Alternative Transportation System sued over passenger's injuries

The estate of a St. Louis man has filed suit against the transportation company that she claims continued to operate a bus even after a man fell from a wheelchair and pleaded for assistance.

Cheri R. Mushill alleges Raymond Mushill had boarded a van operated by defendant Southwestern Illinois College doing business as Alternative Transportation System on March 10, 2011. Raymond Mushill was being transported from DaVita Metro East Dialysis in Belleville to Memorial Hospital in Belleville, according to the complaint filed March 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

The bus driver for Southwestern suddenly began driving the bus before Raymond Mushill, who rode in a wheelchair, had safely boarded and was securely fastened, the suit states. The driver operated the van quickly and drove recklessly, causing Raymond Mushill to slide out from under his seatbelt and onto the
floor, the complaint says.

“After Raymond Mushill was thrown to the floor of the van, defendant, by and through its agents and driver, refused to stop, help Mr. Mushill up and continued to drive despite Mr. Mushill’s pleas of help, thereby causing additional injuries,” the suit states.

Because of the incident, Mushill claims he suffered severe and permanent back, neck, shoulder and hip injuries; endured extreme pain; and was required to remain bed ridden in a dialysis treatment facility.

He also incurred medical costs, became disabled and lost his normal enjoyment of life, according to the complaint.

In his complaint, Mushill is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000.

He will be represented by John M. Smith of Callis, Papa, Hale and Szewczyk in Granite City.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-132.