Facts

On June 29, 2012, plaintiffs Kim and Martin Uren were vacationing in the Bay Area from Australia. Plaintiffs were aboard a Gray Line Bus owned by defendant CUSA FL, LLC and operated by its employee Walter Zwickler, returning from a tour of Yosemite. Approximately 30 passengers were aboard the bus as it headed westbound on the Bay Bridge.

Plaintiffs filed suit against CUSA FL and Zwickler, claiming they were injured during the bus trip.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs were seated in the back row, which did not have any seat belts or other passenger restraint systems available. While on the Bay Bridge, plaintiffs alleged that Zwickler was being inattentive and that suddenly and without any warning, he slammed on the brakes and stopped on the roadway, causing Kim Uren to be catapulted from the back row down the center aisle of the bus.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants disputed the cause of Kim Uren's injuries as well as the nature and extent of her injuries.

Damages

Martin Uren, who witnessed his wife's injuries, claimed loss of consortium damages.

Injuries

: Kim Uren was diagnosed with a right displaced proximal third humerus fracture and left distal radius fracture. She would later be diagnosed with a lower back (L2) anterior crush fracture. Plaintiff also claimed scarring, resulting from the surgery to her right arm. Plaintiff also claimed that her injuries had an impact on her ability to work in a family operated carpet-cleaning business.

Result

The parties settled for $700,000.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Sept. 30, 2013.