Trial News

Anthony Vadakara, who was in his early 20s and had a disability, was traveling on a school bus operated by Efraim Melendez, an employee of Hartnett Transit Service. Melendez allegedly crashed into a line of cars that had stopped behind another school bus, causing Vadakara to be thrown forward and strike his head on the seat in front of him. He suffered mouth fractures and dental injuries that required orthodontic treatment. He now suffers from headaches and seizures and has been diagnosed as having post-concussion syndrome.

Vadakara, through his guardians, sued Melendez and Hartnett Transit Service, alleging that Melendez had failed to recognize that the vehicles stopped behind the other school bus had not yet started to proceed.

The parties settled for $350,000.

Citation: Vadakara v. Melendez, No. OCN-L-001291-19 (N.J. Super. Ct. Ocean Cnty. Oct. 25, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: Bernard A. Campbell Jr., Hamilton, N.J.