Penningtons Manches settles claim for injured bus passenger

Posted: 11/03/2016

Penningtons Manches’ personal injury team has secured damages for a bus passenger who was injured during a motor vehicle collision. 

The claimant was seated to the rear of a single decker bus when a motor vehicle abruptly pulled out of a side road, causing the bus to perform an emergency stop. The claimant was thrown from her seat onto the floor of the bus. After initial investigations were carried out, the motor vehicle insurers conceded liability.

As a result of the fall, the claimant sustained a significant left knee injury which required arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn ligament. Unfortunately, the trauma suffered to the knee also accelerated degenerative changes within the tissue and so whilst the claimant initially made a good recovery, ongoing discomfort will remain indefinitely. 

Medical experts were instructed to report on the claimant’s injuries and following a period of negotiation, settlement was agreed. 

Charlene McAuliffe, an associate in Penningtons Manches’ personal injury team who dealt with the case, said: “Initially our client had attempted to deal directly with third party insurers but decided to seek legal representation after being given unclear advice and information by them. Whilst there is no reason why a claimant cannot act as a litigant in person, it is important to have clear and concise information to ensure that any potential claim is handled correctly. We are pleased to have reached a successful outcome for the client and a settlement which we feel would not have been achieved had she acted as a litigant in person. We would strongly encourage individuals to seek independent legal advice if they have been injured and are approached by third party insurers.”

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