Bill paves way for $1 million to man injured in 2006 school bus crash

TAMPA, Fla. – One of the bills Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law this week will bring about a resolution almost 20 years in the making.

Marcus Button was 16 when the car he was riding in was struck by a Pasco County school bus in 2006.

Only a small portion of the $1.6 million judgement was paid to Button because of a state law capping the amount of money Pasco Schools was required to pay.

Button was left with lifelong injuries after the crash. He still has medical issues and physical limitations.

House Bill 6507, signed by the governor Tuesday will authorize the payment of $1 million to Button and $200,000 to his mother, Robin, for injuries, hardship, and lost wages resulting from the 2006 collision.

Although the Button family says a settlement was delayed, the Pasco County School Board approved the settlement last February, which paved the way for the claims bill’s success this year.

Pasco County and many other school districts across Florida do not carry insurance for bus fleets, which means in the event of an accident, in most cases a state law capping the amount of a lawsuit is set at $200,000.

The Button family says Marcus’ medical bills in the first week of the accident had already topped $1 million.

Robin Button said she plans to work with a financial adviser to save and invest the settlement amount so it can last Marcus’ lifetime to fund his ongoing care and treatment.