High Court awards significant damages to young woman injured by faulty bus door

In a recent judgment of the High Court in Northern Ireland, Lynas v Ulsterbus Ltd, the court awarded substantial damages to a young woman who sustained life-altering injuries when the rear door of a moving bus unexpectedly opened and struck her as she walked along the Falls Road in Belfast. Liability was admitted by Ulsterbus Ltd, and the case proceeded solely on the assessment of compensation.

The incident occurred in August 2018 when the claimant, then 19 years old, was preparing to begin a law degree. The sudden impact from the bus door caused severe spinal, rib and hand injuries, resulting in emergency surgery and months of hospitalisation and rehabilitation.

Beyond the physical injuries, the court acknowledged the significant psychological effects of the accident. Expert evidence confirmed the claimant experienced serious mental health symptoms, variously described as post-traumatic stress disorder or a moderately severe adjustment disorder. She required extensive therapy and remained vulnerable to future stressors related to the incident.

Prior to the accident, the claimant intended to study law and pursue a legal career. Her injuries, combined with practical difficulties such as travelling by bus and managing continence issues, prevented her from taking up her university place. Although she later entered employment, the court found that her career path had been fundamentally altered.

While the court accepted that she would have completed a law degree, it considered it too speculative to conclude she would have qualified as a solicitor. Instead, damages were assessed based on earnings typical of a skilled graduate entering the workforce from 2021.

The judgment also recognised the extensive care provided by the claimant’s mother during both hospitalisation and recovery. The court accepted that the claimant required ongoing assistance beyond typical family support, and set out a structured approach to calculating past and future care needs.

Future care was allowed at seven hours per week until age 45, increasing to 14 hours per week thereafter, reflecting anticipated deterioration associated with ageing and the long-term consequences of the spinal injury. Notably additional care was awarded for the first five years following the birth of her child (expected July 2025), recognising the increased strain her permanent injuries would place on parenting.

The court also allowed a modest allowance for the additional cost of driving an automatic car.

While principles were clearly established, the exact calculation of past and future loss of earnings and pension contributions was left to be finalised by forensic accountants, using the court’s directions.

Cases involving catastrophic or complex injuries require careful handling, detailed expert evidence, and a clear understanding of how long-term consequences influence a client’s life, career, and independence.

Our specialist personal injury team has extensive experience acting in high-value claims involving spinal injuries, psychological trauma, and long-term care needs. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the fault of another, we can provide clear advice on your legal rights and help you secure the compensation necessary for your future security.

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