When you use public transport, the last thing you expect is to not get to your destination safely. Drivers of public transport, such as buses, all have a responsibility to use the roads safely to ensure that everyone on the roads isn’t at risk of injury.
Below, we examine a case involving George, who was injured by an emergency brake on a bus.
George’s £50,000 Compensation After Being Injured By An Emergency Brake On The Bus
George was a passenger sitting on a bus when the bus driver made an emergency brake while going around 30mph. The harsh brake caused all passengers to be thrown forward off of their seats.
As George was thrown forward, he hit his head on the metal pole in front of him before falling to the ground. He was unconscious for a short period of time.
The police and ambulance were called shortly after and attended the scene. It was determined that George had suffered a minor head injury with loss of consciousness, a laceration on his forehead (which left a permanent scar) with facial bruising, and a fractured wrist.
In light of these injuries, a report was obtained by the emergency services and added to George’s medical record.
After seeking medical attention for his injuries, George decided to seek legal advice.
A few months later, the bus driver admitted liability, and the case concluded. With his solicitor’s help, George won £50,000 in compensation for being injured by the emergency brake on a bus.
How Bus Driver Negligence caused George’s Injuries
The bus driver in question had to emergency brake because they were distracted by using their mobile phone at the wheel and failed to notice the set of red traffic lights ahead of them. This negligent act resulted in George and other passengers being injured.
Not paying due care and attention to the road is a clear breach of duty of care. The fact that George suffered an injury as a consequence means that negligence occurred.
What Factors Were Considered When Calculating George’s Compensation Amount?
When George’s compensation amount was being calculated after he was injured by the emergency brake on a bus, his physical, psychological, and financial suffering were all taken into consideration.
These types of suffering were split into two heads of claim: general and special damages.
General damages
George’s physical and psychological suffering was compensated under the general damages head of claim.
Here are some of the types of physical and psychological factors that George suffered:
- Anxiety and loss of confidence due to the scar on his face – this stopped George from leaving the house as much.
- Moderate physical pain from the wrist fracture and head trauma, in which left him with concentration and memory issues.
- There was a decrease in the quality of life as George recovered because he was unable to go to the gym or do his usual hobbies (playing sports).
- A degree of persistent pain and stiffness remained in George’s wrist even after recovery, affecting his life for the long term.
Special Damages
Next, George’s financial suffering was compensated under the special damages head of claim.
Here are the financial losses that George suffered and was reimbursed for:
- Loss of earnings, as he took time off work while he recovered from his injuries.
- Lost pension contributions and bonus opportunities, for the time George was sick off work.
- Painkiller costs for his pain.
- Travel expenses as he attended medical appointments concerning his bus injuries.
- Costs to repair his glasses that broke during the incident.
George and his solicitor provided proof in the form of payslips, receipts, invoices, and bank statements to ensure that all of George’s financial losses were accounted for.
To learn more about how compensation is calculated after being injured by an emergency brake on a bus, please contact us today.
Get Help From Public Interest Lawyers
Have a chat with us today to find out for free whether you are entitled to our panel of No Win No Fee solicitors’ expert services. Our panel have helped hundreds of clients, just like George, get the compensation they deserve for their suffering. So, don’t hesitate to contact us today about how to claim after being injured by an emergency brake on a bus:
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