Did you watch the recent dramatic episode of Eastenders where the driver of a bus full of passengers (in particular most of the cast) suffered a fatal heart attack and drove into a bridge? It was clear that most or all passengers were injured both physically and psychologically but, you may wonder, do they have a claim?
Any passenger in a car, bus, tram, motorcycle or any other form of transport is normally entitled to bring to a claim for compensation for the injuries they have sustained if it was someone else’s fault. In this case however, we don’t know if any fault could be attributed to the driver. If he or his employers had no prior warnings that he might have suffered a cardiac arrest, then it is likely that there is no fault on anyone’s part and the passengers may not have claims to bring. If it can be shown that he knew he was unwell before he started driving the bus (or shortly before the attack) and chose to continue to do so or had forgotten to take his medication for a known heart condition, then claims might be successful. These claims are difficult to win unless there is clear evidence that the driver or his or her employer knew that there was a risk of their suffering an attack and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent danger to the passengers.
Happily, it seems the residents of Albert Square have returned to normality since their dramatic experience. However, in reality, surely some of the passengers would have taken legal advice about the possibility of bringing a claim. Perhaps the producers think that a visit by a character to a solicitor would be too dull (or too cheerful) for the plot?
If you have had the unfortunate experience of suffering injury whilst being a passenger in a vehicle and want to speak with a solicitor who will provide you with the service you deserve, please do not hesitate to call us on 0114 218 4000 or email us at info@tayloremmet.co.uk.
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