LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A 12-year-old Jefferson County Public Schools student suffered a likely lifelong brain injury after back-to-back bus crashes, and a recent $2.4 million jury award has raised questions about who will pay.

In August 2018, the girl was on a JCPS bus when it collided with a car during a turn. She hit her head. Four months later, in December another crash happened when a car T-boned the bus where she was sitting, causing another serious head injury.

The students attorney Nick Naiser says the injuries have left her with headaches, memory and concentration problems, and sensitivity to light and noise — challenges likely to last a lifetime.

"This is insurance money that should’ve been paid before — there’s $1.2 million in taxpayer exposure," said attorney Naiser, whose client was awarded more than $2.4 million this February.

JCPS and its insurer, Travelers, initially offered a $30,000 settlement, less than the cost of the legal proceedings. When the family refused, the district took the case to trial. JCPS has underinsured motorist insurance, so even if a JCPS bus driver is not at fault the district still pays. 

"They engaged in a years-long practice of delay, defend, and deny," Naiser said.

A district spokesperson said, "Plaintiff counsel’s description is not a complete account of the case. A final judgment has not yet been entered. JCPS is reviewing the verdict and next steps and we will follow the appropriate legal process." Attempts to clarify how much taxpayers could be responsible went unanswered.

The case is part of a broader pattern: WDRB Investigates found JCPS has paid nearly $20 million in lawsuit settlements since 2024, with most tied to school bus incidents.

JCPS still has the option to appeal. 

The case raises questions about how much the district’s decisions could ultimately cost local taxpayers.

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