Bus riders sue Greyhound after seat collapses

NEW ORLEANS - Georgia bus riders filed a lawsuit against Greyhound that accuses the company of negligence for failing to prevent a seat from collapsing and causing injuries.

Gloria and Jerome Justin filed suit against Greyhound Lines Inc. and Chartis Casualty Co. on March 15 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to the lawsuit, Gloria and Jerome Justin were traveling in a greyhound bus from Brunswick, Ga. to Jacksonville, Fla. in July 2011, when the bus seat in front of Jerome broke. He states that the seat and its occupant fell on his knees with great force.

Greyhound is accused of negligence for allowing an unsafe condition to exist on its bus, for failing to take proper steps to eliminate the unsafe condition, for failing to inspect the seat, failing to prevent a passenger from sitting in the broken seat, and for failing to take appropriate steps to prevent the accident.

The plaintiff is asking the court for more than $340,000 in damages for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress and embarrassment, medical expenses, loss of income and earning capacity, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of love, service, society and consortium, interst and court costs.

Justin is represented by Metairie attorney Clement P. Donelon. A jury trial is requested.

Case No. 2:12-cv-00715