Settlements for Pedestrian Struck by CTA Bus

In the early morning hours of September 1, 2018, our client, a 48-year-old male, was coming home from a family gathering. It was a warm late summer night and our client decided to take the CTA bus home. Our client made it to the bus stop at Pulaski and Grand Ave and was waiting for the bus. Several other people were at the stop using the bench but had no intention to board the bus. The late-night bus stopped at the station and allowed a passenger to exit. Our client approached the entrance to the bus, which had its doors open. When he reached the curb, he looked back at the people still sitting at the bench. They apparently said something to him. While looking back, the bus driver decided to close the doors and leave the bus stop. The driver later claimed she did not see our client even though he was standing right next to the open front doors. As the bus began to leave the station, our client instinctively started to run after the moving bus. He stepped onto the street and was able to knock on the door.  When the bus continued to move away, he tried to run with the bus. Our client, unfortunately, lost his balance, fell to the ground, and the bus ran over his right leg.

After striking our client, the bus driver slowed the bus but then continued down the street and proceed with the bus route. The driver left our client lying in the street. The bus accident attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers were able to secure both the cameras from the CTA bus and the body cameras from the police that arrived at the scene. The bus cameras showed our client a few inches from the door before the doors closed and the ensuing attempt of our client to board the bus and run after the bus. The police body cameras also showed that the bus driver stating she never saw our client and never saw him try to board the bus. The bus driver’s story was not credible.

Our client suffered massive fractures to his leg. He had several surgeries. But, after various attempt to save his leg, the doctors were forced to amputate a portion of his right leg below the knee. Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, P.C immediately filed suit against the CTA for our client’s injuries. The CTA vigorously defended the lawsuit and cited our client’s actions of running after a moving bus. The CTA claimed but for our client running into the street, he would not have been injured. Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers was able to gather substantial evidence of CTA procedures and policies to support their client’s claim. With the onset of the COVID pandemic and an unknown future trial date, our client agreed to mediation before a retired Cook County Judge. After mediation, the parties reached a one million dollars settlement. The accident attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers were also able to substantially reduce the reimbursement claim of our client’s health insurance company and secure a substantial figure for our client.