School bus driver sued for allegedly striking child in face

GRETNA – A school bus driver who was transporting students to school when one of them allegedly activated the emergency alarm is being sued by the family of a student who claims he struck him in the face after being blamed him for stopping the bus.

Henry P. Cousins, individually on behalf of his minor son, filed suit against Willie Jones, First Student Inc. and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on May 8.

Cousins asserts his son was riding on a bus going to Judge Lionel Collins Montessori School that was driven by Jones and owned by First Students Inc. on May 20, 2013 when an unknown student sounded the bus’s emergency alarm. The plaintiff claims Jones pulled the bus over and proceeded to the back of the bus at which time he picked up the plaintiff’s son and slammed him into his seat before striking him in the face.

The defendant is accused of violation of law in the form of simple battery, failing to provide competent employees, failing to properly supervise employees, failing to properly train employees, failing to adequately provide children with a safe school bus environment and failing to exercise due care and caution entrusted with the safety of children.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical care, emotional pain and suffering, post traumatic stress disorder and developmental disturbances.

Cousins is represented by Jared M. Newchurch of Gretna-based Beevers & Beevers LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.

Case no. 738-241.