Six figure settlement secured for Swiss national after Oxford bus collision

We successfully helped our client claim compensation after she was struck by a bus while visiting Oxford.

What happened to Alina?

Alina, a 16-year-old Swiss national, visited Oxford in 2018. While crossing Oxford High Street, she dropped her jumper and turned back to pick it up. As she re-entered the carriageway, she was hit by a double-decker bus travelling at approximately 25 mph in a 20 mph zone. Her injuries were life-threatening, and she was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

The extent of her injuries

Alina was diagnosed with a severe traumatic brain injury, multiple brain haemorrhages, and a lung contusion. She spent 10 days in intensive care before being repatriated to Switzerland for rehabilitation. Her recovery involved five months as an in-patient at several rehabilitation centres, followed by outpatient therapy.

Although she regained mobility and speech, Alina continued to suffer from cognitive fatigue, memory and concentration difficulties, fine motor impairment in her right hand, and psychological instability, including PTSD. These challenges forced her to repeat a school year and she required significant academic accommodations, impacting her future employment prospects.

Investigating the accident

Our International Serious Injury team were contacted by Alina’s solicitor in Switzerland, who asked us to assist with bringing a claim against The Oxford Bus Company.

The bus company argued that Alina caused the accident by failing to look before entering the road. Liability was denied, prompting a detailed investigation.

Accident reconstruction experts concluded that the bus driver exceeded the speed limit and didn’t brake until a fraction of a second before impact. Driving within the speed limit and earlier braking could have reduced the impact speed, which would have significantly reduced the severity of Alina’s injuries, or avoided the collision altogether.

Medical evidence and long-term impact

Extensive multidisciplinary investigations assessed the medical and psychological consequences of Alina’s injuries, including her long-term prognosis and the impact on her education and employment. To support her claim, evidence from both UK and Swiss experts was obtained, including neurology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, ophthalmology and educational psychology.

The medical evidence concluded that Alina has permanent cognitive and neurological injuries, an increased risk of epilepsy and 3-7 years reduced life expectancy.

As a result of her injuries, she required additional support for her university studies and is unlikely to retain full time employment.

A six-figure settlement

In March 2025, the parties agreed on a substantial six-figure settlement. This will fund essential rehabilitation and help offset future loss of earnings, as Alina isn’t expected to be able to work full time.

Expert opinion

James Riley, a solicitor in our International Serious Injury team who worked on Alina’s case, said, “This case highlights the devastating impact serious injuries can have on a young person’s life. We are proud to have secured a settlement that ensures Alina can access the care and support she needs for her future.

While no amount of compensation can undo what happened, this outcome provides her with financial security and the resources to rebuild her life.”

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