London Man Injured In Bus Accident

A man who has suffered memory problems and become partially sighted after he fell from a London night bus has been awarded more than £1 million in damages.

Vincenzo Bollito, of Fontaine Road, Streatham, south west London, suffered severe head injuries in the accident near the West End's Haymarket Theatre in July 2005. Since the accident he has lost his memory and does not always recognise his family.

Mr Bollito, 36, received a settlement of a £1.3 million lump sum plus annual payments of £31,500 after last year's ruling that Arriva London was to blame for the incident.

In January 2008, Mr Justice Nelson said that Mr Bollito, who brought his case through his wife, Filomena Esposito, had made out his negligence case against the bus operator and rejected its claim that Mr Bollito himself was to blame.

He said the driver closed the doors even though he was aware that Mr Bollito was between them and the father-of-one lost his balance and fell as he struggled to free himself as the driver accelerated down the road.

Copyright © Press Association 2009

Sion Kingston, Partner at Irwin Mitchell, said:

"This is a tragic case which highlights the dangers of commuting in our cities today.

"Busy commuter buses and trains constantly present danger to the unwary and the risk of serious injury is always there. 

"This case emphasizes the importance of drivers accepting responsibility for the safety of passengers. It is good news for passengers because it is a move away from previous cases where the onus was placed upon passengers safeguarding their own safety."