MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The family of Ronald D. Rawlins, a deceased resident of Marion, has initiated legal proceedings against the City of Marion and bus driver Sheila Evans, alleging negligence in a lawsuit filed in Marion County Common Pleas Court.
Kellie Rush, the administrator of Rawlins’ estate, claims that Rawlins, who was disabled and reliant on a wheelchair, suffered significant injuries due to Evans’ failure to secure him properly on a Marion Area Transit (MAT) bus on October 12, 2023.
It is alleged that during the ride, Evans made an abrupt stop, causing Rawlins to be violently thrown from his wheelchair, resulting in severe injuries.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $25,000, addressing the catastrophic injuries Rawlins endured, including a displaced femur fracture and mounting medical expenses exceeding $174,000.
The complaint contends that these events violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and holds the City of Marion accountable for the negligence exhibited by its employee.
Mr. Rawlins died in November of 2024.
The Rawlins family is represented by Marion attorneys J.C. and Rocky Ratliff. Marion County Now will continue to provide updates on this evolving story.