A routine school van ride in Pittsburgh turned into a long legal fight for one local family, who say their 10-year-old daughter suffered two concussions in separate crashes involving the same transportation company. They are now suing First Student in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, seeking damages for medical care and other losses, and putting the spotlight on how school districts vet and oversee their contracted drivers.
In the lawsuit, the family accuses First Student of negligent hiring, negligent entrustment, and negligent supervision, pointing to two collisions that allegedly left the child with head injuries. Attorney Katie Killion, who represents the family, did not mince words, telling WTAE that "the public needs to know that First Student continues to hire negligent drivers." The complaint specifically identifies a May 30, 2025, crash as one of the incidents at the center of the case.
According to the City of Pittsburgh's public-safety blotter, police say the school van first hit another vehicle on the north side of the 16th Street Bridge. The van was later stopped near Becks Run Road and Wagner Street after parents tracked their children's phones and called 911. Authorities identified the driver as Jeffrey Irwin, who admitted to drinking at the scene and faced charges that included driving under the influence and endangering the welfare of children. WPXI reported that Irwin was arraigned in June and was unable to post bail.
The complaint also notes that Irwin died before his preliminary hearing. According to WTAE, the plaintiffs argue that his death does not erase the company's alleged responsibility. First Student told WTAE it would not comment on pending litigation.
What the lawsuit says
The court filing argues that First Student failed to properly screen and monitor its drivers, and alleges that a routine background check would have revealed a prior DUI history for Irwin. It also cites an earlier 2024 crash that the complaint says injured the same child, claiming the company had notice of safety issues before the May 2025 incident. The family is seeking compensation for medical bills, ongoing care, and other losses they say stem from the two concussions.
Why parents are alarmed
Parents and advocates say the case highlights the risks that can come when school districts lean heavily on private transportation contractors without robust oversight. The family is represented by the firm Kontos, Mengine, Killion & Hassen, whose site notes experience in high-stakes personal injury cases, and the legal team says it plans to push the case forward in Allegheny County. Depending on how the lawsuit unfolds, school officials and carriers could face mounting pressure to tighten their screening and supervision of drivers.
Legal claims and possible outcomes
If a court finds First Student negligent under Pennsylvania law, the family could recover damages for past and future medical treatment, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs related to the concussions. The case is expected to move through discovery and pretrial motions in county court, a process that could stretch on for months and potentially lead to settlement talks before any trial. For now, the lawsuit is keeping a bright light on how contractor hiring and oversight are handled across local school districts.
