Government Entity

When defendant’s bus driver stopped short of the established bus stop, plaintiff, who was confined to a wheelchair attempted to exit the bus via the handicap ramp. Due to a large number of people exiting the bus down the ramp, plaintiff could not see that the ramp ended immediately in front of a bus bench. Plaintiff attempted to swerve to miss the bench, but the wheelchair tipped over the edge of the ramp ejecting plaintiff off the wheelchair. Plaintiff struck her head and seriously injured her shoulder. Plaintiff sued the bus company for negligence and improper training of its employee driver. Defendant challenged the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries.

Defendant bus driver did not know how to properly secure plaintiff, a disabled patron in a wheelchair. After getting frustrated, defendant bus driver chose to continue driving without securing the chair. When the bus came to an abrupt stop, plaintiff was thrown injuring her shoulder and hip and severely limiting her mobility. Plaintiff claimed negligence and inadequate training of the driver.