Slip and Fall Liability on a Bus in California

Slip and Fall Accidents on a Bus: What Parties Can Be Found Guilty

Passengers slipping and/or falling on a bus is quite common. Many factors can contribute to the cause of this type of accident. In the section below, we will go further into detail about what potential parties are capable of causing a passenger to get hurt while in a bus. 

If you were a victim of a slip and fall accident while riding in a bus, you may be qualified to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party at-fault for your injuries. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our expert bus accident attorneys are readily available to assist victims of personal injury. We will review your case to determine what necessary steps to take in order to get you compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

Potential Guilty Parties in a Slip and Fall Accident on a Bus

You must first determine who is at-fault for your slip and fall. It could be:

• You. If you were intoxicated or under the influence, that can easily contribute to a slip and fall. Another scenario could be your shoe laces being untied and you tripping over them. 
• Bus driver. A bus driver must make sure that the bus is always inspected before transporting passengers to a destination. Warning signs must be placed in areas in or around the bus to notify passengers of potential hazards. Furthermore, regular inspection checks and maintenance must be done. Failing to complete all of these obligations will result in bus operation issues.
• Another passenger. Passengers need to be aware of their surroundings. If they choose to stretch their arms or legs, they must do so cautiously. If a passenger fails to check for any other passengers passing by, they could get hit by accident. Furthermore, a passenger’s personal belongings must not be in the middle of the walkthrough area since it could trigger a slip and fall accident.

Slip and Fall Injuries 

Slip and fall injuries vary. They could be minor, moderate, or severe depending on the level of impact. Common injuries of a slip and fall include:

• Cuts,
• Bruises,
• Broken bones,
• Muscle strains,
• Spinal cord injury,
• Nerve injury, 
• Head or neck injury, or 
• Knee damage. 

If your injuries were minor, it is still recommended for you to get medical advice from doctors on how to treat your wound. In some circumstances, the injury may become progressively worse as the days go by. However, there are some at-home treatments that will help you with your recovery. 

If you suffered cuts after your fall, it is recommended that you stop the bleeding and clean your wound. Apply antibiotic cream and cover the injury with a bandage. Keep an eye out for potential infections that may occur. If you get bruised, you must ice it. Wrap the ice around a paper towel or washcloth and apply it directly to your skin for 10 minutes. If you suffered moderate or severe injuries, you must seek medical attention from a doctor. They will help you with your recovery process. 

Available Damages

If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Damages are a type of monetary award that is determined by a court of law to help compensate an aggrieved individual for any losses or injuries sustained as a result of someone’s negligence. 

Economic damages are intended to compensate a plaintiff for losses that a dollar amount can readily be attached to. It is calculated by determining the amount of out-of-pocket losses an aggrieved individual has or will expect to incur as a result of their injuries. A few examples of economic losses include:

• Loss of Earning Capacity
• Medical Bills
• Lost Wages

Non-economic damages are essentially intended to cover losses that are thought of as subjective and will not necessarily cover out-of-pocket losses. This may include compensation for:

• Emotional Distress
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life

The third type of damages a California court may award are known as punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended as punishment and are only awarded when a defendant’s behavior is especially harmful. It is relatively rare and, in fact, was only incorporated in 5 percent of all verdicts.

Furthermore, there is no real set standard for calculating and awarding punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded at the court’s discretion and will vary depending on the specific circumstances of a case.

Limitations for Damages in California 

For the most part, there is no real cap on compensatory damages following a personal injury claim. This means that courts are able to award any amount they feel is appropriate and reasonable.

However, the only exception is regarding medical malpractice cases. In these cases, the limit for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses is $250,000.

Make sure that you have convincing evidence at hand when suing the individual at-fault for your injury. Take pictures of the bus, your injury, and where you exactly fell. Get information from bystanders only if they agree to help you with your lawsuit. Having proper documentation of the incident along with your medical records will play a big factor in determining whether or not you will receive any of these damages.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help  

If you or a loved one were a victim of a bus accident, our expert team of bus accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you recover compensation for damages you have suffered. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. 

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate legal team.