Slip and Fall Liability on a Bus in California

Compensation for Slip and Fall 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

Accidents happen. If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Below is a brief explanation of damages. 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
Economic damages are intended to compensate a plaintiff for losses that a dollar amount can readily be attached to. Economic damages are 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
Non-economic damages are essentially intended to cover losses that are thought of as subjective and will not necessarily cover out-of-pocket losses. Non-economic damages may include compensation for:

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

Punitive Damages
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. Punitive damages are relatively rare and in fact were 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  

Victims of bus accidents are subject to costly repairs, bodily damage, and mental anguish. We at West Coast Trial Lawyers understand how stressful these situations can be and we handle each case with the individual attention and compassion you deserve. Our bus accident lawyers will help you recover financial and emotional damages that you have suffered because of the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, property damage, and pain and suffering.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with the attorneys at our firm. Reach out to our knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate personal injury lawyers 24/7 by calling (213) 927-3700 or emailing [email protected].