Belleville family files lawsuit against Belleville District 118

Belleville District 118 is the defendant in a $50,000 lawsuit by a student’s family.

The lawsuit filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court alleges the district was negligent in putting up a tent at the 2014 school picnic, and a support pole hit student Ryan Tunstall on the head.

Ryan’s mother, Jacqueline Tunstall, filed the lawsuit on her son’s behalf. The lawsuit requests compensation for “past and future medical bills” and “past and future pain and suffering” as well as disability.

“We are aware that there are some proceedings that have been initiated,” said Ryan Boike, assistant superintendent for District 118. He could not comment further, citing student privacy.

Michael L. McGlynn, of Belleville, represents the Tunstalls. The lawsuit was filed May 12; the district has 30 days from that date to respond.

This story was originally published June 1, 2015 at 2:17 PM with the headline "Belleville family files lawsuit against Belleville District 118."