Workplace injuries caused by runaway bus in New York City

Suffering from on-the-job injuries can be overwhelming for any New York City employee. They not only face mounting medical expenses, but they may worry about lost income as they have no other choice but to miss work as they heal. Fortunately, employers provide workers’ compensation coverage to assist with related accident expenses. Many victims of workplace injuries find that the help of an attorney can be beneficial as they file a claim. One man suffered serious injuries due to a runaway bus in Queens.

The employee was working as a bus driver for the Metropolitan Transit Authority and had been a driver for many years. Needing a break, the driver made a stop when no passengers were on board. He parked and began to walk away from the bus, and the bus began to roll backwards. In an attempt to stop the bus, he tried to open the set of passenger doors, but he became trapped between the rolling bus and a pole.

A nearby co-worker saw the rolling bus, quickly jumped on it and pulled the emergency break, stopping the bus. Despite the co-worker’s quick actions, the driver was seriously injured. He remains in critical condition with a broken arm, leg, punctured lung and injuries to his face. It is unknown why the bus rolled backwards, but it is the second MTA bus to do so in recent months.

Workplace injuries not only result in extensive medical expenses but lost income resulting in financial stress. Although most workers injured on-the-job qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, they may find the system frustrating and difficult. New York City attorneys can advocate for victims through the process, help them understand their legal right and pursue recovery of the maximum amount of benefits attainable. 

Source: New York Daily News, “MTA driver critically injured while trying to stop rolling bus“, Esha Ray and Thomas Tracy, Aug. 29, 2017

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