Bus firm ordered to compensate paralyzed passenger

On May 19th, 2006, then 62-year-old Chen Lin-man fell between the staircase and the door as she was trying to exit the bus at a stop. Chen suffered multiple injuries, including broken ribs and spinal lesions that later caused her paralysis, relegating her to a life in a wheelchair.

According to local media, the bus driver was not held liable at that time because he was attempting a sudden stop to avoid a collision with a motorcyclist who had swerved into the wrong lane when the accident occurred.

The victim’s husband later filed a lawsuit with the local district court against the driver and the bus company for NT$1.95 million (US$60,000) to cover medical and caretaker expenses as well as compensation for the psychological trauma his wife had suffered.

The Panchiao District Court cleared the bus driver of any wrong doing but found the Taipei Bus Company negligent for not requiring that passengers stay seated while the bus was in motion.

“Bus companies that seek to reduce delays at stops by allowing passengers to leave their seats and stand next to the exit door before the vehicle has come to a complete stop are liable for injuries caused by sudden stops,” the district court judge ruled.

According to the victim and her family, the NT$710,000 is insufficient to cover the medical and caretaker expenses.

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