Thompsons secured £44,717 in compensation for a classroom assistant who suffered a fractured wrist after falling on a bus while travelling during the course of her employment. The claim was pursued after the North Ayrshire council worker was referred to Thompsons by her union, Unite.
What happened
In November 2018, the claimant was travelling as a passenger on a bus as part of her duties as a classroom assistant. She was accompanying school children on a trip to a pantomime.
Several buses had been hired for the school trip. The claimant was seated on the front row of seats opposite the driver’s side.
As she stood up to allow a teacher to sit beside her, the bus suddenly shuddered forward. The unexpected movement caused her to lose her balance.
She fell down the steps at the front of the bus. Colleagues witnessed the incident and confirmed the sudden movement of the vehicle, although the reason for the shuddering was unclear.
Injuries and Impact
The claimant immediately realised that she had seriously injured her arm and suspected that it had been broken.
She was taken to hospital where X-rays confirmed a fracture to her right wrist. She also suffered bruising to her legs and the left side of her body, along with pain in her shoulder.
The following day she underwent surgery to set the fractured bones in her wrist.
After the procedure she had to wear a cast for several weeks and required physiotherapy once the cast was removed. She was signed off work for two months while she recovered.
Despite treatment, the injury left her with ongoing pain and she was unable to fully straighten her fingers.
Legal Approach
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland pursued a passenger accident claim on behalf of the claimant after being instructed through her union.
The claim was made against the defender responsible for the operation of the bus.
Liability for the accident was admitted by the defender.
Outcome
Because liability was admitted, the claim was settled before court proceedings were required.
Thompsons secured £44,717 in compensation for the claimant for the injuries she sustained in the bus accident.
The settlement was agreed on 6 August 2021.
What this case shows
This case highlights that passengers travelling for work purposes can still suffer serious injuries if vehicles are not operated safely.
People injured in similar incidents may be able to pursue compensation through motor accident claims. Thompsons can often assist clients through the claims process under a No Win No Fee agreement.
Anyone seeking advice after a passenger accident can contact Thompsons to discuss their circumstances.
