Matthew Leger

While METRO did accept responsibility for their negligence and role in the severe injuries sustained to Matthew Leger, they have not been entirely honest. Primarily, METRO claims that they contacted Memorial Hermann and settled on an amount for Matthew's hospital bills. While this is partially true, METRO misleadingly stated that they paid for Matthew's bills, when in fact, the settled amount was paid out of the $100,000 settlement that was owed to Matthew. The initial lien filed against him, while he was still hospitalized, was covered. However, Matthew had multiple follow up appointments which were not covered, as well as prescription medication that was not covered but thankfully, partially paid out of Matthew's initial gofundme donations. He is still requiring surgery on his neck in the future which will not be covered, and he also still owes Memorial Hermann over $30,000 in doctors fees which were not included in the original lien. METRO's claim that Matthew has been compensated since the interview is true, he was awarded $100,000 due to him - minus the hospital settlement and his lawyer's fees. He is looking at a long road to recovery and still is unable to work or receive medical insurance. He has filed for disability, was denied, and is currently in the appeals process. For METRO to claim that Matthew's hospital bills were paid in full by them is very misleading and adds further injury to Matthew's already damaged mental and physical state. He is currently suffering from PTSD and depression due to the trauma of being hit, dragged, and trapped underneath a 20 ton city bus. He is unable to afford therapy, as he is still, 10 months later, unable to work or to obtain medical insurance. He has had to delay further surgeries to repair the damage done to him by METRO because of his current state. Matthew is in medical debt, regardless of the amount he received from METRO due to the limitations of the Texas Tort Claims Act. The mission of the news story was to inform the public of the antiquated laws still in place that have not been reviewed or adjusted in the last 35 years and to bring awareness to Matthew's situation.