An 88-year-old woman who fell backwards from a bus when the doors started to close on her unexpectedly has been awarded £42,000 compensation.

The accident happened after the bus pulled up to an official stop. The doors opened allowing passengers to board. However, before the woman could step on fully, the driver pushed the button to close the doors, causing her to fall back on to the pavement.

She fractured her right hip and suffered bruising to her right arm and body. She also suffered emotional stress and lost some of her confidence. She required assistance with household tasks such as shopping, cleaning and gardening.

The woman brought an action against the bus company alleging that its driver had been negligent in failing to wait until she had boarded before closing the doors and exposing her to foreseeable risk of injury.

The company agreed to pay £42,000 compensation in an out-of-court settlement.

Anyone who is injured as a result of someone else’s negligence is entitled to claim compensation.

Please contact us if you would like more information about making a personal injury claim.