statements from the family’s attorney, Jasiel tragically passed away on Monday while on a school bus, sparking concerns and questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Initial reports suggest that Jasiel experienced difficulty breathing shortly after boarding the bus, eventually losing consciousness. His sister, who was present during the incident, alerted the bus driver to the situation. However, instead of immediately responding to the emergency, the driver allegedly questioned the severity of Jasiel’s condition, causing further distress to the family.
Despite the urgent pleas for assistance, it is alleged that the bus continued its route for some distance before finally stopping and calling 911. Regrettably, Jasiel was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, with the cause of his death yet to be determined.
The family’s attorney expressed outrage over the handling of the situation, particularly noting that the bus driver purportedly bypassed a medical facility during the ordeal, potentially delaying critical medical attention for Jasiel.
In response to inquiries, district officials stated that the incident was deemed a medical event by the Orlando Police Department and is currently under internal review by the district’s Office of Professional Standards. Preliminary findings suggest that the bus driver pulled over in response to a separate incident on the bus and subsequently noticed Jasiel in distress, following standard operating procedures by contacting emergency services.
Amidst the ongoing investigation, the family is scheduled to hold a news conference to address Jasiel’s tragic passing and seek accountability for the circumstances leading up to his death. The conference is slated for Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. at 2707 E. Jefferson St., providing an opportunity for the family to share their perspective and advocate for justice in the wake of their profound loss.
Legal Recourse for the Loss of a Child
Losing a child due to negligence, such as a bus driver’s failure to promptly address a child’s medical emergency, brings unimaginable grief compounded by frustration and confusion over preventable circumstances. While no legal action can undo this tragedy, pursuing a wrongful death claim can offer a sense of justice and prevent future incidents. At Anthony-Smith Law, we are committed to helping families navigate these challenging times, providing the necessary legal support to seek justice and closure.
When a child loses their life under circumstances that could have been prevented, such as the failure of a bus driver to respond appropriately to a medical emergency, among the first steps to take for the family is to seek legal advice. A qualified attorney can review the facts, advise on the viability of a wrongful death claim, and outline the necessary steps to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Assessing the Liability of the Bus Company
In the case described, where a bus driver did not take immediate action upon noticing a child struggling to breathe, the bus company may be held liable. This liability can stem from several factors:
- Negligence Training and Policies: If it is found that the bus driver was not properly trained on emergency procedures, or if the company lacks adequate policies for such situations, the company can be held responsible for the oversight.
- Driver’s Inaction: The driver’s failure to stop immediately and seek emergency medical care could be seen as a breach of the duty of care owed to the passengers.
An attorney can help gather evidence, such as training records, company policies, and witness statements, to build a strong case against the company. Additionally, they will determine what insurance company insures the bus driver and his employers, as well as what their policy limits are. In the case of wrongful death, there is often an increased death benefit.
Assessing The Potential for Medical Malpractice
If an injured child was eventually attended to but received poor medical care, or if there was a detrimental delay in receiving medical attention, there may also be grounds for a medical malpractice suit. These cases hinge on proving that the medical care providers deviated from the standard of care expected in their professional community, directly leading to the child’s death. An attorney will employ third party experts to review the medical data to ensure there was no negligence. If negligence is found, the attorney can then help the family pursue justice.
The Role of an Attorney in Wrongful Death Cases
Handling the loss of a child is overwhelming, and navigating the legal landscape adds an additional layer of stress. An experienced wrongful death attorney is crucial for several reasons:
- Determining Negligence: An attorney can help determine who is legally at fault, whether it’s the bus driver, the bus company, medical personnel, or other parties.
- Legal Guidance and Emotional Support: Lawyers not only provide legal guidance but also emotional support, helping families manage the burden of legal proceedings during a time of grief.
- Negotiating Settlements: Most wrongful death cases are settled out of court. A skilled attorney can negotiate settlements to secure fair compensation without the need for a trial.
- Litigation: If a settlement is not possible, an attorney will prepare to represent the family in court, managing all aspects of the trial process to advocate for the family’s best interests.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Anthony-Smith?
At Anthony-Smith Law, we understand the profound impact of losing a child due to negligence. Our compassionate team is prepared to fight tirelessly for your family’s right to compensation and justice. We handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on healing. It is simply unacceptable. Those who are liable need to understand there are consequences for negligence, and parents do not deserve the added burden of funeral expenses, lost wages, and the emotional impact of losing their child. Our lawyers passionately advocate for parents.
For families dealing with the loss of a child due to negligence, legal action can offer a path to justice and financial stability in the face of unforeseen medical bills and other expenses. Contact Anthony-Smith Law at 321-900-HELP (321-900-4357) to discuss your case with a team that stands ready to support and advocate for you during this difficult time.
This journey is not one to walk alone. Let us help carry the burden and seek the justice your child deserves.
Alisia Hanson is the marketing coordinator for Anthony-Smith Law. She has been writing professionally since 2012 and is a professional website designer, coder, SEO marketer, grassroots marketer, and communications specialist. Alisia builds marketing plans that are strong and effective. In her free time, she loves to read, write short stories and novels, and watch movies and TV shows.