Legal Question in Personal Injury in California
I am 89 years old and was assaulted by a fellow passenger inside a bus. I was injured and was hospitalized for lacerated arm and dislocated jaw. The assailant is homeless. Is the bus company liable for my injuries?
2 Answers from Attorneys
First, a bus is what we call a common carrier so the bus company owes a higher duty of care to it's passengers to make sure they are safe. Second, if you were in California at the time of this incident and because you are a senior citizen the Elder Abuse may also apply due to a neglect or possibly for physical abuse (but only if there was an opportunity to stop this fellow passenger from assaulting you. However, if you were on a public bus there is a only180 days to file a claim with the public entity before you can file a lawsuit. There is not enough facts present here. You should consult an attorney. I hope this helps. Bob.
I'm so sorry for what you have been through.
The fact that this happened on a bus is not enough, by itself, to make the company liable. But it might be liable depending upon the circumstances. I would need more information before I could say whether you have a plausible case. Please feel free to contact me directly if you want to discuss your options.