Paralyzed Nevada man awarded $25,000,000 in bus accident

Case Name:

O''Brien v. ATC/CanCom, Inc.

Case Number: A349148

Date: 03/31/99

State: Nevada

Details:

Plaintiff claimed that his pre-existing paralysis was worsened as a direct result of his falling from defendant's bus wheelchair lift that was not properly operated. Defendant admitted liability for the fall but contested causation and damages. On August 30, 1993, O'Brien was trying to position himself on the bus wheelchair lift when the driver turned it on. Plaintiff and his wheelchair turned over. O'Brien claimed that he sustained a neck injury which resulted in C5 and C6 neck surgery and loss of sexual function, bladder and bowel control and sensation in his legs. Plaintiff claimed that the bus driver said: "You can't be hurt. You're a paraplegic."

Verdict Outcome:

Plaintiff's verdict for $25 million.