LEONARD, NORTH DAKOTA (trfnews.i234.me) — A North Dakota school district is fighting a lawsuit over a school bus crash that injured two children.
The Enderlin Area School District denies negligence in the September 2022 crash near Leonard.
The bus left the roadway and plunged into the Maple River with students aboard.
Parents Tyler and Ashley Hieb filed the lawsuit on behalf of their children, Landyn and LilyJo Hieb.
The family alleges the district failed to address concerns about the driver’s medical fitness.
The district denies wrongdoing and wants the case dismissed.
School Bus Crashed Into Maple River
The crash happened September 23, 2022, along 50th Street Southeast near Leonard in Cass County.
According to the lawsuit, the driver lost consciousness while traveling eastbound.
The bus left the road, crossed an embankment, and entered the Maple River.
Seven students and the driver were aboard, according to reports released after the crash.
Three students were transported to hospitals, including one by medical helicopter.
Authorities reported no life-threatening injuries at the time.
Parents Claim District Ignored Medical Risks
The Hieb family claims the school district knew, or should have known, about the driver’s medical limitations.
According to the complaint, those conditions could have affected his ability to transport children safely.
The lawsuit alleges the district negligently retained the driver despite those risks.
The parents also seek to hold the district responsible for the driver’s alleged negligence while working.
However, the district denies failing to exercise reasonable care.
It acknowledges the driver was acting within the scope of his employment.
The district also acknowledges, based on its understanding, that the driver lost consciousness before the crash.
Children Reportedly Suffered Serious Injuries
The lawsuit describes physical and emotional injuries involving both children.
According to the complaint, Landyn Hieb suffered a broken leg requiring surgery and implanted hardware.
The family alleges Landyn experienced pain and emotional distress, with some effects potentially lasting into the future.
LilyJo Hieb reportedly suffered cuts, scrapes, and bruising.
The complaint also alleges LilyJo developed severe post-traumatic stress disorder following the crash.
Her parents say she was receiving treatment when the lawsuit was filed.
The district says it lacks enough information to confirm or deny the claimed injuries.
District Blames Sudden Medical Emergency
The school district argues an unexpected medical emergency caused the accident.
Its court response describes the event as a sudden medical emergency outside the district’s control.
The district maintains that neither it nor the driver was legally negligent.
Its defense also raises possible legal immunity and other factors affecting responsibility.
These arguments remain disputed claims, not findings by a judge or jury.
Family Seeks More Than $50,000
The parents seek more than $50,000 in noneconomic damages, including compensation for pain and emotional suffering.
They also request compensation for medical expenses, future losses, legal costs, and other damages.
The family has requested a jury trial.
Meanwhile, the school district wants the lawsuit dismissed with prejudice.
It is also seeking legal costs and has requested a nine-person jury if the case proceeds.
No determination of liability is established by the allegations or the district’s response.
More Information
Read the November 2026 reporting on the lawsuit.
Additional background is available in the original September 2022 crash report.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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