Carlos Diego-Matias has filed a lawsuit that raises serious concerns about the safety and responsibilities of public transportation systems contracted by school districts. On January 27, 2026, Carlos Diego-Matias submitted a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), Cincinnati City School District, and the Ohio Department of Medicaid. The case revolves around an incident involving his minor daughter, Maria Francisco, who was severely injured after being dropped off by a SORTA bus.
The complaint outlines that on October 21, 2024, Maria Francisco was transported home from school by a SORTA bus as per an agreement between SORTA and the Cincinnati City School District. This agreement was intended to provide cost-effective transportation for students but allegedly compromised their safety. According to the complaint, Maria was dropped off on Winton Road—a busy four-lane street—far from her home and without proper safety measures in place. The driver left before ensuring she had safely crossed to her residence side of the street, which led to Maria being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross.
The plaintiff argues that this incident was not only foreseeable but also preventable if proper protocols had been followed. The lawsuit claims that both SORTA and the school district failed in their duties to ensure student safety during transportation. Furthermore, it accuses them of conspiring to sidestep these responsibilities through contractual agreements that excused SORTA from legal obligations typically held by school districts.
The legal action seeks compensatory damages significantly exceeding $75,000 for medical expenses already amounting to approximately $600,000 due to Maria’s injuries, which include traumatic brain injury and impaired mobility. Additionally, Carlos Diego-Matias demands reimbursement for court costs and attorney fees while holding all defendants jointly accountable.
Represented by attorney Konrad Kircher of Kircher Law LLC, Carlos Diego-Matias is determined to secure justice for his daughter and highlight systemic issues within public transport agreements with educational institutions. The case is presided over by Judge Matthew W. McFarland under Case ID 1:26-cv-00073-MWM.
Source: 126cv00073_Diego_Matias_v_Southwest_Ohio_Regional_Transit_Authority_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
