CITY HALL — City attorneys reached a $24,000 settlement with an elderly man that was injured when a Big Blue Bus driver allegedly pulled away from a stop abruptly, causing him to fall.
According to a complaint filed on March 10, 2010 in Los Angeles Superior Court, Steven Overoye boarded the BBB line 2 at approximately 7 p.m. on New Years Eve, 2009.
Overoye’s attorney, Eric Brown, contended that the bus driver started and stopped the vehicle before Overoye could reach a seat.
The abrupt stop caused the man to fall, allegedly causing injuries so severe that he has required ongoing medical treatment.
Overoye alleged that the fall caused injuries to his neck and lower back, specifically the cervical and lumbar areas. He also alleged that the fall caused severe psychological consequences, including confusion, depression and loss of enthusiasm for life.
Overoye sued City Hall for approximately $125,000, alleging negligence and poor hiring and training of staff, said Assistant City Attorney Debbi Kanoff.
The settlement, announced at the March 8 City Council meeting, was for $24,000 in damages, with no admission of fault on the part of City Hall.
“Our bus drivers are excellent,” Kanoff said. “They do a very good job, and are very well trained, but they’re human.”
Neither Overoye nor his attorney could be reached for comment.
ashley@www.smdp.com
