HOUSTON – A disabled man alleges he was injured while a passenger on a Metro bus because of a malfunctioning lifter.
Earnest Hereford filed a complaint on Dec. 15 in the Harris County District Court against Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Aug. 2, 2016, he was a disabled, wheelchair-bound passenger at defendant's bus route No. 9 when the lifter lifting him malfunctioned and again upon exiting the bus. As a result of the bus driver's negligence, he alleges he was struck by the lift, which aggravated his prior injury. He claims he is now totally and permanently disabled.
The plaintiff holds Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County responsible because the defendant allegedly negligently hired, trained and supervised the driver and failed to keep the bus lifter in good repair and maintain it in good working condition.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks monetary relief of more than $200,000 but not more than $1 million, together with interest, costs of court and such other just and proper relief. He is represented by Newton B. Schwartz Sr., Vincent K. Lo and Mabel Lee-Lo of Law Offices of Newton B. Schwartz Sr. in Houston.
Harris County District Court Case number 2016-85933