Bus passenger sues CTA, bus driver for alleged stumble when bus pulled away suddenly

A man is suing the CTA and a bus driver for injuries he allegedly sustained after a bus started driving before passengers were seated.

Bobbie Garrett brought suit May 6 in Cook County Circuit Court against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Mark Davis, individually and as an employee of a municipal transit authority, claiming liability in a May 2014 injury.

According to the complaint, Garrett was a passenger on the CTA bus operated by Davis in Chicago on May 9, 2014. The plaintiff claims Davis started to operate the vehicle before he was seated, in an abrupt manner which caused Garrett to fall.

The suit states the defendant failed to give warning to the plaintiff and other passengers who were not yet seated before operating the bus; failed to operate the bus safely to avoid injury; and was otherwise careless and negligent.

Citing severe and permanent injuries, pain and anguish, loss of a normal life and medical expenses, Garrett seeks compensation of more than $50,000, plus attorney’s fees and costs. He is represented in the case by Richard Nilson, of Nilson, Stookal, Gleason & Caputo of Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No.: 15-L-4648.