The parents of a New Jersey teen severely injured last month by a fleeing driver filed a lawsuit Monday against the Newark Board of Education.
According to the Lynch Law Firm, Chiara Jones, who attends Newark Arts High School in Newark, was severely injured on February 4 after a driver plowed into her while she was returning to the school, following a cheerleading competition.
Over a month later, Chiara remains in critical condition at University Medical Center with a serious head injury, numerous fractures, and lost teeth.
The law firm, hired on behalf of Jones and her parents, Tomeika and Stanley Jones, said the victim exited a school bus and was walking along the 500 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at around 10:15 p.m. when a driver, Mia’Jah Burton, plowed into her.
The school bus driver had allegedly failed to “turn on the red flashing lights and extend the stop arm,” resulting in Burton hitting the victim.
Burton fled the scene, but law enforcement apprehended her on March 1. She’s facing charges that include leaving the scene of a crash, assault by auto, hindering, filing a false police report, and related offenses.
“This is an absolutely senseless tragedy of a young woman with such a bright and successful future ahead,” James Lynch, of Lynch Law Firm, told CrimeOnline in an emailed statement.
“It’s unfathomable that one minute, Chiara was beaming with pride alongside her teammates after winning a big cheerleading competition, to moments later entering the battle for her life.”
The family is seeking $150 million in damages for medical bills, life care costs, and the family’s emotional suffering.
Meanwhile, Burton remains behind bars at the Essex County Correctional Facility.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo via Lynch Law Firm]
