Many of us rely on buses to get around, so the last thing you expect as a passenger is to be injured on your journey through no fault of your own. However, in this example case study, we look at a successful claim made by Julie, who suffered a severe arm injury and psychological damage after being crushed by a bus door.
Julie made a claim with a No Win No Fee solicitor, who helped prove that the bus operator had failed to act on multiple reports that the vehicle’s doors were faulty. She subsequently received £70,000 for her injuries and their financial repercussions.
You can contact a Legal Expert advisor to discuss this case study further or ask them about making your own bus accident claim. Our advice is offered with no strings attached, but you can be connected to a No Win No Fee solicitor if you wish to proceed.
4.8 (466 reviews) Julie’s £70,000 Payout After Being Crushed By A Bus Door
While using public transport to head to work one day, Julie suffered severe injuries to her arm after being crushed by a bus door. This accident occurred when the door mechanism failed as she was leaving to get off at her stop. She was soon rushed to hospital, where it was determined that she had sustained multiple complex fractures.
In the months that followed, Julie underwent surgery and needed intensive physiotherapy to restore arm function. Julie was left unable to work and lost a substantial amount of income. This was compounded by the need to pay for physiotherapy sessions and private therapy for the psychological harm she suffered.
We understand how distressing bus accidents can be, so please reach out for compassionate, straightforward support.
How Did Negligence Cause Julie To Be Crushed By The Bus Doors?
Negligence caused Julie to be crushed by the bus doors because the company responsible for operating the vehicle had failed to address a mechanical fault that it had been aware of for some time. Several drivers had reported the issue, but the company decided against scheduling repairs or pulling the bus from service.
The company’s responsibility to Julie came under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 (OLA). This law requires occupiers (essentially, those in charge of public spaces, including buses) to take practical steps to ensure the reasonable safety of visitors. Therefore, the bus operator was liable for Julie’s injuries due to their failure to take timely remedial action.
Julie connected with a specialist public liability solicitor to pursue compensation for her injuries and financial losses. Her solicitor helped gather supportive evidence, including witness statements from those who saw the accident. The bus company subsequently admitted fault, leading to Julie being awarded a £70,000 payout.
Continue reading this guide to learn more about Julie’s case and how compensation for bus accident claims is determined. You are also welcome to contact our expert advisors to discuss your own potential bus or coach accident claim.
How Was Julie’s Bus Door Crush Compensation Valued?
Julie’s bus door crush compensation was valued based on the severity of her arm injury, the psychological harm she suffered, and the resulting financial losses she incurred. Her payout was split into 2 heads of claim:
- General damages covered Julie’s physical pain and psychological suffering.
- Special damages for the financial impact of her injuries. In Julie’s case, this was for lost earnings, as well as the cost of physiotherapy and therapy. Julie needed payslips, invoices, and bank statements, as evidence is required to claim for special damages.
To calculate general damages, Julie’s solicitor used the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This document was useful for this, as it provides compensation guideline brackets for various types and severities of injuries.
Read the table below for a breakdown of Julie’s damages.
| Damages | Reason For Compensation | Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| General damages | Arm injury resulting in permanent and substantial disablement | £50,000 |
| Less severe (d) psychiatric damage | £5,000 | |
| Special damages | Loss of income | £10,000 |
| Physiotherapy costs | £3,000 | |
| Private therapy expenses | £2,000 |
You may also be interested in the free case assessments that our advisors offer. This means that, by explaining your circumstances to them directly, they can explain how much compensation you could be entitled to.
4.8 (466 reviews) How Legal Expert Can Help You Claim Compensation
If you’ve been injured after being crushed by a bus door, Legal Expert can help you claim compensation by providing a tailored service on a No Win No Fee basis. Our solicitors specifically work under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which means they don’t charge a service fee for their work upfront or while the case is proceeding. You also wouldn’t pay these fees if you do not receive personal injury compensation.
However, should you win, you will need to pay a legally capped percentage of your compensation to your solicitor as their success fee. A CFA isn’t the only benefit of claiming with Legal Expert. Here are some of the many advantages that come with working with one of our solicitors:
- A personalised care plan that can put you in touch with rehabilitation specialists
- Active support with gathering and assembling evidence
- Meticulous representation in all communications and throughout negotiations with the other party
- Expert and compassionate guidance, ensuring you are always heard and your questions answered
Contact Our No Win No Fee Solicitors
Get in touch today to find out whether you can start a public accident compensation claim with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors:
More Information
Visit our other personal injury guides for more information on claiming:
- Learn about a £22,000 compensation claim for an electric shock at work
- Read about a £5,000 compensation payout for a whiplash back injury
- Examine the circumstances of a £9,600 broken foot injury claim
Further reading:
- See how to request CCTV footage from GOV.UK.
- Get government guidance on Statutory Sick Pay.
- Overview from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for assessing and managing major trauma.
Thank you for reading this illustrative case study of a compensation claim made after being crushed by a bus door.
